Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Monday, 26 September 2011

Cley, Walsey Hills & Salthouse 20th September 2011

Black Headed Gull



I decided to take my usual walk at Cley, starting at the visitor centre and then along East Bank to the North Scrape, returning to take in the main hides, before driving down to coastguards. It was nice to have the company of Di Stone for the morning. Unfortunately, there was very little to excite me on the pools and marshes (setting the tone for the week really!).

From East Bank, Curlew, Whimbrel, Lapwing and Black Tailed Godwits prevailed in the dry fields. Bearded Tits "pinged" in the reeds and were seen in flight but the strong winds made them determined not to pose for a camera shot. Arnolds Marsh was difficult to observe being in direct sun, so a walk to the far side allowed observation of Bar Tailed Godwits, Black Tailed Godwits, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Avocet, Sandwich and Common Terns,  with Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Green Sandpiper and Redshank. Two female Pintail also located. An obliging Little Egret was on station in the pool at the end of East Bank. The North Scrape held very little apart from Wigeon, Shelduck, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper. Offshore, hundreds of Gannets passed by, with a solitary Guillemot and Arctic Skua. The main hides produced much of the commoner waders and wildfowl with three feral Barnacle Geese in the massed groups of Canada and Grey Lags.

One highlight of the day from Daukes Hide was a Peregrine scattering most birds on the pools before catching a Dunlin in flight, before settling in full scope view on a grass area to devour it over at least an hour.

Another highlight was from the visitor centre cafe where a Turtle Dove flew past, before landing on a track opposite, before disappearing over the centre.

Walsey Hills produced a Chiffchaff!

Salthouse Beach produced Arctic Skua harrassing Sandwich Terns and a Common Gull.

Little Egret

Sandwich Tern

Artic Skua harrassing Sandwich tern

Arctic Skua

Common Gull

Common Gull

Common Gull

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