We started New Year by gathering at 9:00am for a walk around Normandy Lagoon under bright sunny skies with a gentle breeze and almost flat calm sea conditions. Coal Tit, Dunnock and Magpie were seen on arrival.
Passing the Eight Acre Pond, several Little Grebe swam and dived along with Coot, a pair of Mallard and a few Cormorants on the island, stretched their wings in the rising sun. A Little Egret perched at the top of a pine tree beside the pond and closer by, a Grey Heron flew up from the ditch as we approached the sea wall.
Looking out to sea wasn’t made easier by the full glare of the sun, and at almost high water, there was not much to be seen.
Snipe © Chris Robinson
In complete contrast, Normandy Lagoon was filled with different species, and we had perfect light for enjoying the view. Large flocks of Lapwing occupied the exposed islands, and at times took to the wing, offering splendid views of them wheeling in flight along with large numbers of Dunlin. Meadow Pipit explored the margins, and a single male Goldeneye was seen preening and showing off its head display, seemingly to the large numbers of Tufted Duck present, since we did not spot a female. Several Avocet were seen feeding, along with Greylag and Brent Geese. One island was occupied almost entirely by Ringed Plover whilst another was taken over by a Great Black-backed Gull. Turnstone, Shelduck, Pintail, Teal, Wigeon, Greenshank, Redshank and a Red-breasted Merganser were quickly added to our growing tally, even before we had reached the west point of the lagoon.
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| Drake Goldeneye with Tufted Duck and a drake Pintail © Chris Robinson |
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| Kingfisher - female © Richard Coomber |
The venerable Little Egret “JN” posed obligingly by the fence next to the sea wall - an excerpt from our field meeting report in August 2021. Ringed as a chick by Graham Giddens in the summer of 2006, "JN" is recognised by the BTO as holding the longevity record of this species.
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| Little Egret "JN" © Kevin Tubb |
Moving to the western end of the lagoon, we added Spotted Redshank and a couple of Snipe on one of the island edges. Looking across the river we saw large numbers of Grey Plover and a few Curlew out on the exposed marsh. A male Eider dived in the mouth of the river and a Great Crested Grebe was seen along with a distant Peregrine Falcon perched on the sea edge. We had further views of seven more Snipe and a pair of Rock Pipit were seen feeding in the margins of the lagoon.
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| Brent Geese © Kevin Tubb |
Approaching the marina, a Common Gull was spotted on the pilings; its size, pale legs and the dark band on the bill showing clearly for comparison against a Black-headed Gull nearby. Chiffchaff, Pied Wagtail, Stonechat and Robin were all seen in nearby gorse.
Common Gull © Chris Robinson
Turning
back to Normandy Lane, we found many more Curlew in the fields, along with
Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Redshank and Canada Geese. A pair of confident Redwing
foraged amongst the leaves allowing close views. We counted 15 Roe Deer in the
grassy fields, Common Buzzard flew distantly, and good views of Goldcrest were
found in the trees, initially by those with better hearing. Close by the cars,
a pair of Green Woodpecker flew away and we also spotted Coal Tit, Blue Tit,
Great Tit and Chaffinch. A few of us walked back to Oxey Lagoon as the tide
dropped and enjoyed further views of Goldcrest and added a Tree Creeper to our
list. A good start to the year and excellent viewing conditions of 53 species
seen today. RS
Redwing © Chris Robinson