Seymour Birdies Diary: A Stroll Down Snettisham Beach

15th August 2017

I hadn't been to Snettisham for a couple of years so though I would pop in while I was in the area. High tide was at 1.30pm but sadly not a particularly high tide so the mud on The Wash would not be entirely covered and many waders would stay out there. It was also not helped by the fact that there was a work party on the southern-most lagoon clearing vegetation from the island.

However, I did stick my head into one of the hides but the island right outside was totally devoid of birds, whilst all the birds were rammed on to another island 100 yards further up the pit. However, to save the moment a Common Sandpiper flew in and proceeded to walk round the margin allowing a few shots to be taken.

I therefore decided to switch my time to the beach which in the past has been amazing. You never see much at first glance, but pick up the bins and you will be amazed what is hiding down there, especially the Ringed Plovers which hunker down in the pebbles. However, the first noticeable event today was a fly-past of Canada Geese which looked resplendent in the afternoon sun.

Amongst the Samphire, or more correctly Glasswort, an Oystercatcher and one of the off-spring were keeping a watchful eye as I edged closer.

Then four of them got quite agitated and started running round in circles, squawking their heads off. What was that all about?

Also well hidden amongst the shingle were some Dunlins which strutted their stuff along the water's edge. These all appeared to be young birds as none were sporting even the feintest remains of a black belly.

Even the Turnstones were well-hidden initially, but started to emerge as I approached. The first photo seems to be an adult which has started to moult into winter plumage but the remainder, judging by leg colour, appear to be juvunile birds.

Now on to the Ringed Plovers which at first glance appeared to be just 4-5 birds, but on close inspection turned out to be 20+ birds. The first four shots are adults.

The remainder are all juvenile birds as can be seen by the lack of orange on the bill and legs.

Also worth remembering that Ringed Plovers have a wing bar, whereas Little Ringed Plovers don't.

But the stars of the show today were the Sanderlings that were were running along the water's edge in traditional fashion. I have photographed hundreds of Sanderling in the winter months in their silver-grey livery, but at this time of the year Sanderlings can be a bit confusing as the adults are in their transitional plumge moulting from summer to winter.................