An Autumn Visit to Landguard Point

8th October 2019

The previous day had seen a reasonable fall of migrants including Blackcaps, Lesser Whitethroats, Goldcrests, Firecrest and Ring Ouzels so we were hopeful that some would stick around. A quick tour of the site soon suggested that many had moved on with mostly the usual suspects remaining, particularly good numbers of Linnets and Meadow Pipits all of which were flighty and keeping their distance. Only the Pied Wagtails put on a reasonable show.

There were a few Goldcrests about but nothing like yesterdays numbers, and this was the only one to come out in the open. Most of the others were calling and feeding deep in the bushes.

The only bird of prey on site was this female Kestrel that at times was having trouble holding on in the blustery wind.

Despite the clear-out of most of the other birds there were still a number of Ring Ouzels on site and I had at least 10 sightings, although their behaviour was different today. In previous years they would be visible first thing in the morning before people started arriving, but would then skulk under the bushes and brambles until the birders and dog-walkers had gone home. Today they would explode out of some brambles and fly off high, generally landing further down the reserve. This is not so much a record shot, but more like "See, I told you it was a Ring Ouzel"shot!!

However, at this time of year you can normally rely on the Wheatears, although probably fewer this year than in previous years. However, they can always be relied on to be reasonably cooperative subjects and eminently photogenic.

But the biggest surprise of the day was when we went to the cafe before hitting the road to go home. For there, wafting above the car park was a stunning adult Mediterranean Gull which then flew down to the beach. We grabbed the cameras and set off in hot pursuit to find not one but five birds settled on the shingle. I have often seen fly-by Meds on The Point, but this is the first time I have seen them settled on the beach.

There were also a couple of 1st Winter/1CY birds which in some ways are even more attractive than the adults.

Just look at that wing pattern with the clear silver-grey mantle which is so distinctive when they are flying past.

Sadly there were no 2CY birds present for a comparison, but here is the adult and a 1CY together.

Well, perhaps not quite as planned but a super day nevertheless, and a wonderful site to explore at all times.