A Day at Walton-on-the-Naze

25th October 2022

Walton-on-the-Naze has been pulling in the migrants recently with Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas' Warbler and Firecrests so let's hope that some have stayed for a little longer. On the way to the farm pond a handful of Meadow Pipits were feeding on the closely mown sward and although scurrying around, did stop occasionally for a few shots.

There was also a flock of Long-tailed Tits passing through which were set of by a back-cloth of Hawthorn berries.

After a half an hour vigil at the farm pond the only birds seen were a Chiffchaff and a glimpse of a Goldcrest, but this female Kestrel was enjoying the sun on the brickwork of one of the farm buildings.

At the Sycamores a small group of local birders were watching the re-located Pallas' Warbler. We saw it a couple of times but it was buried in dark trees and was mostly obscured so no photos. We we also told that the John Weston reserve was very quiet so went straight to the beach.

And what a sight it was with huge clumps of Sea Rocket still in full bloom.

First was a bird that we don't see here too often, a Grey Plover. I have seen the occasional bird but they are usually unsure about your presence and this one was no exception.

However, you can usually rely on the Turnstones here, not only to be present but also confiding.

Today the commonest wader by far was the Ringed Plover with 50+ present allowing some shots on the beach and dunes.............

........................but also very mobile providing some flight shots.

But the stars of the show as always were the Sanderlings which, although not being quite as approachable as normal, did provide some shots including a couple of fly-pasts.

Well, unfortunately most of the migrants had moved on, but once again the beach saved the day.