High Tide at Gunners Park

23rd February 2024

I first discovered Gunners Park when I went there in October 2013 for the Parrot Crossbills (which I missed by 20 minutes), and the Serins in March 2015. What cracking little birds.

Since then it has been a bit quiet but still worth a visit for the high tide roost. When we arrived today we were greeted by a male Kestrel which was sitting on high surveying the scene.Then on to the lake where the usual gang of Redshanks were spending their high tide on the sides of one of the islands.

Now on to the action on the sea wall and one of the first waders to appear on the shingle beach was a lone Oystercatcher with the usual handful of Turnstones.

But now on to the main actors, the Dunlin and the Sanderlings of which there were probably 1000+. Most of the Dunlin flew in to the roost and immediately got their heads tucked in and went to sleep..........

...................with just the odd one waking up to see what was going on.

The Sanderlings on the other hand flew in and immediately started feeding, especially on the large flat area by Gogs Berth which was still above water at this time.

I love photographing these highly energetic jewels on the beach but sometimes difficult to get them stationary.

And all of this just down the road from Southend Pier!!

But the highlight of the high tide roost must be the activity when, for no apparent reason, the whole flock gets spooked and take off for a lap of the bay before returning to the beach, allowing some excellent opportunities for some flight shots. Enjoy!!!