High Tide at Gunners Park

23rd August 2024

After a successful morning at Two Tree Island time to pop into Gunners Park to see what is happening with the high tide roost there. First stop was the lake as basically you have to walk past it to get to the sea wall. My eyes were immediately drawn to a communal gathering of Little Grebes, nine in all. They are always here, but the first time I have ever seen such a gathering.

As usual the Redshanks had gathered on their usual spot on the steep bank of the island. I have never carried out a count before but would estimate that 50+ birds are normally present at high tide. However today there were considerably more and a quick count produced 100+, the most I have ever seen here.

Now on to the sea wall near Gog's Berth. I slowly poked my head over the wall and there was just a single Dunlin. Well, at least it's a start.

Also two Ringed Plovers, a juvenile (note the pale fringes to the feathers....................

......................and an adult.

Further along the beach were a few Turnstones which are always photogenic, apart from being a bit into the sun today.

However, what was extraordinary today was the sheer number of Turnstones. Normally I encounter Turnstones either singly, in small groups, or flocks usually no more than 20. However today there was a flock on the sea wall of 200+ birds which got spooked by somethuing (turnstones don't normally spook), and flew out to sea and round towards Southend. Never seen so many!!

Then there were the stars of the show, a flock of about 20 Sanderlings back for the winter, and still in their summer plumage.

I look forward to watching the roost numbers build up over the next few months.