WFV Morecambe Bay - Tuesday 5 October 2021

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Thu, 7th Oct 2021, 5:22pm

Our party of 7 arrived in Morecambe on a very blustery day to meet with John and Sally at the station.  On John's recommendation we approached the promenade via the Poet's Walk and headed first towards Trafalgar Point.  An oystercatcher and 3 cormorants were seen on the shoreline but nearer the point we were delighted to catch sight of an eider flying past.  Showers were never far away, but not as frequent as anticipated, as we made our way along the promenade in the direction of Heysham.  By this time the tide was turning so we all kept a watchful eye out for waders.  Our first real sighting was of a flock of about 60 curlew next to which, nestled amongst the rocks, were 3 little egret.  A lesser black-backed gull was also noted.  On the promenade itself a couple of wheatears were showing well and pied wagtail were also noted.  As the tide receded a distant flock of knot were seen.  Identification was debated as the scope was struggling to pick out the necessary detail but it was felt, after discussion, that this was the correct ID.  Two ringed plover were also spotted darting amongst the clumps of seaweed.  Redshank were also seen along with great black-backed gulls.

Lunch was a hasty affair in view of the weather conditions and so opportunity was taken early afternoon to search out somewhere for a warm drink.  The wind was becoming progressively stronger and a firm hold needed to be kept on the scope. Julia and Annie then wandered in the direction of the town centre, still on the promenade, looking for further sightings and were rewarded with views of a flock of about 100 eider and more curlew.  Flowers noted were sow-thistle, sea holly, mayweed and sea beet.

A rewarding day with sightings matching expectations meant that 5 happy, but windswept and wet birdwatchers, returned to the station for our return journey.  (Margaret and Marilyn departed on an earlier train and John and Sally left just before lunch).  Many thanks to Julia for organising us so successfully and for allowing us to share in her cheap ticket bonanza.

Sally Tetlow

Add new comment