After some recent heavy rain it was good to find a break when we wanted to get out for a walk after going to Southbourne Farm shop for some Saville oranges. Along the path to the harbour songbirds were in good voice, especially several Thrushes that stood out both with their song and being clearly visible. There were several along the walk, at least one was a larger Mistle Thrush with it’s characteristic spots clearly visible.
It would appear that there aren’t that many here as a huge ball of Mistletoe can be seen in the trees there, looking for all the world like a massive nest. It was the only infestation of this parasite amongst the trees that lined the field so I assume was reasonably recent as birds had not yet spread their seeds to others yet. Apparently Mistle Thrushes find them irresistible, hence their name; they hadn’t done much here yet though.
In the harbour where the bunny flows out there were plenty of Brent Geese and about 30 Wigeon, the wigeon clearly preferring the fresh water. Not much else on the mud, a conspicuous absence of Redshanks for some reason.
A bit further along were about 30 Sanderling, maybe more, spread along a short stretch of waters edge dabbling and scurrying around. They’re pretty little birds, so much lighter than others.
That was about all, just the odd oystercatcher, very quiet for a rising tide.