Apuldram really is the most delightful spot for a short walk, there’s always something interesting to see; today was no exception.

Although the tide was at it’s lowest at 5am, by 9am it still hadn’t come in much so plenty of the stony bottom of the Lavant outfall was visible. Just in front of the sea wall I was surprised to see several small birds playing around in the water amongst the stones. I didn’t have any binoculars so could not be sure but they did appear to be Ringed Plovers which is a bit unusual at this time of year. Were they some that didn’t migrate to Africa to breed but stayed here instead or were they Arctic ones? Either way they made a pleasant diversion from the Mallard, Shelduck, Little Egrets and of course, Swans that were present in some numbers.

In the meadows the grass was punctuated by these Orchids, the first we’d seen this year. I think they were Early Purple Orchids which like these conditions but it’s possible  they could have been Early Marsh Orchids which was what my app suggested. They were quite numerous on this regularly grazed meadow, it just shows the value of livestock.

Amongst some nettles, which are plentiful, was this spot of Cuckoo Spit, again the first seen this year. I didn’t try to find the little spittle bug that was hidden in the white foam, apparently it feeds on the sap of the plant then blows these bubbles to protect itself for predators.