There was work going on to enhance The Deeps for breeding seabirds and overwintering waders but fortunately parking was still available at the end of the track and unusually (for this site) rain was not forecast and there was, initially, only a slight breeze. However, certain paths were out of action so our group of 6 members studied the noticeboard and decided on a ‘there and back’ route down the western side of the Reserve.

In The Bushes area, full of berried shrubs and bushes (chiefly hawthorn), we noted Carrion crow, Wood pigeon and a cheery Robin as well as a Grey heron flying over the reed beds beyond.  Going up onto the sea wall, we reached The Lake and saw Wigeon, Shelduck, Teal, Pintail and Mallard.  A keen-eyed member spotted an Avocet on the far side of the lake in amongst the ducks.  A kestrel hovered nearby and we watched it suddenly pounce to the ground and rise again with something small and black in its claws.  A field vole perhaps?  To our west, on the muddy islands in the channel, Black-headed gull, Redshank (once the legs/shanks became visible!) and Oystercatcher were identified.  Looking east once more, we saw Blackcap and Blackbird in the hawthorn bushes and Starlings flying overhead as well as hearing, close by, the distinctive powerful song of a Cetti’s warbler.  A lot of Brent geese had arrived from Siberia and it was wonderful to see them in addition to the Canadas.  I mustn’t forget to report that Little Egret were almost ‘ten a penny’ during our walk, some solitary while others were in groups. I’d never seen so many but of course they do show up well!

At The Point, we had a good view of a Stonechat perched on another well-berried hawthorn plus Magpie in the field and Herring gull over the water.
As we made our way back, the wind began to strengthen and the ducks on The Lake were now huddled against the reed beds.  We had some time left to cross over to the small visitor centre (we’d heard that Bearded tit had been seen there earlier, in the reeds). On our way, we added Great tit, Buzzard and Pheasant to our sightings list.  At the stream were Coot, Little grebe and Shoveler but no Bearded tit.  We guessed the conditions were just not right as the wind had got up by now.

The tide was nearly fully in and it was time to go home. Many thanks to everyone for their keen eyes, shared knowledge and enthusiastic, friendly company.

Gill Hance