Trip reports

Excellent birdwatching at Pin Mill

Sunday, 14 December 2008

A select group met at Pin Mill on a cloudy but relatively mild day and commenced birdwatching by the foreshore where several species were seen, among them red-breasted merganser, black-tailed godwit, a large flock of knot, avocet, widgeon, turnstone, shelduck, oystercatcher and goldeneye. We then walked towards Hare's Creek, passing flocks of long-tailed tit, some Great-crested grebe, stonechat and eventually finding a roost of knot amongst which was a large flock of ringed plover. There was also a big group of oystercatcher, some grey plover, golden plover and curlew.
As the tide came in, huge flocks of knot, joined by other waders, swirled in the sky as they sought another dry area on which to roost until the mud flats again became accessible. This was a wonderful sight and, added to the several thousand birds comprising over 40 species seen, was a worthwhile end to a pleasant and enjoyable morning.