Start Point and Beesands

Start Point and Beesands, 9^th October by John Allan

Winter was on its way judging by the coldness of the wind at Start Point car park. I had been there about an hour before the scheduled start time and was wishing I had put on an extra layer and some gloves by the time the others arrived. Mind you I had seen quite a few large flocks of finches (including 2 Brambling) and Wagtails (Pied or White) plus a flashing Sparrowhawk and, according to 3 other bird watchers, just missed a Merlin.

Our group numbered over 20 when we set off to the lighthouse and, whilst it did get cloudier, at least we dropped out of the wind. A good number of Swallows were still around (though probably not for much longer) and Stonechats were everywhere. An obliging Kestrel sat on the wall just ahead before flying to rocks above us still giving us excellent views. At the gate to the lighthouse Ray pointed out a Red Admiral with folded wings which I would certainly never have seen. I had a job spotting it even when it was pointed out! Over the other side of the point the wind was blowing again and the path got trickier but the sun came out again. A seal was seen by some but it looked as though there was nothing at all on the rocks below except Herring and Black backed Gulls, not even an Oystercatcher. Eventually we did see some Rock Pipits briefly. From the path up the valley to the car park we saw Buzzards and Ravens and……more Stonechats.

Lunch was taken in the sun at Beesands and we drifted to the hide, fortunately empty as we filled it up! Duck included the expected Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal and Tufted but ….Hang on…What were those duck??? Liz saw the 2 of them first but even Ray could not put a name to them (though he did say he thought he’d seen them at Slimbridge). They certainly looked like Wigeon of some sort but not even the Collins guide book helped. After a web search they have now been identified as Chiloe Wigeon from South America so certainly escapees. Still exciting though!!

Water Rail and Cetti’s were heard and finally a sea watch revealed several Gannet.

42 species seen and another great day out.

Birds seen, in BOU order or alphabetic order

BOU order

Mute Swan

Canada Goose

Wigeon

Chiloe Wigeon (escapee)

Gadwall

Teal

Mallard

Tufted Duck

Great Crested Grebe

Gannet

Cormorant

Grey Heron

Buzzard

Kestrel

Water Rail

Moorhen

Coot

Black-headed Gull

Common Gull

Herring Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Skylark

Swallow

Meadow Pipit

Rock Pipit

Pied Wagtail

Wren

Dunnock

Robin

Stonechat

Wheatear

Cetti’s Warbler

Jackdaw

Carrion Crow

Raven

Starling

House Sparrow

Chaffinch

Goldfinch

Linnet

Alphabetic order