Fenham Flats 10th March 2013

Sunday saw me undertaking a monthly bird survey. The weather was variable with glorious sun if sheltered from the bitterly cold wind, and occassional snow showers that at times were heavy. The birds were numerous on the mud flats with counts including 158 Shelduck, 237 Curlew, 297 Bar Tailed Godwit and 66 Grey Plover. This part of the count was taken from a sand dune sheltered seat which was most appreciated, especially by the 3 Short Eared Owls that flew up as I approached. The bird numbers at the point were low, probably since the neighbourhood had been disturbed by about 400 Grey Seals that were lounging about on the small island opposite the point.