Some chores off the island, gave me an opportunity on the way back to drop into Ferrybridge for a look across the sand-flats.
I was very fortunate that when I drove past initially, there was a Grey Plover fairly close-in to the main road and I was even more fortunate when I did stop off on the way back, that I got to see at least one of the two overstaying Little Stint's briefly.
And brief it was, as a RAF Search & Rescue Helicopter graced its present overhead and not only did many waders disappear down The Fleet, but the Stint as well. At least a few waders remained with 15+ Dunlin and 20+ Ringed Plover.
Further out across the sand-flats were 2 Sandwich Terns, whilst further up the creek towards the Chesil Beach Visitors Centre, two Oystercatchers were feeding close to the footbridge.
No migrants other than the waders were seen, which probably wasn't surprising, considering the northerly wind was gusting up to 40+ mph. It was bracing to say the least.
The only sad bit of news was coming across a one-legged Dunlin by the Visitors Centre. It seemed to be coping quite well on one leg and when I stubbled across it, it flew off and landed few metres away, without any problems. However I'm normally the ever optimist, but on this occasion, I'm not holding my breath, especially when the other Dunlin were feeding away on the main sand-flats, and this poor bird was standing alone. Sadly I doubt very much it will survive, unfortunately that's nature for you.
Here are a few images and a video from today:
Beautiful blue skies, lots of sunshine but absolutely freezing, with the wind coming from the north and gusting at 40mph+.
Waves on The Fleet and the Black-headed Gulls keeping there heads down
Seven Dunlin and a Ringed Plover (bottom right)
A lone Ringed Plover bracing itself against the gale force wind.
A nice surprise two Sandwich Terns. They spent a good time preening before......
..........taking off and heading up the Fleet.
This one has spotted something on the surface and.....
...........down it goes.
Just 2 Oystercatchers seen. They were busy feeding along the creek by the visitors Centre.
Just a few of the Starling that can be seen along the Portland Beach Road.
And now finally the one-legged Dunlin.
If it was well I wouldn't be able to get within 30 metres or more from it.
It can fly and it can "hop" but I'm not sure how its going to feed properly!!
Birds Recorded: Cormorant, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, 20+ Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 15+ Dunlin, 1 Little Stint, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Wood Pigeon, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling and Linnet
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