08 September 2010

Chasing Waders at Crymlyn Burrows


I saw both high tides at Crymlyn Burrows today. Primarily in the hope of catching up with a Curlew Sandpiper. I have been hoping to see one here for two years now, and I'm still waiting! On this evening's high tide the juvenile Sparrowhawk shown above spoiled my chances. It launched 2 unsuccessful attacks on the group of small waders. This well and truly 'spooked' them and they spent most of the rest of the evening flying around before alighting on the Aberavon side of the river.

The day did produce some good stuff nevertheless. 1 sighting of a Common Dolphin this morning and 4 Greenshank. Also 2 juvenile Kestrel catching Sand hoppers on the beach. This evening 1 Redstart, 1 Guillemot, 11 Common Tern, 2 Sandwich Tern and 8 juvenile Grey Heron still on the beach from this morning. Also this evening 1 Brown Hare in the dunes.

Throughout the day good numbers of Linnet(70+), Goldfinch(50+), Stonechat(15+), Wheatear(10+), Reed Bunting(10+) and Blackcap(10+)

2 comments:

Barry Stewart said...

Crymlyn Burrows must be one of the last beaches in country not yet to have a had a Curlew Sand this autumn! Your turn will come I'm sure ;o)

Neil Donaghy said...

Not quite Barry - Sker/Kenfig Sands hasn't either; yet!!