As the year was coming to an end, I found myself back at East Chevington and Druridge Bay, like the final days of 2015; however instead of looking for Water Pipit’s like last year, this time I was searching for a small group of Shore Larks. I was not in luck, no sign. They were reported later that day however.
I was instead rewarded with some very entertaining Sanderlings, Stonechats and a cute Dunnock. The weather was unseasonably mild and I took advantage of this to scan the sea, for Divers and Grebes etc.
During an an hours sea watch, I noted over ten Red-throated Divers, a couple of Black-throated Divers and Eiders, and a small group of Guillemots. There was also a rather large pair of Red-breasted Mergansers. No sign of any Little Auk’s, Grebe’s or Long-tailed Ducks.
East Chevington and the nearby section of Druridge Bay is fast becoming a favourite site for me to visit, with good facilities nearby, a variety of habitats and shelter with good quality bird hides. Free, good parking is also always a good bonus.
Paul Buskin
