Horrid autumn- 2/10/17

Geography Lesson: saltmarsh creation to the west of Horrid,
open water to the east.

7:00-11:00
Viz mig: Marsh Harrier 2, Kestrel, Lapwing 25, Sandwich Tern 23, Common Tern 11, Swallow 10, House Martin 8, Meadow Pipit 88, Rock Pipit 2, Pied Wagtail 11, Linnet 70.

Point: Green Woodpecker, Cetti's Warbler, Linnet 16, Reed Bunting 2.

Offshore: Peregrine hunting Redshanks. That never rocks my world as much as many others who enjoy a hunt and a kill. I'm more about cheering on the underdogs. Besides, that bird was spoiling the ballet. Watching waders assemble like watching ballet; beautiful, but it helps to know what the movements actually mean. Today's subtle backstory was among the tracks of birds from Ham Ooze and other points west; addition numbers joining the western basin cast, following weekend wildfowling by their preferred roosts. Monday matinees often give you a show you didn't expect. Today's map? Stage directions for the Grey Plovers.

That other story, that Pergerine? Well, she succeeded at the second attempt, managing to flush part of, then the remainder of, the Redshank roost on Rainham Saltings. Both groups headed off fast and low to Motney Saltings. Many not to the main roost along the northern edge, but spread along the southern saltings. It was almost as if they were watching back to Rainham; after 25 minutes, about 60% of the roost flighted back, circling twice before going in. Why? They could have roosted on Motney with the rest- the site can hold higher numbers on a busy tide. Perhaps, just perhaps, these birds wanted to be back to take the prime feeding opportunities at Rainham Saltings as the tide drops? Often largest return movements from Nor, Friars, back to Rainham happen after a few birds have made their way back; rather like the doves and ravens leaving the Arc, no leaving the safety of the roost until sure. Then it's a big percentage rushing over. Some days they jump the gun, and have to come back. Today, good luck to those that risked moving back early. After all, the early wading bird gets the most ragworms.