As usual, the horde of Black Headed and Mediterranean Gulls was the first thing I saw. Loud and obnoxious displays are the norm, but everything seemed more intense in contrast to the peaceful sunrise surroundings.
Amongst the gulls, several Common Terms could be picked out diving for food in the pools. These sickle-winged seabirds are a nightmare to photograph, they're either in frame but out of focus or vice versa, I really need to work on tracking them with a steadier hand. And just when you think you've got them, they disappear with a plop, diving into the water to snatch their prey.
Not to be outdone by the gulls, a vast array of passerines were buzzing around the scrub, singing their hearts out to remind everyone of their territories. Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats, Goldfinches and Linnets were joined by Song Thrushes, Dunnocks and Meadow Pipits and the sheer noise that all these tiny birds were making was something to behold.
The usual assortment of Tufted Ducks, Shelduck Oystercatchers, Avocets and Lapwings were just starting to get on with their daily business, and an assortment of small waders were just out of range to 100% identify, but likely Knot or similar.
Eager to remind me why they're often called the 'sentries of the marshes', Redshanks could be seen on most fence posts hammering out their warning call whenever something got too near, chasing off the intruder before returning to their perch. I love these guys, and could watch their day-glo legs and madcap attitude all day. There were also a couple of Spotted Redshank, a rarer cousin, but these were slightly too distant for any half decent snaps.
There are around 70-odd Little Egrets on site now, once a rare migrant these small herons have built on a select few breeding sites to cement themselves as an ever present on numerous wetland locations throughout the UK. I remember losing my mind as a kid seeing my first one, and their success story makes you wonder what may be next to follow in their footsteps? Cattle and Great White Egrets are taking the first steps, and there are more regular sightings of Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Common Crane, and White Storks in the UK these days, who knows what the future may hold!
My photo of the day has to go to this Great Crested Grebe in the dim morning sun. Relatively common but undoubtedly one of our most attractive and graceful birds, and perhaps a little underappreciated!
Nothing crazy rare or extraordinary to report, but it was still a pleasant morning taking in some fresh air. Cliffe quite often has a nice surprise tucked up it's sleeve so I have no doubt I'll be back there soon, perhaps for an evening walk to catch the last flurry of activity before darkness. Right I'm off to catch up on sleep, until the next time!
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