1. The flat sands of the south beach
see large numbers of Gulls resting in the winter. The
water's edge is a good place to look for Sanderling,
even as early as late July when a few show up in partial
breeding plumage. Many other common waders also feed
on the beach in winter.
2.
The rocks on the southward side of the harbour wall
is the regular feeding and roosting spot of Purple Sandpipers,
where in the region of 20 birds can be found. They are
quite tame and can be viewed at close quarters. Also
on these rocks are good numbers of Turnstone that are
habituated to humans and will come up onto the harbour
wall to be fed upon chips and fish batter.
In
bad weather sea ducks such as Eider and Common Scoter
can be seen in the sea to the immediate south of the
harbour wall, using it for shelter from northerly winds.
3.
Within the harbour walls large numbers of Herring Gulls
can be found throughout the year and it is a good place
to study different phases of plumage. In most winters
Glaucous Gull is seen here too. At low tide good numbers
of Dunlin, Redshank, Knot, Turnstone and Ringed Plover
feed on the mud in the harbour in winter, allowing very
close-up views.
4.
The main bay offers a degree of shelter from fierce
northerly winds in winter and Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted
Merganser, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Razorbill and Shag
often come quite close to shore. In summer Sandwich
Terns, Kittiwakes and distant Gannets can be seen fishing
in the bay.
5.
The sands and rocks at the northern end of the bay receive
runoff from freshwater springs in the cliffs and flocks
of Gulls and, in late summer, Terns use this water for
bathing. Waders use this area too with Oystercatcher,
Redshank, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and small
numbers of Bar-tailed Godwit present from July onwards. |
