4th of September: September Wildlife

This week our Little Tern volunteers have relocated to the top of the Point to become our ‘Seal Volunteers’. They are on hand to provide information about the seals and other wildlife across the reserve. They will be minding the gap near Far Point so please do ask them any questions you may have. They will also have a scope if you want a closer look!

Seal in the water off Far Point (Daniel Wynn)

Speaking of seals, we’re seeing larger numbers hauling out at low tide. This increase is expected as we move more toward the Grey Seal breeding season (Nov-Jan). The highest count this week was on the 2^nd September with 361 Greys and 452 Commons.

Seals hauling out at low tide on the West Sands (Daniel Wynn)

The weather this week has been mostly hot and sunny with only the scattered shower on the Point. The butterflies are making the most of this late sunshine with Small Whites, Small Coppers, Small Tortoiseshells and Grayling’s still showing across the reserve. A count on the 1^st September revealed 5 Grayling, 2 Small Coppers, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, and 2 Small Whites. The shingle ridge on the way up from Cley is a good place to see the butterflies.

Looking back along the shingle ridge to the Watchhouse from the Hood (Daniel Wynn)

There have been some large numbers of waders across the reserve with a mixed flock of over 80 Dunlin, 150 Ringed Plover and 30 Sanderling seen on the 3^rd September. The evening roost count is now perpetually punctuated with the loud honking noise of Greylag Geese on the mainland.

Sanderling taking flight off the beach (Wynona Legg)

Migrants are still around on the reserve with regular sightings of Wheatear, Whinchat, Willow Warblers, Pied Flycatchers and Black Redstart. We also had a few Whitethroats appear later in the week. We had an estimated 8 Wheatear on the reserve on the 1^st September.

Wheatear near the strandline at Far Point (Daniel Wynn)

Our resident Black Redstart is still hanging around the Lifeboat House. This makes it a total stay of 12 nights so far. He must like it around here but who can blame him! However he is notoriously camera shy and will be off around the corner as soon as he catches a sight of you. A really stunning bird though, worth a look if you’re up this way.  

Black Redstart perched on the steps to the toilets (Daniel Wynn)