Lower Otter Restoration Project

I've been busy with work or gardening for the last few weeks, and the weather has been foul. So, except for a quick look at a possible juvenile Kumlien's Gull off Mudbank, thanks to a call from Matt Knott, who had found it (see here for the link to his blog), I've not been out birding since earlier this month.

Today was bright but windy, so I decided to walk around the Lower Otter restoration project.


The marshy areas were pretty blown out, with many birds keeping low and out of the wind. There were many Teal, Shelduck, Wigeon and Mallard on the marsh, along with a handful of Shoveler and Pintail. A flock of Canada Geese on the Little Marsh accompanied by two Egyptian Geese of feral origin. Waders included a handful of Dunlin, several Redshank and 4+ Curlew. A couple of Little Egret were fishing, and there was a roost of 9+ Grey Heron. One Cettis Warbler was singing by the river, and a Sparrowhawk was hunting along the western edge of the project area.

I scrutinised the 150+ Black Headed Gull flock but couldn't find any other small gulls among them, and I only had my binoculars with me.

Although not stacked out with birds today, this area holds a lot of potential for spring and the future once the habitats have become properly established.

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