Thursday 15 April

Posted byjulied1485Posted inUncategorized

Junior Section Bird Walk at the Shingle Bank

The Junior Section of La Société has only recently been re-activated, so it was good to see a turn-out of nine children with adults in tow on this bird walk along the Shingle Bank. It was not so good that it started in the teeth of a very cold north-easterly wind. It did improve as the sun came out, but we had to be very determined. The shore was not exactly bursting with birds, but we did see all three of Guernsey’s resident gulls: Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Greater Black-backed. also present were Oystercatcher and recently-arrived Whimbrel. Another wader, Greenshank was showing further along at La Claire Mare Reserve on the other side of the road. This is mainly wetland with shallow water and reeds with two islands and is a popular place to do a spot of birdwatching.

One brave person in shorts pointing out some of the birdlife, Shingle Bank, Guernsey. Just beyond the house, on the land side, it the largest area of Salt Marsh in the Channel Islands. Called La Rousse Mare (Red Sea), it is named after the flowers of Glasswort, Salicornia europaea, which turn the area dark red in mid- to late-summer. On the left, Trevor Bourgaize, who has extensive knowledge of Guernsey’s birdlife, has just spotted the Whimbrel.
Similar to Curlew, Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus, are just arriving in Guernsey. The key ID feature is the pale strip above the eye, (supercilious), another pale stripe along the top of its head and a bill that is only curved down at the end. This bird was photographed on the Shingle Bank in 2016.
Both hides at La Claire Mare were recently fitted with perspex hatches, so people can enjoy looking out over the reserve in a bit more comfort.
The bottom hide is new and has a bench so children can see out of the hatches. The lower hatch is for the photographers who prize low-level shots.
I took this shot of a Greenshank, Tringa nebualria, back in 2016 at the reserve. Two were present this morning.
Marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus, are often seen here and one showed well this morning. The photo was taken at the Vale Pond in 2016

By the end of the walk, we had listed 31 species seen or heard which is a very respectable total, despite the absence of Little Ringed Plover – present throughout the month up to yesterday, (typical!). So a successful outing with people looking forward to a hot chocolate at Woodies by the end. Thanks to La Société’s Education officers, Becky and Sarah for organising the walk.

Published by julied1485

Retired and enjoying every day - mainly to enjoy the privilege of finding out about the plants and animals around me.

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