14.
Tollesbury Sea Wall - 11th September 1977
Over 60 Members and friends were blessed
with a warm and sunny day for this meeting on
the sea—wall.
Members assembled in the car-park at
11 a.m. and we split into two groups. At
the start of the walk Goldfinches were seen
and heard in and around the car park. On
our approach to the sea-wall Yellow Hammer,
Skylark, Meadow Pipit were seen and heard.
As the tide was up few waders were seen
at this stage but by the time lunch was taken
the tide was going out. All members were
able to see a very large flock of Curlew,
estimated at well over 500. We also heard
and saw Redshank. A few Sand Martins were
also noticed as we went on our way after
lunch. Both groups watched four Wheatear
close to the sea wall. A solitary Green-
shank called but was too far away to be seen
clearly for those who heard its calls.
Whilst looking at the water in the pits next
to the sea-wall, we noticed a larva or nymph
moving in the water, and then saw others.
These larvae were about 11/2" long and remained
a mystery. Subsequent searching in books
proved them to be Dipterous larvae. On the
salt marsh Sea Lavender, Sea Aster, both the
rayless and ray forms, were seen. A number
of Members remarked that large numbers of
Black Headed Gulls had been seen soaring
and hovering, apparently catching insects.
These insects had, it was speculated, been
disturbed by the activity of combine harvesters
working in nearby fields.
MIKE PARKER