39
WALTON ON NAZE 2nd September. 1979
Fifty members and friends arrived at the Naze Car Park
about 11.30 a.m. The day started off rather dull and
there had been some overnight rain, however, the rest
of the day proved to be fresh, and the sun was shining
for the whole of the meeting. Two parties were made up,
and as the Tide was going out we made our way along the
cliff watching out for Waders and other small birds in
the Cliff side. Soon all were watching Goldfinch, Linnets,
Meadow Pipit and Sand Martins. We were even fortunate in
being able to see Sand Martins at close quarters, and to
be able to compare them with House Martins. Later on in
the morning some Swifts were seen - by now most of the
Swifts would normally have migrated. Along the shore we
were able to see various Gulls, shewing various stages of
plumage. A good sighting of a Great Black Backed Gull
was made, and we were able to see the difference between
it and the Lesser Black Back. Waders had to be looked
for, but both parties, by the end of the meeting, had seen
Sanderling - very rarely missed at Walton - Oyster Catcher,
Ring Plover, Red Shank and also a small party of Knot.
A Ring Plover with chick was also seen.
Near the Essex Naturalist Trust Reserve a Whinchat and
Wheatear were seen. The white rump of the Wheatear and
eye stripe of the Winchat confirmed their identification.
One group had a sighting of 4 Kestrels, and also a suspected
Wood Warbler.
The meeting ended about 4.00 p.m., and is to be remembered
for the large numbers of Goldfinch and Linnets which seemed
to be present in large numbers amongst the shrubs and gorse
on the Naze. At the end of the meeting 34 Birds had been
recorded, a good total for such a successful and enjoyable
meeting.
M.T. PARKER
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