33
WALTON ON THE NAZE
19th October, 1980
Thirty-five members assembled at the Naze Car Park, on a dull
cold morning. It was fortunate for us all that it was at least
dry, but with the threat of rain in the air. The party was
split into two and proceeded along the paths on the Naze rather
than keeping to the cliffs on the seaward side because the tide
was on the change. It was not long before we had seen a Snipe
in flight, a Goldcrest, Skylarks and a few Meadow Pipits.
One group were lucky in reporting having seen a Redwing, and
possibly a Blackcap.
Very soon the tide started to go out and we were rewarded with
sightings of a number of interesting waders. These were
numerous - Grey Plover, including one in Summer plumage, a
few Sanderling (always present at Walton), Ring Plover, Curlew,
Oyster Catcher, Turnstone, Redshank and a Dunlin. One group
were able to observe the Dunlin at close range and to see that
a Dunlin has a down-curved beak.
Lunch was taken in the shelter of the sea wall, but the
afternoon session was ruined by persistent driving rain so
t he groups made a hasty return to the cars.
At the end of the meeting it was reported that 25 species had
been seen.
MICHAEL T. PARKER