NO PLOVER AT THE POINT

Several birdwatchers such as Steve Entwistle and Peter Triston pictured above, descended on East Mersea Point on Tuesday 7th following a report of a rare Kentish plover seen yesterday. Despite several pairs of eyes, scopes and bins trained on the mud around the area at various times during the morning, no plover was seen. Details of yesterday's find remain sketchy with the only information available being a few words posted on the "rare birds hotline" late yesterday.

Interestingly the only other Kentish plover record for the Island was virtually on the same date April 5th but in 1957, also here at East Mersea.

Other birds seen today near the Point included whimbrel, a pair of avocets, wheatear and reed bunting. In the park two willow warblers were singing as well as blackcap and chiffchaff, while a brief glimpse in the car park of a small "crest" could've been a firecrest. A redwing was seen near the park entrance, with a fieldfare being seen yesterday at nearby Bromans Farm. Blackcap was reported today from the farm by Martin Dence.

Steve noted the first two swallows back on the Island at Chapmans Lane near West Mersea.

Enjoying the sunshine were several peacock butterflies and Glen Moore saw 2 adders out basking at the park.