WEBS WALK

This stonechat at Maydays Farm was one of the birds found by Glyn Evans and Andy Field during the monthly Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) carried out from the Strood to the Park on Monday 15th. Glyn took these four photos during the walk.

Jays have been very noticeable over the past month or so, although it's difficult to say which ones are local Mersea ones or wanderers that have recently arrived in search of food. The shortage of acorns this autumn has led to many reports across the region of flocks of jays on the move in their search for more food.

The beach at the Park and especially at the Point is a good place to see sanderlings. Nine were seen on Monday.

The outfall sluices beside the seawall provide an ideal perch for kingfishers as they fly along the creeks and dykes.

Other birds of note seen during the walk were a red-throated diver, spotted redshank, greenshank, rock pipit and 3 siskin.