10 Oct 09, 0750 to 1600 hrs
Wind WNW to NW then backing SW force 2/3
Common Scoter : 69 drakes and 7 ducks
Arctic Skua : 1, pale phase
Little Tern : 1
Commic Tern : 1
Common Tern : 1
Balearic Shearwater: 1, very pale
Bonxie : 3
Bar-Tailed Godwit : 3
Risso’s Dolphin : 6
As Graham suggested in his piece on Friday, a list such as this doesn’t tell the full story. You would look at it and think yourself unfortunate perhaps not to have seen the Risso’s, but as for the rest, well, there are no rarities and it would appear to be a long day for such a small tally. You would be mistaken. In seawatching, a bare list of things seen is not necessarily the most important aspect.
I am, perhaps, more self-indulgent, frivolous even, than Graham. The sight of thousands of kittiwake passing in a steady trickle throughout the day was wonderful in itself, but it was pleasing to see that about 70% were juveniles, showing breeding success further north. Kittiwakes may be common, but they are beautiful: have a closer look when next you see them. Common scoter are just that, but they are the seawatchers’ friend when sometimes the pace of passage is slow. Try counting and sexing dense flocks passing at speed a couple of miles distant; it’s a challenge, but rewarding. What of the single little tern? Again, not an uncommon bird, but just to watch it dance across the sea on its migratory way would lift all but the most dour spirit.
So come to Strumble soon and boost the tally of local watchers. Choose a sunny day and don’t worry about wind direction and you too will see line upon line of auks "their rapid flight conveying the impression of urgency", standing out startlingly bright against a translucent sea patterned with cloud shadow. You will see kittiwakes too: but who knows what else? The unexpected is part of the thrill of seawatching; just come, and wait, and see. For me, it beats pishing in bushes any day!
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