Wooltack Point: Grey Phalarope and Bonxie

Believe it or not we actually found some shelter on Wooltack Point this morning, although our position worsened dramatically as the wind veered from Southerly to Westerly!

But it was well worth it: a seawatch from 0800 to 1100 with a north-flowing tide produced large numbers of Fulmars (200+? many of which spent some time rafting in groups of 15-20), Kittiwakes (60+, of which about two thirds were beautifully marked immatures) and Razorbills (50-100, spread out over St Brides Bay). Also 3 adult Gannets, a Peregrine flying very low over the sea, and a couple of Guillemots, one of which was still in summer plumage.

Gulls were predominantly Herring, with 6-8 Great Black-Backs and about the same number of Lessers.

The Kittiwakes increasingly concentrated right under the point, feeding actively in the tidal flow (and very successfully, for what looked like small brit). Among them only about 100 yards out was a lovely Grey Phalarope, alternating between feeding on the water, and fluttering along with the Kittiwakes. The other bird that associated with the Kittiwakes for a short period was an adult Black-headed Gull.

Later, joined by Steve Sutcliffe, we got a cracking long view of a Bonxie flying steadily at low level out of the bay. Then we all got very wet.