Mere Circuit

Ciruit of Hornsea Mere including KP and Wassand hide
Cool, showers, 7 degrees C with a light N breeze
7.3 miles
53 bird species

As there was a northerly wind again I planned a walk that would keep me out of the wind as much as possible. An anti-clockwise circuit of the Mere seemed to be the best way to go, and to stick to the road side rather than go on the footpath through the fields on the north side, as that would be unsheltered. I could also visit the small hide on Seaton Road too.

On KP (Kirkholme Point) I saw a Common Sandpiper on the shoreline near where the ducks and geese congregate. An Oystercatcher flew overhead and landed on Swan Island and was soon followed by the Sandpiper.

Common Sandpiper

4 Common Terns were fishing over the Mere and at least one was successful.

Common Tern

Common Terns, one with a small fish

Leaving town on Seaton Road I could hear the Oystercatcher overhead for a good while and didn't lose it until I reached Seaton Garage. Lots of warblers were singing along the road - Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackcaps.

In the small hide a pair of Great Crested Grebes were displaying - these were two of at least 8 GCG I saw through the morning.

Great Crested Grebes displaying

Looking over the Mere from Brockholme, I could see the hide with its elevated viewing platform over the other side of the Mere.

Wassand hide at Decoy

Hornsea Mere from Brockholme

There are loads of wild flowers on the roadside verges and Garlic Mustard is the latest one to come into flower. The large flowers with umbels such as Hogweed and Cow Parsley are also growing quickly and will be fully out soon.

Garlic mustard

Wassand Hall drive

Into the wood at Wassand - I always enjoy going down the woodland walk that leads to the hide, it's so peaceful usually although this morning it was filled with birdsong. Did you know that it's International Dawn Chorus Day today? Who is this lady and why does she have a day named after her? 😄😄

Woodland walk to the hide

From the hide I could see that the resident Marsh Harriers were flapping around over the reedbed. It is wonderful to have them here and I hope they hang around for a long time.

A different view from near the hide

A final photo for this blog entry - a female Goldeneye appeared in front of the hide. We thought they'd all gone!

Goldeneye - surely the last of them until Autumn?

53 species - all the usual residents and migrants plus:
4 Common Tern
2 Common Sandpiper
Sparrowhawk
2 Pink-footed Goose
3 White-fronted Goose