Grain 5/9/24

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A rainy start to the day and a gusty NE wind prompted me to try seawatching off Grain. I sat myself on a bench just below the car park and set up the 'scope. The rain stopped by 11 a.m.

A Cory's Shearwater had been seen flying west at Shellness about 9:30, and one was reported off Canvey Island after this. I picked up what must have been the same bird at 11:45 though it was a long way out so was not initially sure of the id. However, a few photos taken showed enough detail to confirm Cory's. The bird was later seen to fly back east though was never close.

Other seabirds included two flocks of Arctic Skuas, three then five birds, and a single Bonxie, the latter a bit closer to the shore.

On the beach a collection of gulls included two adult Med in winter plumage.

The bushes, checked later on, were surprisingly quiet.

Cory's Shearwater 

Bonxie 

Two Mediterranean Gulls with Black-headed on the beach.




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