Newton Pool and Newton Point

Leaving Lowick in a howling gale the decision was made not to take the scope on the planned day's bird-watching. As usual ,the wrong decision!

First call was Newton Pool where we had the hide to ourselves,and from which we enjoyed great views of Whooper Swans,Teal, Gadwall , Shoveller, Pintail ,Grey Heron plus a couple of dozen Grey Lag Geese.
Heading North along the coastal path we stopped for lunch at Newton Point,sheltering on the rocks from the strong offshore wind.Out to sea,among the gulls,Gannets and Cormorants our attention was drawn to two birds heading in from the sea,one harrying the other.It soon became clear that the gull was a Herring Gull whilst its weary victim ,probably just arriving from Russia ,was a Short Eared Owl which drew perilously close to the swell ,before thankfully landing unsteadily on the rocks on Snook Point which were gradually being covered by the incoming tide..

Continuing North we then stopped at Snook Point,our attention drawn by 300+ Golden Plover,amongst which there were Turnstone,Oyster Catcher and Redshank. Out in the bay were two Red Throated Divers.

Walking a little further North we were relieved  to see when  the Short Eared Owl,looking slightly more perky,having made it to the dunes arose from almost under our feet to head up the coast.