BLACKWATER ESTUARY Essex

Internationally important: Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank Nationally important: Cormorant, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Goldeneye, Avocet, Knot, Curlew

Site description throughout, with concentrations at Tollesbury and Salcott. Pintail showed similarly high The Blackwater Estuary is the largest estuary in densities at Goldhanger Creek and to the Essex and forms part of the Mid-Essex Coast SPA northeast of Northey Island. Red-breasted Complex. The northern part is characterised by Merganser peaked at 32 in November, with a small channels running through large tracts of small congregation south of Osea Island. saltmarsh and grazing marsh. Old Hall Marshes, The majority of Oystercatcher occurred an extensive area of grazing marsh, managed by around Osea Island, with a few also on the outer the RSPB, is found within this section of the estuary. The outer reaches also contained some estuary. Tollesbury Wick Marshes is managed by Avocet, numbers of which increased to a Essex Wildlife Trust, and is also important for maximum of 151 in February. These birds were wintering waterbirds. The main part of the seen in greatest concentrations at Collier’s Blackwater SPA is characterised by mudflats Reach, whilst Ringed Plover were scattered fringed by saltmarsh on the upper shores, with throughout the estuary. The area around Old shingle, shell banks and offshore islands a Hall Marshes supported high densities of Golden feature of the tidal flats. The surrounding Plover, extending throughout Tollesbury Fleet terrestrial habitats (the sea wall, ancient grazing and into the outer estuary. Large aggregations marsh and its associated fleet and ditch were also seen at Collier’s Reach and the area systems, plus semi-improved grassland) are also north of Osea Island. Grey Plover were present of conservation interest. The site suffers from in sizeable flocks; favouring the outer estuary, saltmarsh and mudflat erosion, which may with concentrations in Salcott Creek, Tollesbury contribute to the re-suspension of dormant Fleet and the Tollesbury Wick Marshes area. pollutants. Recreational disturbance and Lower densities were recorded on sectors dredging could also impact on birds using the further upriver, which were considerably more estuary. densely populated in 1994/95. Lapwing peaked at 11,053 and the greatest concentrations were Bird distribution 2002/03 also seen in the northern creeks, especially on Counts were undertaken predominantly on the the islands situated in the channels. The areas northern shore only. Little Grebe and Great west and north of Northey Island were also Crested Grebe did not exceed 20 individuals. frequented. Substantial numbers of Knot and The former tended to shelter in Salcott Channel, Dunlin were seen, with peak counts of 1,700 and whilst the latter were more concentrated in the 13,786 birds respectively. Goldhanger Creek was main estuary, in the vicinity of Osea Island. a popular area for foraging Knot, whilst Dunlin Cormorant, Little Egret and Grey Heron were were ubiquitous. Bar-tailed Godwit were largely found in low numbers throughout the main restricted to Goldhanger Creek and Tollesbury estuary channel at low tide. Dark-bellied Brent Fleet. Black-tailed Godwit were more heavily Geese were found on the northern shore, concentrated in Salcott Channel and around especially to the north of Osea Island. Shelduck Northey Island. Movement into the former showed a similar distribution, perhaps reflecting appears to be relatively recent. Curlew and their similar foraging habits, although the south Redshank and Turnstone were evenly side of Osea Island was also favoured. Wigeon distributed throughout, although the latter did and Teal also displayed associative distributions, show some aggregation on the outer estuary and were found in high densities at two of the sectors, which are likely to be characterised by Blackwater’s outer arms, Tollesbury Fleet and coarser sediments utilised by Turnstone prey. Salcott Channel, possibly as a result of directed Gulls were not recorded in high numbers, management at the nearby nature reserves. the November peak count of 829 Black-headed These species were also located in lower Gull representing the maximum. Apart from a densities in the inner and middle estuary, peak of 140 Common Gull, no other gull species especially near Osea and Northey Islands. was ever counted in numbers greater than 32. Mallard, Pintail and Goldeneye were scattered

246 Low Tide Counts Figure 91. WeBS Low Tide Count distributions of Dark-bellied Brent Goose and Dunlin at Blackwater Estuary, winter 2002/03. (NI=Northey Island, OHM=Old Hall Marshes, OI=Osea Island, TWM=Tollesbury Wick Marshes)

Low Tide Counts 247 BREYDON WATER Norfolk

Internationally important: Pink-footed Goose, Wigeon, Shoveler, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank Nationally important: Bewick’s Swan, European White-fronted Goose, Teal, Pintail, Avocet

Site description eastern end of the estuary. Both Teal and Breydon Water is a bar-built estuary separated Mallard were mostly found at the eastern end of from the North Sea by the spit of land on which the estuary, with both species recording their Great Yarmouth sits. The estuary forms the highest counts in January. Pintail numbers were lower reaches of the Yare and Waveney rivers, at their highest in February, with the birds which drain much of central East Anglia. The scattered within the eastern half. Shoveler rivers are tidal for many miles inland but only frequented the mudflats around the Acle Mill. the estuary area from the confluence of the The numbers of Avocet wintering at rivers is considered here. At high tide, Breydon Breydon Water has increased dramatically in Water forms a large lake but as the tide recedes, recent years; the peak count of 192 individuals the only water that remains forms a narrow in November represented a record Low Tide channel, well marked by buoys for the count. They were widely distributed within the numerous leisure cruisers. There are small central part of the estuary, on either side of the areas of saltmarsh, principally at the eastern River Yare. Oystercatcher were also present in end. To the north of the estuary stretches the the central part of the estuary, although mainly huge expanse of the Halvergate Levels, Breydon north of the Yare. Small numbers of Ringed Marshes and Berney Marshes. These form an Plover were confined to the southern flats off extensive area of grazing marsh that has been Fisher’s Marshes. Golden Plover were fairly subject to varying degrees of drainage in recent mobile around the estuary, often moving to the years. The main high tide roosts occur at the surrounding marshes. This is reflected in the RSPB reserve at Berney Marshes (only counts, when more than 8,000 Golden Plover accessible by boat, train or a very long walk) were counted in November, only nine in January and in the eastern saltmarsh. The main and none in February. These birds were conservation issues in the area involve boating, concentrated in two main areas and virtually all shooting and grazing marsh management. The were located north of the River Yare. Similarly, river channel leading out through Great Lapwing occurred in large numbers on the Yarmouth to the sea is highly industrialized surrounding marshes and numbers on the (Davidson 1995). estuary were prone to large fluctuations. Again, the counts show that over 10,000 were recorded Bird distribution 2002/03 in November, with few in January and February. Unlike the previous species, Lapwing were This account is based on three months’ data widely distributed, both to the north and south only, as no counts were made in December. of the River Yare and off Burgh Castle at the Cormorant were confined to the main channel south-western end of the estuary. Both Grey off Burgh Castle, with a mid-winter dip in Plover and Knot were only recorded in low numbers. Shelduck were thinly scattered numbers during the second half of the winter, throughout, although a small congregation was with the majority to be found at the eastern end located adjacent to Reedham Marshes. As in of the estuary. Dunlin numbers were at their previous winters, peak Shelduck numbers highest at the end of the winter. Both Black- occurred in November (245 birds), before falling tailed Godwit and Curlew were widely rapidly to 30 individuals by January. Shelduck scattered, although they generally avoided the Low Tide and Core Counts have both decreased mudflats in the north-east. Redshank numbers over the past few years, from the high point of at low tide have increased over recent years, 2000/01, when around 500 individuals were although peak Core Counts are relatively stable. noted by both surveys. The peak count of They occurred in nationally important numbers Wigeon exceeded the threshold of international in November when the peak of 1,497 was importance with 16,000 individuals present in present. Generally widely distributed, some January. Greatest densities occurred on the denser concentrations were along the south- mudflats bordering Halvergate and Reedham eastern shoreline, along with the extreme south- Marshes, with lesser concentrations towards the western end off Burgh Castle.

248 Low Tide Counts Figure 92. WeBS Low Tide Count distributions of Wigeon and Golden Plover at Breydon Water, winter 2002/03. (AM=Acle Mill, BM=Berney Marshes, RM=Reedham Marshes)

Low Tide Counts 249 MORAY FIRTH Highland

Internationally important: Redshank Nationally important: Red-throated Diver, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew

Site description Whiteness Head. Shelduck mostly occurred The Moray Firth is a large estuary on the north- along the southern side of the inner zones, with east coast of Scotland. The estuary comprises only a few birds in the Beauly Firth. Numbers of three main sections; the innermost Beauly Firth, Wigeon peaked in January with dense the central inner Moray Firth and the outer concentrations in the Beauly Firth as well as Moray Firth shore, that extends eastwards from between Inverness and Fort George. Teal Fort George to encompass Whiteness Head, peaked at over 2,700 in November and their Nairn, Culbin Bar and Findhorn Bay. At low tide distribution was similar to Wigeon, although there are muddy intertidal flats exposed in the fewer birds were located in the Beauly Firth and uppermost parts of the Beauly Firth, Munlochy towards Fort George. Mallard were widely Bay and Findhorn Bay. There are sand flats in distributed, whilst Pintail, reaching maximum the central part of the Beauly Firth and along the numbers in December, were concentrated in outer shore around Whiteness Head, Culbin Bar Longman Bay. The peak Scaup count (553 in and the outer parts of Findhorn Bay. There are February) was higher than the mean five-year also intertidal flats that are a mixture of shingle, peak Core Count and apart from small numbers mud and sand. Large beds of Zostera and occurring at the mouth of the Caledonian Canal Ruppia occur in Beauly Firth and saltmarsh has at Inverness, most frequented the estuary developed in several areas. There is widespread between Longman Point and east of Alturlie recreational use of the area, including boating, Point. Both Eider and Long-tailed Duck were trial-biking, horse riding and walking. Much of present around Fort George and Whiteness the saltmarsh at Findhorn and Whiteness Head Head, the latter also present around Inverness. is grazed and fish-netting takes place at The greatest densities of Goldeneye were in Findhorn, Ardersier (near Fort George) and Longman Bay, although they were also Whiteness. Commercial cockling and bait- scattered along the channels in the Beauly Firth digging also occur, whilst wildfowling takes and along the northern shore of the Inner Moray place over much of the estuary, particularly at Firth. Red-breasted Merganser were scattered Findhorn and Culbin. Industrial activity includes throughout, with the densest concentrations in port facilities at Inverness and Whiteness and Longman Bay. boat yards at Inverness and Findhorn. Fishing Oystercatcher counts were relatively stable harbours are found at Nairn, Beauly and and were widely distributed, with denser Charleston Ferry. concentrations in Longman Bay, around Alturlie Point and Whiteness Head. Lapwing numbers Bird distribution 2002/03 were generally low and displayed a widely scattered distribution, including the inner Beauly During 2002/03, only the Beauly Firth and Inner Firth. Low numbers of Knot were recorded with Moray Firth were covered. Red-throated Diver the favoured areas being Longman Bay and peaked in February, when most of the birds Whiteness Head. Dunlin frequented the occurred between the A9 and Longman Bay. Up southern side of the Inner Moray Firth and the to 67 Slavonian Grebe were also concentrated inner part of the Beauly Firth. Bar-tailed Godwit off Longman Bay. Cormorant were generally were concentrated around Whiteness Head, distributed within the Beauly Firth and the inner Fort George and Longman Bay with smaller Moray Firth. Mute Swan gradually increased numbers in the Beauly Firth. The distribution of during the course of the winter, mostly Curlew and Redshank was generally similar to concentrated between Alturlie Point and that of the Bar-tailed Godwit, although in greater Inverness. Pink-footed Geese were recorded numbers within the Beauly Firth and fewer birds from the inner reaches of the Beauly Firth to around Fort George and Whiteness Head. Alturlie Point, with a few also around Whiteness The most abundant gull species was Head. The distribution of Greylag Goose was Herring Gull followed by Black-headed Gull similar although they were absent from (27,000 and 7,000 in February respectively).

250 Low Tide Counts Figure 93. WeBS Low Tide Count distributions of Wigeon and Oystercatcher at Moray Firth , winter 2002/03. (AP=Alturlie Point, FG=Fort George)

Low Tide Counts 251 PEGWELL BAY Kent

Internationally important: None Nationally important: Red-throated Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Golden Plover

Site description and on the flats off Pegwell Bay. Shelduck and Wigeon were both widely distributed Pegwell Bay is a small estuary at the mouth of throughout, although they occurred in the the River Stour in east Kent. For much of the highest densities in Pegwell Bay and, for length, the Stour is narrow, although it broadens Shelduck, on the saltmarshes. Most Teal were considerably at the mouth. The inner estuary recorded from the saltmarsh and meadows substrates are composed of fine, muddy around the Stour, particularly around Shell Ness, particles and the sediments become whilst Mallard were more generally located on increasingly sandier as the estuary broadens into the Pegwell Bay flats. Shoveler numbers Sandwich Bay. There are narrow rocky outcrops increased during the winter, up to a maximum in the north-eastern section, between the of 58 individuals by February, all of which Pegwell and West Cliff areas of Ramsgate. frequented the northern half of the estuary. A Saltmarsh has developed around both banks of small flock of Eider were recorded off Ramsgate the River Stour. Along the western side, Harbour during the later winter period. however, most saltmarsh has been lost via land- Oystercatcher and Golden Plover were both claim. Saltmarsh habitat along the eastern bank widely distributed, although they occurred in the is more extensive. The shoreline to the south of greatest densities on the muddy flats of Pegwell the Stour is backed by a long stretch of bare Bay. Golden Plover also frequented the shingle, behind which there are extensive dunes meadows and saltmarsh along the Stour. More and sandy grassland. The dune system is than 7,200 Golden Plover were present in growing rapidly northwards and diverting the February, exceeding the level of national channel of the Stour. There is relatively little importance. Ringed Plover and Grey Plover industrial activity, with a power station and were both present in substantial numbers in industrial wharf at Richborough, a chemical December, exceeding the threshold of national works further upriver at Great Stonar and a importance. Both these species were widely harbour at Ramsgate. Leisure activities are more distributed throughout the area. Lapwing abundant. These include sailing, wind-surfing frequented Pegwell Bay along with the and water-skiing, along with a marina at saltmarsh and meadows around the Stour. The Ramsgate. Beach recreation is also widespread February peak of over 10,000 Lapwing exceeded and wildfowling takes place on the grazing the maximum Core Count for 2002/03. Most marshes. Knot and Dunlin occurred in Pegwell Bay, north Bird distribution 2002/03 of the River Stour. Sanderling, however, were generally located on the coastline south of the Although absent during November and river. Sanderling numbers exceeded the December, Red-throated Diver numbers threshold of national importance during increased rapidly to 96 birds by February, December. Substantial numbers of Snipe were exceeding the threshold of national importance. present in the saltmarsh behind Shell Ness and They were generally located at the mouth of around the edges of Pegwell Bay. The highest Pegwell Bay. Great Crested Grebe exhibited a count was made in February when 92 similar pattern of occurrence; they were absent individuals were present. Bar-tailed Godwit, for the first half of the winter, followed by an Curlew and Redshank showed a similarly broad influx during the second half. This species distribution, with the exception that the latter peaked in January, when 408 individuals were two species also occurred in the saltmarsh scattered along the coast. Up to 8 Little Egret around the Stour. Up to 4 Spotted Redshank also frequented the saltmarsh behind Shell Ness and wintered in the saltmarsh creeks. Turnstone Pegwell Bay, whilst 26 European White-fronted were virtually confined to the northern side of Geese were recorded along the Stour between Pegwell Bay between Ramsgate and Shellness. Sandwich and Shell Ness during February. Seven species of gull were recorded, of Although small numbers of Dark-bellied Brent which Black-headed and Herring were the most Geese were also found along the river, the abundant. majority occurred on the saltmarsh at Shell Ness

252 Low Tide Counts Figure 94. WeBS Low Tide Count distributions of Wigeon and Lapwing at Pegwell Bay, winter 2002/03. (GS=Great Stonar, Ri=Richborough)

Low Tide Counts 253