Waders and Grebes at Spit beach, Par.

Headed down to the south coast at lunch time after getting my 2 year "locals pass" for the Eden Project sorted out and having had a good look at the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year photos which are on display at Eden.

I saw the Ring Necked Duck at the Par beach pool but it was always at the far side of the pool and with a gale blowing was really not worth trying for with the camera.

With nothing showing at St.Andrews pool I decided to go down to Spit beach remembering that Nigel had some good Black Redstarts there last weekend.

I couldn't locate the Black Redstarts but did turn up a single Purple Sandpiper amongst a dozen or so Turnstones.
There were also some Oystercatchers roosting on the rocks with a group of 8 Great Crested Grebes in the sea off the harbour wall.

They were difficult to get near so eventually I climbed up on the harbour wall and managed to get a lot closer although the wind was blowing hard and the water was turbulent.

Nigel was however poised with his camera should I fall off the wall!!!

Oystercatchers

Oystercatchers

Purple sandpiper

Turnstone

Great crested Grebes in the sea off Par harbour

Great crested Grebes in the sea off Par harbour

Great crested Grebe in the sea off Par harbour