Mussels and Mud!

With the promise of Higher than usual tides in the Morcame bay area the weekend of 27th and 28th, I took a little trip up to see what is was like in preparation for the winter. Whilst not expecting large flocks and not knowing the area that well it was to be an interesting expedition.

The actual location was to be Heysham right next to the Nuclear power station, so strange guyser in camo clothing and large lens certainly got me stopped for a quick check by the local bobbies. Arriving at low tide the mussel beds were well exposed and that gave me the opportunity to check out the species on offer for the day. and get a feel on how fast the tide advances up the estuary, bloody quick.

The main area of interest was to be the Helipad area just inside the seawall, and the beach itself as the mud banks stretch right up to the shore. Selecting a comfortable rock I settled in and waited for the birds to come to me. Which they did, in large numbers. The species range was not vast but interesting and coming ever closer.

The main flocks were of Knot and Oystercatcher with a few redshank, Spot shank, Turnstone etc.

A word of warning should you think of going watch the tide and the mud is real sticky.

Paul