I arrived at the carpark at 09:30 hrs, with high tide having been about an hour earlier.
My hope was that with the high levels of water, I might find a winter Kingfisher on the few un-submerged rocks close in to the path between the harbour and the tower.
Heading south along the path towards the harbour, I came across another birder heading back to the car park. We chatted briefly, during which he informed me that he had seen a small group of Long-Tailed Duck. He also thought he'd seen a Little Auk, but was doubtful himself.
Moving on, I soon found the L-T Ducks, just out from the harbour. On the pebbly shore of the harbour, a couple of Wagtails were flitting about. Initially I thought they were male and female Yarrellii, but after watching them for a while, I concluded that one of the birds was probably an Alba (see what you think from photos).
Moving on again, I reached the tower without encountering any Kingfishers. Always an optimistic target I suppose.
Beyond the tower, there was little bird action. Leaden skies and cool temperatures not encouraging much to show. Great Tit was the only bird of note (L-TD excepted) by this point, with it being new for the month. I thought of cutting my visit short, but decided to push on to the benches, at least.
With nothing unexpected making the list, I turned back at the benches, having sat for a short while to sea watch. The journey back was pretty uneventful, apart from an overhead Yellowhammer, until I was about halfway down the slope approaching the tower. Stopping briefly to scan the rocks in the cove, a flash of blue was picked up, and I was onto a Kingfisher. A welcome addition to the year list. Hopefully, it will stay for the winter.
Passing the tower, a new addition for the month popped up in the scrub, in the shape of a male Stonechat.
With the L-T Ducks having arrived, I am only short Red-Breasted Mergansers to have a full set of my regular winter residents. Although I still have high hopes of a Black Redstart appearing on the strip.