Early Morning at Donna Nook - December 7th 2025
- Stewart Abbott, A Wild Life
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Setting Off Before Dawn
We departed with four clients just after 05:30 in the morning, collecting our fifth client en route. The early start was carefully planned so that we would arrive at Donna Nook shortly after sunrise, taking advantage of the quiet before the crowds began to gather.
The Magic of a Quiet Arrival
Donna Nook is always a wonderful place to visit, but having the reserve to ourselves in the early hours is truly special. In the stillness, it is possible to hear the young pups calling out for their mothers, alongside the distinctive snarls of the females as they warn off males who venture too close.
The Changing Soundscape
As more people arrive, much of this natural symphony is gradually drowned out by the increasing hum of human voices. That said, it is heartening to witness so many visitors coming to experience this marvellous wildlife spectacle. The excitement and appreciation expressed by others is unmistakable, yet those first couple of hours, when the reserve is quiet, are pure bliss.
Wildlife Observations at Donna Nook
Grey Seals and Bird Activity
The species list for our visit began, quite fittingly, with the Grey Seals. These iconic inhabitants of Donna Nook were joined by a variety of birdlife throughout the morning. Great Black-backed Gulls were present in good numbers, diligently searching the area for any scraps of food. Overhead, skeins of Pink-footed Geese passed by several times, their calls resonating above us. Skylarks also made an appearance, with one individual delighting us with a burst of song.
Birds of the Mudflats and Hawthorn
As we scanned the mudflats, the list of observed species continued to grow. Flocks of Shelduck, Mallard, Redshank, Lapwing, Goldfinch and Linnet all contributed to the vibrant scene. Curlew were seen foraging in the muddy channels that stretch like fingers across the landscape. Behind us, the Hawthorn provided both food and shelter for a variety of smaller birds, including Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Robin, and Blackbird.
Further Bird Sightings and Predators
Out on the flats, additional species were observed, such as Starling, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, and a solitary Rock Pipit. With such a flurry of small bird activity, it was clear that a predator was likely nearby. Indeed, a Merlin was seen flying up and down the coastline, its presence adding excitement to the morning. In the distance, a volunteer pointed out a striking Red Fox, similarly scanning the area for breakfast, just as the Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were.
Other Notable Sightings
The morning’s tally continued to grow with the sighting of a single Little Egret and several cormorants. Corvids were well represented, with Magpie, Jackdaw, and Carrion Crow all busy feeding. The highlight among them was an unusually confident Rook, observed at close range—quite a rare treat outside of service station car parks, where they are typically less wary of people.
Seal Behaviour and Final Observations
As the crowds began to build and our visit drew to a close, we witnessed a dramatic encounter between two large, evenly matched male Grey Seals. They squared up to one another, quickly engaging in a fierce tussle that lasted nearly ten minutes. Blow after blow was exchanged until both bulls, their brown coats now streaked with blood, were thoroughly exhausted. This intense display of dominance took place just two metres beyond the safety fence, and although not everyone may relish such a spectacle, the power and energy of the moment could be felt through the ground. It was truly a memorable sight.
Warning : Some of the following images are of blooded seals.
The final tally for the day’s bird list reached thirty one, with the addition of a Pheasant near the car park. Reflecting on the day, it was an experience to remember, and there are already plans to run at least one more trip to Donna Nook next season.
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