Mike and June’s sightings – 21st February

Wind: Cool N.W.force 4-7, rising tide, 6.5 on high.  Rain mixed with sleet early morning, but improving by mid-morning, staying dry, but chilly for the rest of the day.

On Entrance track good to see large numbers of Lapwing, marking out their territories, Redshank and Oystercatcher looked to be doing the same.  Counted ten Ruff, and a distant Merlin looked on from a gatepost. A few Shoveler present there also. On the Track out to the hides, two Stonechat in the reeds, sadly, for us no Beardies. Good showing of Marsh Harrier, two Peregrine, five Buzzard and three Kestrel.  As the tide rose, the numbers of Waders built and built, with some fantastic flights, and in front of Wellmarsh, mainly, Grey Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone and a few Snipe.  Further out good numbers of Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler, and Shelduck, with a large gathering of Black-tailed Godwit, and Curlew.  Later as the tide reached full, c300 Avocet and 5 Med.Gulls appeared!  On return to Kingshill, good numbers of Tufted Duck, a couple of Great Crested and Little Grebe.  Still thousands of Wigeon, Teal and Golden Plover on and around the Reserve, but for how much longer!  As we were leaving, we looked for the Wood Sandpiper that others had reported, but no joy, however, a flight of 35 Bar-tailed Godwit flew over us.  Cold fingers and toes today, but Hearts warmed from some beautiful birds!

Photography by Mike and June Norman