Mike and June’s sightings – 30th December

Just a few hours today, there were quite a few visitors, probably walking off the Christmas excess!  Bright and sunny although chilly, at Straymarsh roughly 200 Curlew on the fields.  On the Reserve, large numbers of Mallard, 500 or so, and although a common duck, the males looked lovely in the sunlight.  Usual huge numbers of Wigeon and Teal, and the Brent flock must have been almost a 1000 strong.  Waders were not so abundant today, the tide is late, and this cold snap has more than likely had a bearing, they’ll be back!  Nice to know our Stonechats are still with us, and of course the Beardies.  On leaving Kingshill, there was a huge gathering of Black-tailed Godwit on the hay meadow, they have really taken to this area, and there must have been at least 2000 or so!  Sightings of Barn, and Short-eared Owl, Merlin, and Peregrine still regular.  Happy New Year to you all.

Photography by Mike and June Norman