The Netherlands Antilles (our 14th Caribbean Island [Group])become the 154th country to join the readership today, and in traditional fashion we extend a warm welcome and hope if you enjoy the read that you will pass on the 'link' to many others. Thank You!Otherwise, with absolutely no changes in the weather or bird scene whatsoever, it has been by and large a dull day. Given the state of the tides recently (an early morning ebb) I have somewhat neglected the cemetery and Radipole lately, but that was redressed this morning.
Little but a few Goldcrests at the former, there is now a good show of 'berries' on various bushes that should help our feathered friends in weeks to come. This Holly looked well laden, while
a Cotoneaster, growing up a gravestone, looked more aesthetic that fruit barring.
The Yew Trees, synonymous with graveyards in the UK, are looking good too, but it was now time to cross over to Radipole. Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail could both be heard long before arriving on the Reserve, while withing a few yards
these 2 Eurasian Wigeon hove into view
along with good numbers of Mallard, Teal, Gadwall and Shoveler. In addition there were still good numbers of Siskin flying overhead as a lone Kingfisher announced its presence with a piercing 'peep'!
Along the approach path to the Visitor's Centre a number of Bearded Tits could be heard 'pinging' away in the reeds, with c11 flying across the path and others staying put. Total number not known. On the still exposed mud there were c2 Black-tailed Godwit along with this Little Egret,
but it was this unusually 'rufous' Snipe (Species) that caught my eye! Luckily Bob Ford was on hand to provide not only a telescope but also some help with identification,
with the most likely call being Common Snipe. However, I am still not sure about this, so have past the photos on to others who might be able to sort it out one way or the other.
Arriving at Ferry Bridge, there were probably as many as 70 Brent Geese feeding the falling tide, but most took to flight and headed off down the Fleet before I even made it to the Bridge. In addition there were c3
Sandwich Terns,
an Arctic Tern, a single Bar-tailed Godwit and without an accurate count would have to say in excess of 30 Mediterranean Gulls.