29th January
Snowed heavily overnight which left a good covering of snow in the morning. Inspite of a strong westerly wind blowing, a hardy workparty turned out for a gorse coppicing detail on the saltmarsh. Some comfort would be gained from the bonfire which they soon got burning.There was very little bird activity on the estuary during the morning bar a pair of Mallards picking about on the marsh.
A slight thaw set in after lunch. Greenfinch were seen in the hamlet and a Great Tit was distinctly displaying. A Peregrine flew over the hamlet and was later seen well out on the mudflats being harassed by Crows as it tried to devour some offering it had there.
A trip down the Lonning produced a handful of Teal on the slightly thawed edge of the 1st Meadow Pool with about 400 Wigeon gathered on the 2nd Pool. A substantial flock of geese could be seen flying restlessly about beyond the meadows to the NE of the Lonning, seeming to land but then being flushed into air again. Small flocks kept detaching from this group and flying over the Reserve.
Robin at dawn.
Woodpecker and Blackbird picking around for food in the hamlet.
Hamlet bird feeding station.
Signs of workparty gorse coppicing along the edge of the saltmarsh.
Pair of Mallard wandering disconsolately about the snowy marsh.
The Lonning later in the afternoon - indicating that the footfall had been numerous.
Restless flocks of geese flying back and forth, NE of lonning.
Small group of Teal - 1st Meadow Pool.
Wigeon on floodwater to the left of the Lonning.
Scenic view across the 2nd Meadow Pool.
Mostly Wigeon - 2nd Meadow Pool.
Wigeon on snowy bank - 2nd Meadow Pool.
A colourful scene viewed across the wetlands from the hide.
View towards the Moss from the hide. A small flock of geese can be seen flying over the wood.
Thank you Urisa Reungsuwan for these images of activity on the wetlands, viewed from the hide.
Further activity - credit, U Reungsuwan
View back across the wetlands, through the stands of Phragmites, towards the hide. Credit - U Reungsuwan.