Since the last sighting of this bird recorded here on 29th October, a number of birdwatchers have observed it along the saltmarsh, on or about high tide, when the Oystercatcher flock it is associating with is pushed up onto the saltmarsh where it becomes readily viewable.
This morning, the peak of the high water series coincided with gale force winds of storm Abigail - causing a good deal of bird movement on the Estuary. Not yet having seen the Avocet ourselves, we decided to brave the rough weather and look for it. Luck was with us - as, after burning a number of Oystercatcher roosts, we eventually tracked it down to the very place we had spotted the Snow Goose a few days ago.
It was well out on the edge of the saltmarsh (just east of the Viaduct) at first, hardly visible - being well camouflaged amongst the flock of other black and white birds. But gradually, as the tide and rough weather pushed them further in, it came up into view. A restless bird compared with its companions, it quite quickly traversed the flock, seeming to need to find a safer place and space of its own - but still within the flock. Its activity made for interesting viewing and allowed us to get a photograph or two of it.
Initial sighting of the Avocet nestled down amongst the Oystercatcher flock on the estuary edge - with waves beating up on the shore.
As the waves thundered nearer it decided to move.
Gradually weaving its way along the flock - first of all by running . . .
. . . and then by flying.
Finally spotting an open, safer position . . .
. . . where it came down to land.
This was on the side of a small inlet somewhat away from rough seas beating up at the tide's edge.