Winter is certainly a great time of the year to visit Havergate Island. I returned on Friday to the Island after 2 weeks away due to October Storm being out of the water for her annual inspection and tidy up. It was alive with birds on the lagoons. We managed a count of 508 wigeon, 571 teal, 12 pintail, 143 shoveler, 44 Avocet, 105 Golden Plover, 168 redshank, 275 lapwing, 44 knot, 128 black tailed godwit and ringed plover, grey plover, dunlin, ruff and bar tailed godwit. We also had great sightings of short eared owl, barn owl and marsh harrier. These numbers will only get better as the winter progresses.

We still have a few places available on our visitor trip on 3 December. To book call Minsmere on 01728 648281 or for more information see our events webpage rspb.org.uk/havergateisland.