As the autumn comes to an official end tonight the weather remains mild in not slightly damp. However the days that the sun does appear provide one of those not to be missed opportunities and that is to watch the winter sun slowly sink across the horizon casting it hues across the harbour. If you are really lucky a sight that will amaze you as 1500 Brent arrive in to the sunset to spend the evening in the harbour. If you have not witnessed this then it is worth the trip down the north wall on a sunny evening and you will not be disappointed.
Sunset over white's Creek (above) and the Brent coming in to roost (below)
Lapwing on the mud in late afternoon
As for the rest of the birds, the numbers continue to increase with over 2000 Lapwing, 1000 Wigeon and may more now taking up their winter residence. Along side these familiar winter visitors the 2 Spoonbill and 2 Ruddy Shelduck have now become part of the fixtures as has the Great Northern Diver and Black Redstart at Medmerry. A third Spoonbill appeared on Ferry Pool this week and now has relocated itself to Medmerry.
Spoonbill in the twilight
With the onset of winter many birds will re-locate from their inland homes down to the coast to escape the winter frosts. Species such as Stonechat and Kingfisher are regular observed around the harbour on their winter holidays.
Kingfisher (above) and Stonechat (below) on their winter holidays
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon