It startetd with murk - lots of murk - and drizzle - and damp - and general greyness but despite all that the bird still shone through and after the aforementioned gloom alleviated there was actually quite a lot to be seen.
The Marsh Harriers performed very well all day and were frequently seen from the visitor centre as was one of the Short-eared Owls that Bill very kindly shouted out while having a cuppa. At least three or so Shorties were also [erforming up near the Serin mound and the Genetay kids got some great shots as they hunted for voles...
Annabelle Genetay - what a shot!
and a corker from Zack Genetay too.
Dartford Warblers were seen in the usual spot before the Ken Barrett Hide by Ian Bradshaw and another photographed by Shaun Harvey somewhere nearthe Serin Mound so I suspect that we still have at least three on the marsh.
Dartford Warbler in the mist - Shaun Harvey
Bullfinches, Lesser Redpoll , Chiffchaff and Goldcrests were seen in the woodland and the new bird table was getting quite a bit of use from the local titmice which is good and amazingly for a Howard construction projest is still in one piece!
Goldcrests - John Humble
Blue Tit - Helen Mathias
Long-tailed Tit - Mark Vale
There were good numbers of Wigeon out grazing with a few immaculate Pintails and three Water Pipits were seen back on the pools and amongstthe high tide waders Pat Hart did very well to find a Little Stint out on the Target Pools. This is only the second here this year and unusual in December. However, my star birds of the day were two Little Gulls that bouyantly flew down river and not only are they one of my favourite birds but it was beginning to look like I might not see one this year on the reserve so the shout from Phil on the radio was very much appreciated. There is still time for a few more noew birds but we still need that pesky wind to go to the east!
And so to the evening where the Christmas Fair was up and running by 4pm and we had a good busy three hours before things started to quieten down. It was a great atmosphere as usual with Laurie playing carols, the general murmur or Christmas cheer and the waft of Boozy Beef, Mack'n'Cheese and Spicy Wedges to tempt the tastebuds.
We even Dingly Delled the buidling...
Julie and her amazing hand knitted blankets - I had to put her prices that high up the pillar to stop her from undercutting herself and selling them any cheaper! And with Laurie mid song behind!
Alex and his new buddy...
oh - and let's not forget Carim Nahaboo and his outlandish Hercules Beetle.... (Angie Hurst)
So many thanks to the staff, vols and other bods who helped to set up, run and take down the fair and for making it such a warm and wonderful evening - just what I needed...
14-12-15
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer