It started so nicely with blue skies, no wind and .... sunshine...
Woodpigeons were once again on the move and 15,630 were counted heading south across the reserve and further east towards Chafford on the same front as other days this week.
Some came down but most kept on going. This shot by Les Harrison. Interestingly, Ruth reckons that they are orientating on the Twin Sisters pylons that straddle the Thames as many birds seem to veer towards them before crossing the river.
By 1030 the rain was with us and a cold crisp day became a very chilly, very wet one. There was som eother movement with Black-tailed Godwits now reaching 118 and a few more Chaffinches and a few Redwing around. The male Marsh Harrier and his two ladies were on show for most of the day and they pushed off a juvenile male that came in from the north. A high Buzzard also headed south so perhaps they were really on the move with a light breeze behind them.
Sparrowhawks were pretty active and Les caught this female on a pylon...
We only had 32 visitors today but despite the weather everyone seemed to enjoy themselves!
9-11-13
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer
Cheers Ritchie
Common Buzzard perched on pylon next to A13 at 10.30 as well. At least two Marsh harriers flew through. One chased off of the reserve by resident Harrier.
May all your Sandpipers be Curlew.