With continuing poor visibility and mizzle this morning it was not surprising to find Blackbirds popping out of bushes and Robins giving their high pitched autumn call from every corner. We ended up with three Firecrests yesterday (with another at nearby Purfleet Station) and one was heard by Dave Smith this morning in the woodland. He even got a recording of it. A few more Skylarks and Chafinches on the move as well.

The waders were on Purfleet Scrape first thing again with a similar cast as yesterday but with the addition of a Black-tailed Godwit and now five Curlew. Two juvenile Marsh Harriers (one of each sex - the male is appreciably smaller) were foot tusselling over Aveley Pools. A most welcome sight.

And a late addition from Sunday when an immature male Common Scoter was seen on the Thames by Martin Jordan. Nice photo too!

You can tell it is an immature by the dull bill and patchy black-and brown plumage.  In flight it would have undoubtedly have had a pale belly...

23-10-12