So despite the blowy conditions it would appear that a few people had a great day out on the reserve with no less than seven Short-eared Owls being seen at about 3.30pm at the same time down in Aveley Bay where they came up from their daytime roost. That must have been amazing for Nick and Lee who had also never seen a Shortie before!
SEO - Lee Spence - I think I can can still see both him and Nick smiling :O)
The Firecrest was seen in the same spot near Dent's Drop before the woodland mid afternoon and at least ten Goldcrests were seen and heard... amazing to think that these little balls of fluff have crossed the North Sea (probably at the same time as the Owls!)
Lee had a good day with the camera!
Sam Shippey saw the male Dartford Warbler with the two Stonechats in the brambles near the Ken Barrett and at least two Marsh Harriers were floating around while Joanne Josephine got this cracking shot of a Cetti's Warbler. This is often a good time of year to see them.
Cetti's Warbler - Joanne Josephine
Fraser did his customery morning count of the waders along the foreshore and I only had a few more Black-tailed Godwits to add to his tally of 582 Lapwing, 161 Golden Plover, 64 Dunlin and 12 Black-tailed Godwit. Funnily enough we both matched on five Yellow-legged Gull and 22 Great Black-backed Gull amongst the other usual suspects.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring? I must spend more time window gazing tomorrow rather than looking at a computer screen!
11-11-15
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer
I am green with envy! And we cannot visit again for ages--arrrrrgh!
Kind regards, Ann