Tuesday started with an immature male peregrine falcon, which flew towards us across the estuary. It flew straight over our heads and landed on top of the tallest block of flats behind us, fantastic. Brent goose numbers had reduced from 5,000 over the weekend to around 3,500 now, probably a result of high tides, fine weather and increased boat activity. They have not left us, just relocated to a quieter part of the estuary. From Victoria wharf in Old Leigh, the remaining geese are showing very well along with little egrets, dunlin, grey plover, redshank and many other wading birds.
During low tide, up to 15 common seals can be seen loafing on the exposed sand banks and are proving extremely popular with visitors to the brent goose watch. The watch runs daily until Friday 22 October 10 am - 4 pm.
Images below are: black-headed gull, common gull, curlew, a lesser black-backed gull struggling to devour a flounder, pied wagtail and a redshank.