A misty Saturday before Christmas at Trimley Marshes

As well as volunteering at Minsmere Limpy also does the odd stint at Trimley Marshes for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.  Naturally, I accompany him!  To say the least it was an exceptionally quiet afternoon visitor-wise, but the conditions made for some atmospheric snaps:

Wigeon.

The coot comparing veg with Mr and Mrs Gadwall.

Redshank.

This little egret really posed for the conditions!

The crack shoveler pair successfully sneak past the mute swan.

Not that he's bothered!

The cormorants have a lively discussion about the Christmas entertainment.

Someone's getting a little carried away.

'Beaky!  Control yourself!'

'Relax.....it's not worth getting in a flap over.'

The first pochard I've seen for a while.

Snipey makes his way along the bank.

Even this amount of mist can't disguise the magpie's iridescent feathers.

Lots of oystercatchers were incoming.

Some of the lapwings joined in.

This greylag goose does its best dark angel impression.

This young (2nd winter?) great black-backed gull sits head and shoulders above everyone.

Two crows try to blend in with the oystercatchers.  Not a chance.

A shelduck enjoys a preen as the teal doze behind him.

Finally, a splash of colour.....a green woodpecker!

Enjoy.

Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.