Visit this morning. Still c400 brent geese on the fields next to the Turf, included two individuals with abnormal plumage – one with a very pale back and another well marked bird (possible ssp. hrota). A single barnacle goose was with the brent flock. Elsewhere on the marsh were c20 roosting curlew, one bar-tailed godwit, 3 lapwing, 2 oystercatcher and c35 shelduck. Wigeon, teal, mallard and shoveller were still relatively abundant.
Over head a flock of 30 golden plover flew east. A loose group of 7 sand martin appeared from the SW flew over the canal close to the Turf and then returned to the marshes.
Birds of prey included two marsh harriers each gave multiple sightings, 3+ buzzards included two that flew east and a kestrel.
