An excellent field visit took place on 5th Jan. The meeting was well supported, including two members from North Devon. We saw over 50 different species and the sun shone! The meeting begun at the quay, where good views of Kingfisher, a male Red-breasted Merganser and two male Goldeneye were seen.
It was difficult to identify the 100’s of waders on the mud towards the mouth of the river due to the low sun but Liz picked out 200+ Avocet and Doug some godwit. Closer view of Avocet was possible from the platform where there were also 10+ Grey Plover and plenty of Dunlin and Oystercatchers.
As always, large numbers of duck were on the marsh outside the hide including the American Wigeon, which gave us good views, once it decided it was time for a swim. Few waders were visible from the hide – presumably because of the unusually high water levels. A brief visit to Darts Farm only produced a Coal Tit, as the light was quickly fading. Lesley Goonesekera
