Egrets & Harriers

Lade Bay - 1330hrs - cold, sunny, n3 - With two of our regulars, Jean and Sarah, down for a weekends birding we commenced at Littlestone checking the bay for waders in superb afternoon sunshine. Of the ten regular winter waders we failed to find a Grey Plover and only singles of Ringed Plover and Redshank. Three Dark-bellied Brents were also noted on the sands along with all the usual gulls.

                                Little Egret, ARC

                                Sunset, Boulderwall

ARC - From Screen and Hanson hides 3 Great White Egrets present plus 2 Littles and several Grey Herons. At least 6 different Marsh Harriers came and went, all of which were juv/females. On the water hundreds of wintering wildfowl including 4 Goldeneyes. A Lapwing flock flying around looking for somewhere to land held a single Golden Plover. A Long-tailed Tit flock by the willow trail contained a Firecrest, a Chiffchaff called from cover near Screen while the Tree Sparrows went to roost in the scrub by the car park.
A quick look from Boulderwall turned up Dabchick and Water Rail on the pool, plus a stunning sunset.