First Goldeneye

Lade - wet, windy, mild, w 4 - A pretty good session around the local patch this morning, despite some hefty showers, with the first Goldeneye of the winter on south lake amongst increasing numbers of Shovelers and Pochards. Sparrowhawk and Marsh Harrier were both hunting around the willow swamp where Cetti`s Warbler, Chiffchaff and Water Rail noted. Back along the beach on a rising tide seven species of waders were pushed in nice and close, including 50 Knots, 20 Barwits and 15 Grey Plovers. We sat it out watching the tidal flood until the Curlews and Oystercatchers departed to roost and three Grey Seals came in off the bay hunting flatfish.

                                Lade Bay waders