Sunday 20th September

Thick fog hampered viewing until around 10.30 and the autumnal feel was enhanced by the first Water Rail of the winter in the Main Pond and a Lesser Redpoll in the Entrance Bushes. Overhead 70+ Swallow, 30+ House Martin, a Tree Pipit and a Yellow Wagtail were reminders of summer with 15+ Meadow Pipit, four Siskin and three Grey Wagtail. Elsewhere three Mute Swan flew in off from a long way offshore and counts from the estuary included two Curlew Sandpiper, 1690 Oystercatcher, 27 Turnstone, 18 Knot, 16 Dunlin, 12 Dark and six Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 11 Ringed Plover and a Sanderling.

Sparrowhawk - Martin Overy