Tuesday 22nd December

Of the few casual waterbirds counts made, 143 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 20 Wigeon and 18 Teal were likely to be genuine reflection of diminishing numbers in those species since, as is their established pattern, the majority of the estuary's populations move up the estuary at this time of the winter to flooded grazing meadows.  Also noted, two Mute Swan flew in from the south; two Little Egret, the Slavonian Grebe and the ♀ Scaup again. Offshore, some of the 19 Great Crested Grebe, two Razorbill and Red-throated Diver.  Two Collared Dove that crossed over the railway line into the site boundary airspace from the village were first to do so since 10th October.