Another post work visit to No.6 tank and a chance to enjoy watching the birds bathed in glorious evening sunshine. A flock of 1250 Black-tailed Godwit contained a few juvenile plumage birds. A solitary Ruff was joined by a Greenshank, 3 Common Redshank and c450 Northern Lapwing.
Apart from the godwits the main highlight were the 102 Northern Shoveler, 340 Eurasian Teal, 6 Northern Pintail, the first returning 3 Eurasian Wigeon, 21 Gadwall, 31 Mallard and a small number of Common Shelduck.
A Marsh Harrier flew in and did a circuit of the tank before heading off, while tens of Raven were heading inland for the night.
The first lone Pink-footed Goose which was calling as it flew south over No.6 tank. c50 Canada Goose and a single Greylag with several Mallard, Eurasian Teal and Gadwall were on the ‘phalarope pool’ with a single Black-tailed Godwit. The Eurasian Coot family and a pair of Lapwing. The ‘Splashing pool’ held a mixed flock of c60 Mallard, Eurasian Teal and Tufted Duck. 3 Common Snipe dropped into a field along Lordship Lane.
Observers: Paul Ralston (4-5 & 7), WSM (images 1-3 & 6).
