Egrets and Gypo's!

Egyptian Goose over Dengemarsh Flood.

On the way to Springfield Bridge this morning under clear skies and keen wind, a Raven was pulling bits off a dead fox by Brickwall Farm in the next field the 2 Cattle Egrets were strutting around. From the bridge the mixed flock of Alba Wagtails, Pipits and Reed Buntings were at the far end of the field as a tractor was working the field. 2 Great White Egrets were chasing one another around Dengemarsh, an adult male Marsh Harrier was seeing off a young male and a flock of 20+ Golden Plover flew through. As I walked down to Hayfield 3, 2 Egyptian Geese flew over and dropped into the flood (seen earlier at the observatory per DW) joining 2 Little Egrets, 3 Ruff, 6 Redshank, 26 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plovers and 2 Lapwings. From Dengemarsh hide 6 Little Egrets sheltering under the north bank with 100+ Wigeon. walking down to Christmas Dell a Peregrine flew over flushing 3 Curlew from somewhere in front the hide. Further down the path to Scott hide 21 Dunlin and 2 Redshank flew into Hayfield 1, no doubt flushed from 3 by the Peregrine. From Scott Hide c150 Shoveler sheltering from the wind , also several Cormorants flew across carrying twigs into the breeding island.

 Redshank and Dunlin on Hayfield 1

Curlew over Christmas Dell

Early afternoon DW and GH were parked c25 yds up the road from Plodland checking the Gulls in the newly ploughed field. As I joined them DW pointed out an adult Mediterranean Gull among many Black-headed and Common Gulls. The gulls suddenly flushed, while searching for a raptor a Woodcock flew across the field. Can I put in on the from the garden list as I was only 25 yds away?

A visit to the Gull roost at The Point found few Gulls there but plenty of tourists.

This evening at the Egret Roost 26 Little Egrets, 7 Great White Egrets and the 2 Cattle Egrets came in to the accompaniment of Cetti's Warblers, also seen there a red head Goosander, a Black-necked Grebe and 3+ Marsh Harriers.