Yesterday was a bright sunny day in Southend, determined to make the most of the high pressure while it lasted I set off for a walk round Two Tree Island. Although bright it was very windy as I set off to try and improve one of my weakness's, wader identification.
There were large numbers of Brent Geese flying down river (Thames) and more feeding just off the island with a few Shelduck mixed in.
Went into the hide overlooking the lagoon. From where I saw Little Egret, Redshank, Greenshank, Widgeon, Teal, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Meadow Pipit but no sign of the Grey Phalarope that had been reported all week, or at least I could'nt see it nor could my fellow watchers at the time.
Walking back round the shoreline the tide was now in full flood and large numbers of waders were on the receding mud. I saw Redshank, Dunlin, Turnstone, and Godwit (Bar Tailed I think !)
If the good weather continues must get some more practice at Wakering Stairs tomorrow.
Gary
There were large numbers of Brent Geese flying down river (Thames) and more feeding just off the island with a few Shelduck mixed in.
Went into the hide overlooking the lagoon. From where I saw Little Egret, Redshank, Greenshank, Widgeon, Teal, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Meadow Pipit but no sign of the Grey Phalarope that had been reported all week, or at least I could'nt see it nor could my fellow watchers at the time.
Walking back round the shoreline the tide was now in full flood and large numbers of waders were on the receding mud. I saw Redshank, Dunlin, Turnstone, and Godwit (Bar Tailed I think !)
If the good weather continues must get some more practice at Wakering Stairs tomorrow.
Gary
