Ogden 1430-1530 hrs
A much better afternoon session than yesterdays failure with conditions poor but workable in a NW> 5 with heavy rain showers easing part way through the visit. The area had already been checked by DJS and later JL , both sending messages of doom and gloom, so it was a low expectancy visit which turned out quite pleasant mainly due to the lack of public.
A full circuit round carefully checking all the Mallards around the edges for strangers gave me a count of 124 with the Pintail pair definitely moved on. The Little Grebe was present along with 1 of DJSs female Teal out in the centre of the water but having left big bertha at home due to the conditions it was out of range for the small camera.
The Chaffinch flock of around 40 were working the NW shoreline but no Brambling amongst then.
A grey Wagtail was by the water below the prom whilst the Kingfisher and Dipper were in their usual place down by the sluice gate ponds. 4 Jays were working their way along the east side.
The usual small gulls were present along with 4 LBB gulls and what looked pale enough for a first year Herring gull but no chance of a definite i.d. at the distance and in the conditions.
BS