Early a.m. at Fly Flatts in 100% cloud cover on a brisk W>4 .
Once again an overnight fall of waders brought in 12 Ringed Plover and topped the Dunlin count up to an amazing 41 with several probably missed in the distant ponds.
Miles of walking to cover the whole of the shorelines and mostly distant scope work but well worth the effort and it satisfied me that nothing exotic had been missed.
Within 5 minutes out of the car I had clocked up 22 Dunlin along the south shore along with Common Sandpipers and Redshank. The rest of the Dunlin and the 12 Ringed Plovers were spread out along the east bank at the north end, an amazing sight to see.
Only 15 big gulls present although these usually build up in the afternoon.
All this scope work has brought me to the conclusion that my scope is past its prime and needs replacing. Its fine at 20 to 30 mags but loses its clarity when zoomed in towards 60. I had a look at them on line last night and the price they are at now made me think I,ll struggle on with this a bit, one of the down sides of being retired.
No late afternoon session today due to circumstances beyond my control, ( grandchildren) .
Can,t wait to see what tomorrow produces.
41 Dunlin
12 Ringed Plover
9 Redshank
18 Common Sandpiper
2 Oystercatchers
1 Short Eared Owl
2 Buzzard
4 Reed Bunting
2 Raven
2pr Greylag with young, 2 and 7
Around 50 Canadas with approx 70 young
Lapwing chicks all over the south end shoreline
BS