A freezing cold N>4 at 4 degrees with 50% cloud and some sun. Good visibility.
The plan this morning was to de-poo the floating jetty after last nights Canada goose roost and then walk the length of the west bank to check the mud at the north end. After 10 minutes sweeping and swilling a very rocky jetty, which made me hang on a bit, I decided it was too cold and windy to do the west bank facing the icy north wind so a good scope round and a walk on the south bank.
Dunlin were actively feeding on the shore as well as Redshank and a single Oystercatcher whilst 3 Common Sandpiper flew from the lagoon, low over the water to the north end.
Scoping the west bank towards the north end the Ruff was still present with 3 Redshank around it but not harassing it.
After a few minutes the 4 birds flew across the water to the NE corner and out of sight. I'm surprised that its still present after yesterdays sailing and windsurfing which is also taking place this afternoon.
Otherwise, 5 female Wheatear, 1 male Reed Bunting and the usual Meadow Pipits and then, as I was starting to tackle up, just before 1000 hrs, the flood gates opened and Swifts started piling through with a count of 42 before I left 10 minutes later.
Another attempt at the west bank in the morning but showing cloudy conditions and still a moderate northerly wind at 7 degrees.
BS