To avoid the bad weather forecast for tomorrow, we did our counts today.
On the Carew-Cresswell, wigeon numbers had increased to in excess of 500, and similar numbers of teal, and 120 shelduck. 57 mallard was a good count at Cresswell Quay. Wader numbers were not especially high, although 90+ redshank were roosting near New Shipping. About a dozen grey plovers were seen. A roost of about 30 oystercatchers included 3 ringed birds. One was white UY on the right leg, black/green on the left. Another was red/metal on the left leg, but it never put its right leg down to reveal any other colours. The third bird just had a metal ring on the right leg only. We haven't seen them at this roost before. About a hundred lapwings roosting along the shore. The goldeneye was still on Carew Millpond.
Rather fewer birds overall on the Daucleddau, but then, it doesn't have the same extensive feeding areas. However, a bit of excitement at Garron Pill with this white-winged gull. One the ground it was shining bright white in the sunshine, but in flight it was clear that parts of the plumage were a slushy brown colour. The bill colour wasn't too obvious, but that was because it was covered in mud. An Iceland gull, unless the gull experts out there beg to differ.
