Along with Mike Davey, we noted a typical variety of waders feeding on the shore at the Rhoscrowther/Kilpaison end on the rising tide. These included 100+ curlews and similar numbers of oystercatchers - all headed over to their roosts on the Sawdern Point side of the bay an hour or two before high tide.
Smaller waders included at least 20 ringed plovers and 20-30 dunlin. One of the ringed plovers was colour-ringed but, frustratingly, it and all but two of the rp's (both unringed), flew off with most of the dunlin - they all appeared to be heading towards Freshwater West. A single knot flew across in front of us and eventually landed with the other waders at one of the Sawdern Point roost locations.
The wigeon flock had risen considerably since the weekend, with at least 500+ just offshore. We noted at least 4-5 pintails (all immature/female types); there could have been more but many of the offshore ducks were some distance away. The mute swan flock had also increased to 16. It was nice to see our first two pale bellied Brent Geese of the autumn - no doubt others will be arriving soon.
