Tuesday 22 February 2022

Hook

Relatively low overall numbers of birds on the WeBS count today. Most abundant were Teal (248), Shelduck (74), Redshank (74), Black-headed Gull (71) and Dunlin (79).    Mallard (15) and Wigeon (19) numbers were significantly less than recently.    Good numbers of Greenshank (11 - 7 of which were together at the head of Sprinkle Pill estuary) and Little Egret (8). Solitary Great Crested Grebe, Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Black-tailed Godwit and a presumed Golden Plover that flew past - 'presumed' only because it looked surprisingly dull, grey and un-golden despite the strong sunlight, but lacked the black armpits of a Grey Plover. No sign of Lapwings or other Golden Plover.