0730—1230 Persistent light rain with full cloud; humid and windless. With Swallows gathering on wires, it felt like Autumn`s approach, and several Sand Martins were over the E flood too. In the NE corner, 2Ruff, and a Spotted Redshank now in winter dress, were tarsus deep and a Water Rail gave good views as it moved through the reed margins. 4 Little Ringed Plovers were in the SE corner and 2 Green Sandpipers in front of the main hide. The Long–billed Dowitcher was belly deep among Mallards a Shoveler on the north side, but a low flying Buzzard put up the throngs of waders . A Wheatear was on the roadside fence. White-headed and ginger plumage was still evident with Turnstones on the slipway and 2 Whimbrel were at the shoreline with Curlews. At Uplees copse, hirundines were hawking at treetop height and a further Wheatear was on the seawall; 2 Stonechats female and juvenile were evident together with a couple of Whitethroats and juvenile Green Woodpecker A swirling, dense cloud at the base of Mocketts drew my attention—expecting waders, it turned out to be Starlings en-masse—early I thought for a substantial `murmuration` ! A Greenshank flew E calling; 20+ Goldfinches worked the thistle heads and Sandwich Terns were atop the slipway markers at the carpark end, as the tide filled.
Mike Roser