14 December 2020

 eBird stats:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S77489464

Weather:  8am 1C, wind SW3;   1:30pm 8C wind SSE 6

Tide:  10:30 am 3.6m, turning

...resisting (only just) an urge to add "and a paaartridge in a pear treeee" to the eBird list.  
 
A truly fine morning, clearing, mostly mild, and very birdy.  It does seem as though Christmas tree decorations are superfluous this year, what with the siskins:


 

 Trees are full of them, not just fir trees, but I find myself asking whether this is where the idea of decorating trees originated.
 
This does seem to be an exceptionally fine place for effects of light and cloud.

In a way, it makes me think of the 17th century Dutch artists, who painted clouds and light so wonderfully.  Perhaps living in a place which is often dark and rainy develops appreciation of light.  

There was a quite splendid and obliging juvenile Cooper's hawk that sat for photos, then took flight.
 
 The tide was turning, not really low.  There were lots of ducks, some ordinary, some less so.  I wonder whether they drew the  raptors -- I saw 2 northern harriers, the Cooper's hawk, a kestrel, the usual eagles, and a peregrine falcon.  Unfortunately, apart from the Coopers, they were either speeding past or too distant to get a good photo.  Still, that's (for me) a good representation of raptors.  
 
There were three very pleasant youngish folk, taking core samples in the mud of the estuary.   They were working for the Nature Trust.   I find myself wishing I'd taken an interest in natural history earlier and could have done their work.  In any case, they were nice to chat with, and one was clearly a keen and well-informed birder, who gave me some good heads up about what I can expect to see in the coming months.
 
I did my usual coffee and added Christmas cookies, as I counted ducks.  I realise I've added photos of my view but until now, none of my bench...
 
 

 which overlooks the Straits and the marsh...


There was an abundance of gulls on the sandbar, and three great blue herons (not all immediately visible here). 
 

 It was also the first time I've seen varied thrushes here.  They weren't very obliging, but here is what we'll call a "photo of record."  There were four, all of whom took off, apart from one helpful creature.  I've always liked varied thrushes.
 

 By this time, I had spent all of the morning and part of the mid-day in the Estuary.  No problem, although I had a few chores around the house that needed dry weather.  I headed back, very content and in need of lunch.
 
...one more siskin photo...
 
...it also appears as though the alders are already starting to bud out!


 
 

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