9 January 2021

 eBird data:   https://ebird.org/checklist/S78957547 
Weather:  9 am 5C, wind SE 13;  1pm 6C wind SE 16, gusts to 30
increasing cloud, dry

Tide:  12 m 4.5m

Forecast was for clearing, but although it didn't rain, it grew increasingly windy, and chilly.  There weren't many people out walking for most of the morning.  I'm wondering whether the amount of flooding and deep mud on the paths is keeping the visitor numbers down.

The path that used to go past the "merganser pond" remains a lake, so I'm continuing to explore some of the wooded paths.  There was a gloriously bright varied thrush in the woods, but quite distant, and then it vanished into the shrubbery.  Anyhow, I now know it's there so I can keep my eye out.  It seemed much brighter than the one I photographed on the 6th, and the light wasn't any less cloudy.  

The river seemed to be down a bit, although it was mid-tide, which was likely a factor.  

There is a lot of erosion to the riverbank, and trees fallen.



I'm not sure what prompted this message, but I was happy to see it, pinned to a shrub beside the path.


I left it, in case it's a message for someone in particular, but it does seem timely.


Despite, or because of, the chilly day, I sat on my bench, drinking hot coffee.  I was tempted to dump some into my boots, but realised that it wouldn't be effective for long.

The lower tide seems to be more inviting to ducks and other waterfowl.  I saw more than I have for some days.  

It appeared as though the green-winged teals are familiar with the saying about having one's "ducks in a row."


Made my way home, for once without getting rained on!  Weather forecast remains pretty gloomy but the weather office isn't all that reliable, so perhaps I'll get out again soon.






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