A Winter's Day

There was a real increase in the water levels across the marsh this morning, Fairfield church stood on it's mound while the combination of sun and dark rain clouds resulted in a rainbow which had disappeared by the time I stopped.












There were the usual small birds on the feeders at Baynham Farm, a Mute swan flock which included a Black Swan and the Bewick Swans are still from Caldecott Lane. The road into Lydd was axle deep but passable.





After a cup of tea and a chat with BB we decided to wander out in search of the Hume's warbler, as the sun was shining and it had been seen this morning. The water levels are higher than I have ever seen them and trying to navigate through the underwater paths was interesting. We did see a Robin, a Blue Tit, 2 Great Tits and a Chiffchaff but no sign or sound of the warbler. A rapid return to the obs just avoided the next heavy shower.











A hungry Kestrel was hunting in the gardens as we drove out, pouncing onto the grass from the fence posts.












The afternoon was spent on the beach chatting with DW, MC and MB, dodging the heavy showers and sheltering behind the boats. There were thousands of gulls loafing around, flying off, swirling round and settling again. The Glaucous gull came and went, allowing some nice photos in the sunshine. The storms and high tides had left a variety of seaweeds and starfish on the tideline as well as lots of sea mice.



More vicious squalls and strong winds eventually persuaded us that it was time to retreat to somewhere warm and dry.