Onward....

Starting to see a more avocets along the river now. 

Still big flocks of godwits, widgeon, shellduck, teal, lapwing and various geese.

Couple of greenshank in their usual spots and lots of other waders and wildfowl, it's a good time of year on the estuary.

If you'd like to learn more about how to start bird watching but are not sure how, join me for an introduction in a few weeks.

Details here....

https://facebook.com/events/s/beginners-guide-to-bird-watchi/3327599750891314/

www.trailsoftheriverbank.co.uk

Nine Below Zero

Almost.

Nice in the sun in the middle of the day. Booooodaful in fact.

The photos speak for themselves eh ?

On Your Doorstep

Or mine.

Just back from a stunning shortish walk along the river. 

Sun burnt the mist off and it was beautiful but still cold in the sun.

Thousands of geese on the marshes, mostly greylags with plenty of canadas mixed in.

Lots of little grebes in their usual spots.

Actually had the best views and sightings were on the edge of town, from a convenient bench out of the ( very light ) wind and facing the sun.

Huge flocks of godwits, dunlin and shellducks, plenty of teal, widgeon and redshank and great views up close of a kingfisher, a pair of mergansers and several pintail and goldeneye.

A fantastic walk and views right on your doorstep. How lucky eh ?

Another River

Had a bit of a recce earlier this week on the south bank of the Orwell around Shotley.

Lots of options for some longer guided walks around here, including routes to take in both the Stour and Orwell.

Big flocks of geese, mostly brent and greylags,  moving about at dusk and lots of other wildlife.

Definitely one to do again.

The Early Bird....

Out and about early Friday morning and greeted with a beautiful sunrise on the north bank of the Stour.

Nobody else about either, which is always a bonus on the packed island.

Definitely worth getting out of bed for.

Summer Returns

Well, it felt like it. 18 degrees C in November ? Yep. Make the most of it I say.

Two lovely walks in last two days.

Yesterday along the Colne with Glyn, bird watcher extrordinaire. Bloke has got eyes like a hawk and knows his birds and his patch, inside out. An interesting chap too. Oh and a Liverpool fan, so we were always going to be friends.

A short but cracking walk and a good chat too.

Today two walks, the usual early morning "loosener" and then a longer six miler towards Flatford.

Big flocks of godwits, redshanks, loads of widgeon and teal, various finches and tits and at dusk endless amounts of geese wheeling overhead. A great sight.

River up with a little colour after a bit of rain a few days ago and look much better for it.

Booooodaful.

Food For Free

Anyone like a bit of foraging ? Finding your own food ?

Or catching it ?

This week I took Dave fishing, he's just starting and he wanted to catch a few fish and learn how to prep them.

We went through some basic stuff, reliable knots, how to cast, habits of various species and tides. If you're a complete beginner fishing can be a bit of a mine field, there are so many variables. 

We caught plenty and I showed him how to gut, skin and fillet and now he has fresh fish for tea.

Happy days.