The Thames Estuary

Had a break from Beddington today and visited the Thames from Canvey Island with Simon. Looks like this weather is causing some disturbances- we had four Bewick's Swan (pic 4) fly over, a steady trickle of Lapwing moving up river, a single Golden Plover, a flock of 20+ Skylark in the saltings and a Red-throated Diver flying up Teweks Creek.
In addition we had the usual wintering birds including 3000-4000 Knot (pic 1-3), 500+ Dunlin, 80+ Grey Plover, 1800+ Oystercatcher and 40+ Brent Goose. If this weather keeps it could generate more hard weather displacements.

For Knot set to music see: http://shorebirder-waderworld.blogspot.com/2009/12/4-bewicks-new-colour-ringed-knot.html