There were eight of us altogether and we set off from the sand plant heading towards the pier. To our left was Marshside 1, which was full of birds, and to our right the estuary. We were treated to a typical display from several Meadow Pipits with accompanying Skylarks. As we walked along the footpath we could see the framework of the second hide taking shape. This should be opened before long. On the fresh marsh, Golden Plover could be seen in their summer plumage, but a solitary Barnacle Goose looked out of place. There were still lots of duck such as Pintail, Shoveler, Teal, Wigeon and Mallard. Black-tailed Godwit were trying to outshine the plover with their own display of summer plumage, the one or two Ruff proving to be quite elusive. Over on the estuary, the stunning spectacle of clouds of Knot wheeling about the sky announced the presence of Peregrine. This particular individual landed on the ground, then, after we all had had a good look at him, came closer onto a perch so that we had an even better view!. A Merlin flew over the top of him to try to distract us. There were Shelduck, Curlew and Grey Plover in good numbers but only two Pink-footed Geese.

We returned to the car park to be told that we had just missed a Wheatear. Ah well, you can't have everything. We then went into the hide and had excellent views of more godwit, Little Grebe and displaying Lapwing. As always lunchtime came far too quickly and we all left for home (or lunch) in good spirits.

David Beattie