Only the regulars turned out on this damp and misty morning. Recent wind had caused several of the old poplars beside the railway line to fall. The regular ‘garden’ birds were seen along this stretch and many were singing strongly. Once again no life on the lake at Creeksea but in the fields close by at least two skylarks were singing but with the low cloud we failed to see them climbing or sinking to the ground. Reaching the sea wall we stopped to admire the scene as the still air, calm grey water slowly rising, and the mist combined to give a scene any artist or photographer would like to capture. Here also we had the highlight of the day – a kingfisher perched on a branch and then flying along the stretch of the dyke. This is the second month running that we have seen a kingfisher although last month it was in the reed beds. A small flock of Brent geese came chattering by and landed in what seems to be their favoured spot, the water east of the marina.

Although some work has been started on clearing vegetation from the waterways in the reed bed area, there is a lot more that needs clearing. We did hear a moorhen but failed to spot it amongst the tangle of reeds.

Birds: Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Great & Blue Tit, Skylark, Kingfisher, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Crow, Black-headed & Herring Gulls, Redshank, Lapwing, Mallard, Teal, Moorhen, Brent Geese

Flowers: Daisy, Gorse, Hazel Catkins, Red Deadnettle

Next Meeting – Wednesday 21st March 10.00 meet in the marina car park

Diane Caulkett