East Tilbury

A high tide visit to East Tilbury today proved to be my best so far of the winter, amongst the now regular Kittiwake flock's following the ships up and down the estuary which totalled about 35 birds today, I picked up the 1st winter ICELAND GULL that seems to be doing the rounds locally, not once but three times i had this bird today, so if your wanting to add this bird to your year list i would suggest you watch from the water tower where this is a narrower part of the river and just keep your eye out for those passing ships.

its in there somewhere.....honest...

Other birds of note were a flock of at least 26 CORN BUNTING which were fairly mobile around the saltings either side of the fort.

Six Stonechat were east along the seawall as well as a single rock pipit.

Waders were represented with the regular Avocet flock, and both Grey Plover and Dunlin in good numbers, the latter being harassed by a female MERLIN.

one or two dunlin

Merlin about to cause havoc!

its a shame merlins dont show like this here!

Green Sandpiper and a male Marsh Harrier were the other highlights.