It's August !!

An autumnal feel this morning and a brisk early morning walk to the North Wall.
A couple of Common Sandpipers on the Lagoon flew off at my approach but a Cormorant remained on the edge....they are usually make off quickly.

Along the footpath by Slipe field (getting very overgrown) a Blackbird was pondering the morning..

and a couple of Wood Pigeons posed for a photo...

...and then a Willow Warbler appeared

Along the North Wall a Sandwich Tern was resting on the mud...

whilst a Common Tern took up a position on a post in the Breech Pool..

...alongside a juvenile Black Headed Gull.

There were a few waders on the pool including a single Ruff, 4 Dunlin and 6 Black Tailed Godwits. 

Ruff

Ruff

Ruff

One of the Black Tailed Godwits

..and one of the four rather 'tatty' Dunlin.

 ...and as I was joined by Owen M, a very mottled Spotted Redshank flew in.

Spotted Redshank ...in summer to autumn plumage

Spotted Redshank

Spotted Redshank

Spotted Redshank

Spotted Redshank...always a nice bird to see!

Whilst watching the waders I was surprised to see a Stoat running in and out of the reeds. Several times it darted into the water apparently grabbing something and then literally jumping back into the reed bed. It was almost impossible to photograph as it seemed to have manic attacks jumping into the air and then tearing along the waters edge and disappearing. A couple of poor, heavily cropped shots....

It stopped momentarily for a split second!

 The Godwit seemed unconcerned!