In search of Barnacles.

 I set off to the North Wall early, as the reported Barnacle Geese were reported yesterday in Honer field and I had not caught up with several roving flocks noted recently. I had assumed these were feral geese but there now seems to be evidence that these  have been  genuine winter visitors dispersed as a result of bird flu in Svalbard.

Before heading for the target area I saw the Spoonbill in the far distance along Whites Creek but on my return the bird was feeding close to the sluice gate

           

There was no sign of the Barnacle Geese in Honer fields with just 5 Brent Geese feeding in the field No. 3. However, having arrived at the Halsey farm fields, there they were, very well hidden and feeding in a trench but very difficult to view!

Almost impossible to photograph but here are two very poor and highly cropped shots just as proof!

A Water Rail was doing his "squealy pig" yell and a Cettis Warbler was calling. A huge flock of Lapwings circled overhead together with smaller flocks of Golden Plover. With Curlews feeding in the fields and hundreds of Wigeon and Teal in the harbour this all added up to  creating a tremendous atmosphere on a rather dull and dreary December morning.