Yesterday I jammed in on the influx of Russian White-fronted Geese when I found a couple in Hatfield Peverel but of course I really wanted to see one in Maldon.
So yesterday Jan and I had a drive around Chigborough/ Scraley Road but no geese (though we did find the George VI pillar box that Bob Gear had posted about!).
Last night was St Andrew's Day which Jan celebrated by cooking some fantastic Haggis pasties!
Then a St Andrew's quiz with Bouncer and Brighton Hash. We came 2nd which we were very happy with. Learnt that Scotland's national animal is the Unicorn!!!
It was also a full moon! The last time that a full moon coincided with St Andrew's Day was back in 2001. We celebrated then with a hash run and party at our house. Fond memories- didn't I look young!
Well firstly, an early trip to Lofts Farm. No geese but good view of the full moon! A lot easier than trying to take a night time photo and then turned round and took the sun!
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So plan B was to walk the sea wall to look for geese in the adjacent fields. So up by Southey Farm, right at the causeway and gradually realising what a fantastically bright sunny morning it was turning into, albeit a bit cold.
Was distracted by a Marsh Harrier and then lo & behold, in the next field after Limbourne Creek, there were 4, genuinely wild Russian White-fronted Geese!!
They stayed put, despite dog walkers passing close by until they finally got spooked and flew off towards the river.
The Brent had been feeding on new crops beyond the sluice but flew up and back onto the river and saltmarsh no doubt chased off by the farmer or one of his team.
Meant some good photo opportunities!
Nice to watch the family parties of Brent- they obviously had a successful breeding season this year. These adults managed to raise 3 youngsters and guide them all the way here on the journey from their nesting grounds in Arctic Russia.
On the way back, watched the different flocks of roosting waders including 200 Knot and also the Avocet flock that flew up and drifted by the sailing club.
