A gloomy, windy and cold day, but at least we missed the rain. Six of us met at the bottom car park of Alkborough Flats and did a circular walk though the flats and then along the flood bank on the Trent. As we were about to enter the hide, a Raven flew high above us, my first of the site. Flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover wheeled constantly on the horizon, flushed by the numerous Marsh Harriers on site. We counted 6 flying together, maybe assembling to roost. The tide was high and there were plenty of ducks on the main pool in front of the hide, Shovelers, Gadwall, Tufted Ducks and a pair of Pintail.
Raven.
Shoveler.
Tufted Ducks.
Gadwall.
Pintail.
Lapwing.
Male Marsh Harrier.
Golden Plover.
We carried on and waded on the flooded stretch of path, my wellies just high enough to keep my socks dry. Then we have lunch out in the Trent hide. It's been a while since I've had lunch in a hide and I wish I brought a thermos with a hot drink. A male Kestrel appears to follow us along the flood bank, staying just ahead and dropping in several occasions. Several Mute Swans fly over. We are very exposed and the wind is relentless, but we are compensated by a large flock of Whoopers on the Trent (top shot and below), they are distant but I count between 40 and 50 with a small group of Mute Swans. Little else of interest on the way back to the car park. A hot chocolate at The Paddocks cafe put a lovely end of a challenging day.
Kestrel.
Marsh Harrier.
Kestrel.
Shelduck.
Whooper Swans.
A group of Whooper Swans with several juveniles.
Mute Swan.
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