WE MUST BE MAD!

Meeting  Marc at 7.20 a.m. this morning with wind and rain buffeting the car I wondered what on earth I was doing here.  A stroll down to Brook Valley in the hope of surprising the Mandarin lead to Heathy bothering only a few Coot.  Retracing our steps we hoped to connect with the Rough-Legged Buzzard who had probably roosted around the area.  However, a Pochard and 3 Tufted Duck and a few more Coot for Marc to upset were our reward.  Chris and Ann had no success either and we decided to stand at the Towers for an hour in the hope of something, anything flying by.  Loads of Brent Geese, loads of Lapwing some Shelduck and a few Oystercatcher and a single Eider.  Year ticks with Sanderling and 3 PINTAIL salvaged the day.  Marc went to the Post Office and I sat in a lay by for 45 minutes in the hope of seeing the Rough-Legged Buzzard but a Merlin enjoying breakfast and a smart male Marsh Harrier was the best I could do.