Anyway, after all the excesses of Christmas, I felt in need of a good walk this afternoon, even though the weather was not particularly promising.
I walked down the lane to the river wall, and then headed upstream. The tide was falling but not a lot to see on the mud. A large flock of golden plover was put up by a small launch, the only boat seen moving on the river. The Brent geese seem to be down in numbers this year, less than 500 on the fields today, some making the most of the flooded areas for a good wash.
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| View over the flooded fields towards the Ferry |
I took shelter from the strong wind by walking on the narrow strip of salt marsh on the far side of the seawall. I disturbed a small bird which looked dark enough to be a rock pipit, but although I sat down and waited it didn't return. Further along were 4 turnstones and a little egret.
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| By the R Deben looking upstream. |
I walked as far as the jetty used by windsurfers in the summer, then turned for home. I followed the track behind the bank to keep out of the wind as much as possible, and was rewarded with the sound of bearded tits calling and a brief glimpse of one in flight over the reeds lining the dyke.
I'd had a good walk, and although I had a head wind it was very mild, and by the time I got back the hat and gloves had come off, so hopefully burned a few calories.
