White-fronted Goose

Ian Mc texted with news of a White-fronted Goose on Colyford Marsh so this prompted a hasty exit from home having only seen one on patch previously. Whilst driving over I saw a helicopter passing low overhead so I figured the bird may be flushed and sure enough it was! Fortunately it only went as far as the estuary between Tower Hide and Coronation Corner though:

It was another very dull afternoon so pics are a bit grainy but it was great to see this smart bird. A couple of people (Brendan Sheils, Martin Wolinski) reported a Merlin hunting between Colyford Common and Black Hole Marsh but I missed it. Tim Wright mentioned that a lady said she'd seen one recently too so perhaps there is one lingering locally, or more than one bird seen.

Best bird of the day was yet to come though; Steve Waite messaged with news of a 1st Winter Caspian Gull briefly on the estuary before it flew South, a bird I've still not managed to see here. I'm guilty of feeling less inclined to spend as much time out birding this time of year and days like this with 3 patch goodies (plus the Glossy Ibis and Water Pipits) just goes to show that that isn't the right approach. Work/gym/life obviously affects free time but I could definitely make more of an effort to get out birding now...