Teal!

S the Builder says that the teal which are around are relatively new visitors and that their numbers have been increasing year on year.  I can see them very close from Myrtle's windows, though they are shyer when I move about outside. S the B  says that they have been getting less shy each year.  I will take my better camera to try get some good photos, but meanwhile here are some:-

The little dots are teal on the edge of the channel at low tide.

Here is a pair together,

.. and herself ....

and himself.

Other birds seen yesterday ... shell-duck (one), curlews, redshank, mallard, crow, lapwing, snipe.  It's funny, after dark, seeing the small waders in silhouette running around on the mud, back-lit by the orange street lights.

I found this link about the wildlife  .. http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Estuary2008.html