I arrived at Spade Oak GP at about 4pm in the hope that the three Curlews might still be around. A scan around the spit showed plenty of birds but no Curlew. Ducks included four COMMON SHELDUCKS, about 15 Shoveler, lots of Wigeon, Tufted Duck, and smaller numbers of Gadwall and Pochard. Surprisingly NO Teal. The only goose was one Greylag!. Several thousand gulls gradually built up and included one YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, and about 10 Greater Black-backed Gulls.
Just as I was about to leave a last scan of the sand spit turned up the three EURASIAN CURLEWS! I am fairly sure they had not been there many minutes and they certainly did not call when they came in. They appear to have been roosting here since 21st January. A remarkably long stay for a species that does not normally hang around at this site. They must presumably be feeding in the Thames Valley or maybe on the local fields (Emmett's Farm) during the day and moving onto the large sand spit to roost. It will be interesting to see just how they continue this for, although the snow forecast tonight may push many birds out (Jim Rose)