Told by a recorder who counts waders on the Parrett estuary for EDF, that avocet numbers this year have already reached around 560 - close to a record. Today, apparent!y, most were on the big mudbank on Stockland Reach, opposite Cobb’s Lease Clyce.

2 spoonbills in the estuary this morning, flew off to Steart side, pursued by gulls at 1030. Marsh harrier being pursued by crows over Steart point. A few avocet, turnstone, curlew, plenty of redshanks, teal and wigeon, plus skylarks and meadow pipits.