This was the most rewarding outing to Aberlady that I can remember. The tide was out but starting to creep back in on a very fine autumnal afternoon. Our group consisted of 23 adults and a babe of 8 months in a backpack carrier. The warden John Harrison was ready and waiting for us.

From the car park we could see Widgeon, Curlew, Barnacle Geese, Oystercatchers and a single Ruff. A telescope was set up by John in order to give us a better look. As we crossed the bridge a Kingfisher was spotted and from the other side we had a good view of a couple of Greenshank. We proceeded onwards and the sightings just got better. As flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover swept around us we spied a solitary Scaup and a group of smartly turned out Shelduck. A large flock of Pink Footed Geese were spotted way out on the sandbars. Mallards, Starlings, Swans, Herons and even 3 Little Egret all made appearances. As a beautiful sunset began to build the Geese skeins started to come in overhead and many of us lingered to see more arrive. The weather remained clear on a lovely evening.

Altogether it was an excellent outing in the right place at the right time, Aberlady at its best. Thanks to John for helping us to see so much.

Jill Neufeld