An astronomical phenomenon occurs today, as well as being the shortest day in terms of daylight. Tonight, the planet Saturn disappears behind Jupiter as their orbits align with Earth. My old Sigma lens never ceases to amaze me at times! Jupiter in the centre with four of its closest moons, Saturn off to the right. Not only a clear night but we had enjoyed a lovely clear day out on the Alvor marshes. It turned out to be a plover morning with no less than five of this species on the marsh. Grey Plovers are frequently seen around the marsh. Less often found is the Golden Plover and three were here this morning. A winter plumaged Ringed Plover. The fairly common Kentish Plover. Finally the Lapwing, or Green Plover by another name. A winter visitor and six were seen together. Other waders included Turnstone, Sanderling, Redshank, Greenshank and Dunlin. On the estuary, a single Oystercatcher was present and a small number of Knots were with more Sanderlings. Curlew and Whimbrel were also recorded. Four of the Knot group. I mentioned previously about the die-back of vegetation on the marsh and how new pools were forming. The image below shows the new landscape. Around this area, I counted 36 Grey Herons, 22 Spoonbills, 1 Great White Egret and many Little Egrets. Redshank, Greenshank and Lapwings were on the pools. The Great White Egret. It may be the shortest day, but Spring's on it's way soon.
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