Fantastic Flocks
Black-Tailed Godwits and Avocets. Last weekend, I was sitting in Hide 2 at Goldcliff Lagoons, excitedly watching a big flock of Black-tailed Godwits. This species of wader is my favourite. They are large waders, and at this time of year moult into an incredibly vibrant coppery-red colour on their heads, neck and chest, and a really distinctive part of their plumage is a thick black band on their feathered tails. I counted at least 900+ birds. The Godwits had gathered on Monks Lagoon, and the chittering noise they made was quite loud. A smaller flock of approximately 40 Avocets had joined them and were busy feeding and preening. On the edge of Monk's Island was a flock of approximately 190 Knots, which was a nice surprise. The Knots were very jittery and just would not settle down. They frequently took to the air and zoomed around in front of Hide 2, which was exactly what I wanted, as I was able to get some great flight shots. A cluster of Knots I have not had such great views of K...
