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Today was hot and sunny. It obviously suited the numerous Azure Damselflies in evidence on vegetation in and surrounding the pond next to the hide.

25 11 12 - Flock fly in low over the saltmarsh as they round Scargavel Point.

25th November - high tides, coupled with gale force winds, brought what seemed like the whole of the Barnacle flock from their inner estuary pastures to the outer estuary pastures of the Cardurnock Peninsula. Here they can be seen off Scargavel Point on Campfield Marsh.

A digital oil-style painting of Barnacles coming in at dusk over the Meadow Pools, with Skiddaw in the distance - by John Rogers

Small groups of Barnacles could be seen flying low along the tideline facing into the strong westerly gale.

These two became restless due the the activity of nearby Merlin and Hen Harrier and took off for a fly around. They were part of the mixed flock of Pinkfeet and Barnacles grazing on the wetland pastures at North Plain Farm.

Checking out the saltmarsh for safe grazing.

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Having grazed for a while this small group took off in a westerly direction.

12 12 11 Canada Goose and three Whooper Swans taking advantage of recently cut rushes on North Plain Farm.

Four leucistic Barnacles, locally thought to be a family group, grazing together with other Barnacles and Pinkfeet, on wetland pastures of North Plain Farm.

Noticed this young sleek fox jauntily hunting in the damson orchard. It was probably after voles or frogs amongst the long grass. All it succeeded in catching was a mole caught unawares above ground!

It had been hunting for invertebrates amongst the rushes near the hide. Unfortunately it was silhouetted against afternoon sun for viewing, but its hunting success could be clearly seen. Two young Heron joined in the affair later on, and seemed to benefitting from its trampling technique to disturb prey...

The Great White Egret has now been on the Reserve for three and a half months - usually frequenting the saltmarsh bordering the Solway estuary where there have been rich pickings for it. But today (and yesterday too) it has been hunting the wetlands a bit further inland, giving good views from the Reserve...

Keeping and eye on the Great White Egret which was fishing out on the wetland.

Grey waders roosting on saltmarsh awaiting the turning tide, on a very rough and blowy day.

Bathing and preening as the tide came in - Campfield Marsh.

Groups of Shellduck have been frequenting the mudflats off Campfield Marsh for the last fortnight now. This group was part of 24 seen for most of today here.

26 12 11 - Very large flock flying against a strong southwesterly gale, approaching Scargavel Point on Campfield Marsh.

One of four Leucistic Barnacles amongst a mixed flock of about 2,500 Pinks and Barnacles grazing floodland pastures on North Plain Farm, as viewed from the Hide.

Shoveller had newly arrived on 2nd Pool. Little Grebe seems to like to keep other species in a restless state on his patch.

Fortunately viewed together. Normally they seem to take it in turns to dive. Viewed from screen to 2nd pool.

6 12 11 A pair had landed on an area of floodwater on the LHS of the Lonning. Had been spotted earlier last night and this morning from the hide. A bit unusual for a sea duck!.

There had been a recent fall of Siskins to the area.

Mixed flock consisting of 1050 Pink and 1250 Barnacles (including 4 leucistics) were grazing the wetland pastures which had been specially managed for them by the RSPB.