Well that is what is feels like sometimes when we are surveying redshank on the saltmarsh!
This morning we completed the first round visits to the Brancaster and Thornham saltmarshes. It is not one of the easiest surveys to carry out as we have to cross the large tidal creeks which vary from narrow enough to step over to very wide and soft like this one. Great care is needed when on the saltmarsh and we only survey when the tides are at their lowest and we are always on contact with each other by 2-way radio. NEVER try and cross a saltmarsh if you don't know the area.
The first visit have been successful with 28 redshank located so far on the Brancaster side. Once we have finished the second visit we will be able to work out the total number of pairs.
Surveying always provides an opportunity to see other birds. This morning produced several whimbrel and two yellow wagtails west. A grasshopper warbler was singing in the scrub alongside Gypsy Lane on the way back to the car.