Brent goose bums

Our holiday started cold and grey, just as promised. After crossing the Humber Bridge we headed east towards Kilnsea, so that I could see Spurn Head. I had wanted to visit, but the weather was dire, the road was closed, there were very few migrants around and no dogs were allowed. So we contented ourselves with birdwatching from car-parks on th mainland. Or at least Pete, Chris and I were content - the freezing east wind rather destroyed any enjoyment Ben, Alex and Lizzy might have had and they stayed in the car after the second stop.

Despite less than ideal conditions we saw a good range of wildfowl and waders, including a huge flock of shelduck in the distance, and this flock of dark-bellied brent geese, about to tuck into the farmer's wheat crop. We were quite lucky to see these as they should soon be heading back to Siberia.