black-tailed godwit

Shot taken at Martin Mere this morning. The weather didn't fair up as promised by the forecast, so we didn't walk very far. I spent most of the time looking at and photographing various ducks, but this godwit walked past the front of the hide just as I was about to put the camera away. 

In medieval times, when there were millions of breeding birds, black-tailed godwits were common enough to be served at royal feasts.  The birds are still common here in Autumn - many arrive from Iceland. I don't think anyone eats them now - I hope not.