Early morning calm before the storm.
1,048 Cormorant heading out early on suggests less persecution at the roost inland and exemplifies how birds will return to preferred roost sites if at all possible. Movements offshore were southbound 26 Teal, 16 Brent, 3 Shelduck, 3 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, Common Scoter, Gadwal & Red-throated Diver with northbound 3 Red-throats plus 2 Goosanders in off heading across towards Harwich and, presumably, on their way to Abberton. A Black-throated Diver was on the river before departing into Essex in addition to the regular drake Eider. 3 Turnstone were along the river & a Purp on the jetty.