Staines Moor: 14 January

My first visit to the patch of 2017, and with the added bonus of meeting Jess on site for an hour or so. A European Golden Plover beside the Colne (just north of the southern footbridge) most of the day was very approachable and seemed to have a parasite or deformity preventing it from closing its bill fully. Also noted were 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Water Pipit (Colne), 3 Water Rail all along the Colne (1 at willow clump, 1 in reeds by southern footbridge, 1 in reeds at south end), 1f Eurasian Wigeon (Colne near dusk), 8 Little Grebe (Colne), 4 Stonechat (2m, 1 1st-w m, 1f), 7+ Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail (Colne), 1 Pied Wagtail (Colne), 1 Red Kite W, 1f Kestrel, 7+ Fieldfare, 6 Moorhen (4 ad, 2 1st-w) and 1 Grey Heron.

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Staines Moor, 14 January 2017. A rather poorly looking individual with a deformity of the bill
or maybe a parasite in the mouth. It seemed unable to close its bill but was feeding okay.

Weather: Mainly cloudy (7 oktas) with some sunny periods later, showers mid afternoon, light cold WNW wind.