30 September 2011

This one's for... Xenon

A demi-decent Goldcliff wader roost over a highish high tide produced: 1 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Golden Plover (flyover, heading NE), 2 Spotted Redshank, 7 Grey Plover, 50+ Avocet (seen in flight when flushed from the pill), 7 Ruff, 7 Greenshank, 200+ Curlew plus Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Redshank in the sort of numbers which fail to inspire a count. Non-waders included: 1 Kingfisher and 1 Peregrine plus, overhead, Skylark, Swallow, Grey and Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Siskin and Reed Bunting.

The height of joy was reached on realising the first of the two new hides was open for business. Screaming like a girl, I hot-footed it from the sea-wall and, knees shaking and fingers popping, I started up the access-everybody entry ramp,... half an hour later, excitement levels somewhat eroded, I reached the door and, whaddya know, a prestigious luxury hide. Beautifully decorated inside, wooden floors throughout, large observation room with 50" LED TV, library (again with 50" LED TV), dining area with staffed kitchen (free non-alcoholic beverages and a tempting selection of pastries, cakes and chocolates on offer [including my personal favourite: petite Madeleine de Commercy, yum-yum]), and finally, bathroom facilities done out very tastefully in marble with mini swimming pool, jacuzzi and Turkish bath. Sweet. Good job everyone. I did not realise Carlsberg did bird hides.

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