As per my previous blog post I've been visiting the patch trying to connect with the wintering Tundra Bean Goose but it had given me the slip until yesterday morning when just as I was going to give up the bird walked out into my scope. It was in the bottom corner of the field so a walk along the public footpath was in order, aware that an approach too close could flush the mixed flock/gaggle. I managed to get to a point where I could see the birds and grabbed a few record shots that crop down well enough to post. The large group of Greylags have got used to people on the footpath and just walk away to a distance they feel safe at but the wintering Russian White fronts and the Tundra are as you'd expect a little more prone to disturbance but they were settled and comfortable with me at about 100yards away.
The Tundra Bean Goose goes on the Lee Valley list as bird 170 and is my second new bird of the year following the Caspian Gull on KGV.
I also saw a Treecreeper and a Sparrowhawk whilst watching the geese.
I also ran the Jims down to Rainham in search of a couple of year ticks for them but we only managed one with at least 8 Water Pipits on the cut grass behind Butts hide.
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