From early August until the end of September, great numbers of shore birds drop in on our east coast harbours and estuaries. Grey plover, golden plover, godwit, knot, whimbrel, greenshank and a host of other waders continue to arrive, and the saltings and mudflats that were so deserted during the summer months while these shore birds were away nesting in northern Europe (some as far away as northern Russia and Siberia), now present a most animated appearance.
Flocks of various species and of various sizes, from the tiny little stint (Tringa minuta) to the gaunt, grey heron, are scattered over the flats in all directions — now feeding busily as they follow the receding tide, now flying with musical call to some more attractive spot.
Of all these waders that…