We had a rare treat at Formby Point, where at least 9 delightful Red Squirrels scampered around our feet in the late autumn sunshine, while nearby Marshside gave excellent views of Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Shoveller, Pintail and thousands of Wigeon. At dusk, some 4,000 Pink-footed Geese flew noisily onto the marsh to roost. Next day at Martin Mere, lovely weather for ducks produced a vagrant Green-winged Teal among the thousands of Common Teal, plus a nice male Brambling right under our noses. 

For the grand finale up to 2,000 Whooper Swans trumpeted just a few yards away from our hide as they squabbled over their ‘afternoon tea’. Definitely worth waiting for.