When a colleague put an envelope of cash through my door this afternoon I knew my luck was in so headed down to Prestwick Carr to see what was about and on the flash behind Mayfair Cottage were No 87 a Ringed Plover and No 88. a pair of Shoveler. The water conditions are ideal for these ducks but the last time seen here was 2001 so I was cock a hoop. The pictures unfortunately are from Druridge Pools last Friday as the birds in question were fifty meters into the sun away but a solid tick all the same. Also present, 17 Oystercatcher (getting on for a site record), 4 Mallard and a Redshank.

Thanks also to Sedgedunum Warbler for the tip from Bill. I watched special bird No 84 for half an hour this evening and managed a couple of shots for a later post. Now for that lottery ticket...