counting coots

Now that spring migrancy is in full swing (a solitary swallow last week is migrancy with all guns blazing round here) and I have actually managed to get into the patch, I have seen birds.  Monday's visit was cut short because Jim turned up.  You don't know Jim, or need to know what he does, but he's bloody good at it and I needed to see him.  Hurumph.  Yesterday I did get a good look about, on a high tide.  There are at least 3 lots of Coots that look like they are trying to nest, other visible breeders include Magpie, Crow, Goldfinch, Parakeet and Blackbird.  Assumed breeders include Dunnock, Greenfinch, Mallard, Canada Goose, Tits, Wren etc etc

Strangely though, there are two birds remaining that really ought to be on their way.  They are winter birds as far as this patch is concerned and I look forward to their arrival during the late summer doldrums.  They precede the Pintail and outlast the Teal and are often overlooked.  I reckon that they are good looking ducks and the two Gadwall that I saw yesterday should have gone by now. Shouldn't they?