The day started with brilliant sunshine which lasted for most of the walk. 13 people turned up. A good number considering that most came from Bristol. Starting from the Steart Marshes main car park we crossed the road into the main part of the reserve and followed the pathway around the site including walking along the coastal path on the River Parrett. From a new viewpoint, looking across some scrapes that have been created, Shoveler and Wigeon were on view. At Otterhampton Marshes / lagoons a Little Egret was seen along with some Shelduck. By the River Parrett trail more birds were seen due to low tide including Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin. Redshanks were also visible and at the Parrett hide three Marsh Harriers were just glimpsed in the distance. The walk finished at the joint Quantock hide for lunch, where further Golden Plovers and Lapwings were seen along with a few Teal, and a Canada Goose with a possible broken wing (all reported to powers that be) and others. On the way around most of us heard then saw a Cetti’s Warbler amongst some reeds. Highlights of the walk were thousands of Lapwings and Golden Plovers that kept being disturbed by various raptors including two Peregrines (possibly a female with a juvenile – at least this was the general consensus after looking at some fantastic photography shots taken by members of the group). 50 species were noted including Avocets, four Snipe that initially looked like lumps of mud in an adjacent field, as well as Goldfinches and Goldcrests. (Thanks to Nick and Elaine for leading).Nick Jobson-Wicks