A walker was left surprised after spotting a huge number of wader birds.

Dave Hamilton took this snap near Lawling Creek on the Mayland side of the River Blackwater.

He said: “I went for a walk along the Blackwater estuary and took a picture of what it looks like a flock of 250 plus avocets, which I thought were uncommon in such numbers.”

The avocet is a distinctively-patterned black and white wader with a long up-curved beak.

It is the emblem of the RSBP.

According to the animal charity: “The avocet symbolises the bird protection movement in the UK more than any other species.

“Its return in the 1940s and subsequent increase in numbers represents one of the most successful conservation and protection projects.”

There are believed to be 1,500 breeding pairs in the UK and the bird enjoy special protection by law.