Poking in pits

I did make comment about "you guys standing by your pits and waiting for waders" while I hit the hills and got the proper birds up there, but hypocritically decided to try Grovebury for two easier needed Gulls on Sunday. This proved to be worthwhile with SFYT two full summer plumage Black-tailed Godwits dropping in and three Yellow-legged Gulls on the boom, one of which is illustrated here with colour rings. A probable Marsh harrier got away though as a bird coming towards me almost out of the sun was lost from the scope view and frustratingly could not be refound, presumably dropped down somewhere. Will be back in the pits of course for Med and potential waders, but rather be finding Wryneck in a few weeks time...

A bit more of the red stuff

While you guys all wait by your pits for some waders, I'll go get a few more of these, and hopefully a black one later. Redstart at Pegsdon 26th July (presumed same as 13th July).

Cricket Teal

AG is not in joint second place.  Garganey yesterday at Derek's pulled me level again.  However, that all seemed irrelevant for a few hours as Mr Bashford pulled out a Blue-winged Teal at Gadsey later that evening.  Good job it was found to be plastic.

Grimsey in second place shocker

With a flush of red, one species ahead of Mr Blain...

The rest of us waiting by our pits for some waders.

Autumn has (red) started

I guess by now we are all seeing the first signs of autumn with returning gulls and the odd wader. I have picked up only Green and Common Sandpiper so far in that department but a nice early bonus, and sneak preview of what's to come, was a male Redstart at Pegsdon on the early date of 13th July. Not worried about getting that species each year for SFYL, but good to get it in early in case of any mishaps. Good luck to all for the big push...

Made it to July...

The slow month.  With most of us hoping to find a Quail, apart from the relentless Mr Grimsey who already has that one under his belt, there is little to find and add in July.  Maybe some failed breeding or early returning waders, a Garganey could slip in, there are loads in the Washes.  Other than that it is really making it through to August and then into make or break September.  Can anyone catch Darren?

Right then, butterflies it is for the time being....