Scan the skies

Marsh Harrier passing by; very welcome at GLE this morning. 

I knew if I complained enough...

Within a day of my SFYL-ing lament, I managed to add a new bird to my SFYL - only just mind you.

I arrived to a deserted GLE roadside and a wader flew in and landed - sandpiper...pale underwings...looking good.  A quick scope revealed a Wood Sandpiper which stayed for at least a minute while I phone-scoped it.  It then started raining and it flew up and over but calling frequently.

The ace GLE bird finders Stu Warren and Martin Stevens walked into view saying they reckon they'd had a Wood Sand a few minutes earlier.

Back of the net!

A couple more fair fare

Nice lunchtime stop at GLE with SCB produced this little beaut.

Then an evening trip to Gadsey to find lots of waders produced nothing of the sort but a nice "find back" after SCB nicked my Harrold RCPs earlier in the year.  This will do though.

Another stint in the field

Well, after at least three visits per week and nothing new to show for it, a Little Stint at GLE was welcome.  Alas, the two Rock Pipits which flew up and over my head were too flighty for me to pick up although I did hear something call.  Mr Blain who claims his hearing is not up to scratch doesn't really need to worry.

Not worthy...

So, we go to GLE today, safe in the knowledge that whatever we see on a lunchtime visit will be added to both our SFYLs, but as this bloomin' Osprey was above us and he was looking up, I don't think I can claim it.  Shame.  Here he is, grinning knowing he's got a good one in the bag.  And you can see the Osprey too.

Curlew

I don't get to visit damp places very often...or wetlands either, for that matter. However, today in the company of JOS, I visited Gypsy Lane East whilst Steve, Richard et al were at work, and we managed to luck in on a fly-by Curlew.

I must confess that as it was flying towards us from the south, I did say ''Hmmm, is this a Whimbrel?'' fully expecting it to be one, but as it drew closer and flew directly in front of us, the proportions and languid flight action made it fairly obvious to us both what it was, despite the light being somewhat against us. A nice bonus!

DOM

Birthday present

After telling everyone how great Castle Mills/100 Acre/Meadow Lane was looking and then disappearing off to Bath for a long birthday celebration with the family, I watched with envy as Tom gets a Ruff on Saturday and then today, Lol and Lee get Rock and Water Pipit.  So my plans for a birthday afternoon birding at the site were switched to Broom.  I was there at 3.30 and noted the four Dunlin SCB had reported from lunchtime on GLW.  At least six LRPs and four Ringed Plovers were also present.  GLE had a Dunlin - good enough for a SFYT, as was the singing Chiffchaff.  Scanned the area from the first gateway, the mid way point and failed to find anything new.  But with my hopes pinned on Rock Pipit, I stopped at the far south end and scanned the wet bits.  Nothing...but what's that wader?  Looking good and indeed it was, a lovely 'coming into summer plumage' Spotted Redshank.  A welcome birthday present.

Later with SCB at Meadow Lane, failed with any rare pipits but three more Dunlin had arrived and also got my first Wheatear.

Notching 'em up...

Luv-a-duck

Had a trip to the bank in Biggleswade today to pay in some earnings. Took my bins though - Gypsy Lane east is just two minutes from t

he A1 roundabout. Scanning for waders maybe, but more on the look out for White Wagtails and Rock Pipits for the next few days. I noticed some birds on the back reedy pool but before scoping them, I tried to find the wagtail calling in front of me. I couldn't find it and returned to the back pit and noticed a small

group of teal - no way, there was a vertical white flash in there - sure there was... Jeez, yup - a fine drake Green-winged Teal on the latest Bedfordshire hotspot. What a list this place has already this year! I took a photo, called Steve "having my annual appraisal" Blain and Captain "out and about" (Di's words) Palmer, who was down south, emailed the group and tried some photography. Hopefully Mr Blain (arriving a few minutes later) would have better for the proper blog. First shot by Martin, second from me.

Curlew at Gypsy Lane East

First day of the month and a SFYT snapped with the old iphone down the scope. Worse photos will be forthcoming no doubt.