Least Frequently Spotted Woodpecker

Lesser Spotted in more ways than one, did not see one at all in 2012 or 2014. Returning to the site of finds in 2011 and 2013, this female eventually gave herself up around the southern part of Flitwick Moor in the sunshine and breeze this morning after about two hours around the site and adjacent area. Did not get any redpoll sp or Siskin at this usually very reliable location.

Lesser Spot...

I can count on the fingers of several hands, the number of times over the last few weeks that I have searched for these elusive little bastards along the stream that runs from west of Gamlingay through to Sutton. This morning, my persistence paid off with a calling female between Pegnut Wood, Potton STW and John O'Gaunt GC - not far from where I also had a female last summer (approx. 3/4 mile).

So thrilled and flushed with success was I, that until now, I had completely forgotten about a very interesting-sounding 'Chiffchaff' I'd heard a few seconds earlier near the sewage works. Must return tomorrow morning; however, this afternoon I have a larger target species in mind...

I think Matt was partially right; whilst I wouldn't necessarily say there is an 'edge' to this year's competition, it is certainly cut and thrust.

By the way, who the bloody hell is Matt? Is he Lord Lucan/ The Scarlet Pimpernel masquerading as a Bedfordshire birder? ;-)

DOM

'Scoping Scaup and Picking 'Peckers

Two more nice SFYT this weekend, neither of which I got last year.  

On Saturday I got out at first light and having seen the two well-watched male Scaup at Brogborough and found nothing of any interest in a look at the Pillinge, Stewartby or Quest, I had more luck again at Chimney Corner South when my third male Scaup of the morning was found swimming around not far off the shore from the watchpoint with the Tufties. Back home for elevenses and some brownie points remained in the bag.

A nice bright one of  my own (above), much much better than the two sleepy ones that I twitched... (down below)

So Sunday gave the chance to go looking for some redpoll sp to scrutinise and I thought I would give Flitwick Moor area a try, lots of Siskins about but only a handful of redpoll found, all pretty standard ones too. Highlight though was a female Lesser ‘Pecker in the treetops of the wood itself which called a couple of times and was then found and lost and refound again on three occasions as it fed and flew in the uppermost branches around the central drain. And home for more elevenses…

Spotting a LSW

16th - I was just heading out at lunchtime when Jim Gurney called with news of a Lesser Spot at Swiss Gardens. Just ten minutes later I met Jim by the lake and we wandered back round the circular walk through the woodland. We came across a mixed flock and as I glanced up the female Lesser Spot was right above our heads - fantastic views and my first LSW in Beds for over two years.  Unfortunately it can't go on the SFYL.