4th September 2018 ff
Red-necked coot's foot!
As the Greeks would have it. Phalaropus lobatus at Blacktoft - 4th September. Some concern at the lack of water at each of the lagoons I visited [Marshland, Townend and Singleton] as before long they will be too dry to function properly. Rain needed urgently and some big tides.
A few of us saw the spotted crake - albeit briefly. It was right at the back of Singleton lagoon, just to the right of the really big island. Also seen: water rail, ringed plover and green sandpiper plus lots of ruff and godwits. Here's a few of those.
There were lots of these in flower. I find yellow daisies difficult to identify with confidence. This could be hawkweed oxtongue but I'm not sure. Still they look good in September sunshine.
Bempton Cliffs: another Intimate Encounter
I can't recall how many of these special birds there have been this year. It must be six or seven. The wryneck at Bempton on Thursday 6/9 was quite special. The bird eventually came too close for my big lens to focus! Here it is.
Many of us then went to old Fall to try for the Arctic warbler. No luck there: lots of willow warblers, one maybe a couple of pied flycatchers. This bird generated much interest although it was impossible to get a clear view. After much consideration I do think it is a...
...warbler!!!