Spotted Crake

Greylake, Somerset 

I had a day off so me and Pete went to Somerset for the Spotted Crake. Very soon after arriving at the hide the bird showed extremely well very close to the hide. Rob and Steph Murphy arrived as it was showing and we all got superb views. Also on site was a Great Egret and a Eurasian Hobby was around the car park.

Spotted Crake

Spotted Crake

Spotted Crake

Ham Wall, Somerset 

Next stop off to look for the Black-winged Stilt. We made our way to the second viewing platform to stake it out. A Great Egret popped in as did a Western Marsh Harrier. A few Waders kept us entertained with a Green Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. Rob and Steph joined us after a while but relocated to widen the search and up our chances. Unfortunately the bird was nowhere to be seen. 

Another Long-billed Dowitcher

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon.
After not having time to look for the Long-billed Dowitcher yesterday, I had a look off the viewing platform before work as it had been reported. On arrival I bumped into Dave Boult who advised me it had flown further down the estuary and he was trying to relocate it. After a little look, I decided to give up and look over the afternoon high tide. The hide was packed out with a few familiar faces. Keith Birchall said it wasn’t on site but it should be in very soon as the Waders were starting to come in from the estuary. He kindly pointed out a Curlew Sandpiper showing rather nicely in front of the hide.

The long-billed Dowitcher then came in as expected and gave some nice views on the far island and after a little while came even closer. Also on sight was a juvenile Garganey and Ruff. Only armed with bins I couldn’t take any pictures. My 3rd ever Long-billed Dowitcher (2nd this year) and my 1st in Devon.

White Stork

Balfour Arms, Sidmouth
Seeing an early report of a juvenile White Stork on the roof of the Balfour Arms has me heading there before work. The bird showed beautifully and I got some descent pictures. I guess it’s origin is a  bit dubious due to the ring on its leg but it’s still nice to appreciate such a great species at close range.

White Stork (Juvenile)

White Stork (Juvenile)

White Stork (Juvenile)

White Stork (Juvenile)

Long-billed Dowitcher

Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Me and my mate Pete set off to look at would be only my second Long-billed Dowitcher. My first sighting was also at Lodmoor, as was my only sighting of Short-billed Dowitcher. Finding this bird was so easy. It was asleep just a couple of hundred yards away from the Reserve entrance. It woke up after a few minutes and gave great views. Unfortunately, my phone camera sensor is kaput. So I could only manage this crappy record shot. The only other bird of note was a Ruff.

Long-billed Dowitcher 

Portland Bill, Dorset
We moved on to the quarry in search of the Eurasian Wryneck bit despite a bit of a stakeout, it was nowhere to be seen. It was a similar story for the Lapland Bunting. Around the area though, were double figures of Northern Wheatear and singles of Whinchat and White Wagtail.

Topsham Rec

Topsham Recreation Ground, Devon 
We took the kids to play in the park so I couldn’t resist a look around. A few Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit. 2 Common Greenshank, a Common Kingfisher and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk patrolling overhead.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Davidstow Airfield, Cornwall 
I gave in to temptation today to see one of my absolute favourite wader species, Buff-breasted Sandpiper. I get frustrated with this site, why? Well, the fact that it has been made full public knowledge not to drive on the runways as (apparently) its a working airfield. Despite my playing by the rules and walking a fair distance to the abandoned control tower most others drove there. Perhaps I should be a bad boy too? Anyway, the walk was worth it as the bird showed beautifully. Unfortunately and frustratingly, I was only on binoculars so no photo this time.