Temminck’s Stint

Chapel Amble, Cornwall 
I had the day off so me and my mate Pete caught up for a spot of birding. As the Temminck’s Stint has been around for a while now. It seemed rude not to pay it a visit. We got to the village car park and got straight on to the bird in the field directly opposite. The bird showed beautifully although I struggled to get a decent photo. There was unfortunately nothing else special on site, despite recent reports of Water Pipit, Western Cattle Egret, Ruff, Western Barn Owl and Grey Partridge. However, I have to say, that’s the easiest Temminck’s Stint to bag ever!

Temminck’s Stint 

Temminck’s Stint 

Hayle Estuary, Cornwall 
We moved on to look for the reported Ring-billed Gull. Despite there being a good number of Gull species around, a good scan couldn’t locate it. However, there were good numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gull and a couple of smart Mediterranean Gull finally gave themselves up. I’m pretty sure I had a Yellow-legged Gull but this distance was immense, even for my optics! On Ryan’s field was the resident Eurasian Spoonbill, that was fast asleep.

Helston boating lake, Cornwall 
As this wasn’t far away. We thought we would give this site a go as the Ring-billed Gull has visited this site. Our luck wasn’t in but we did see the almost certain plastic Ferruginous Duck.

Aylesbeare Common, Devon 
A quick visit produced really nice views of a Male and Female Dartford Warbler. A nice way to round the day off.  

One Hell Of A Dip

Soapy Cove, Kynance, Cornwall 
So the day had finally come to have a go at the Brown Shrike. Me and my mate Pete made the journey in good time and even got from Kynance National Trust car park to the birds prefered site in good time. So we found a good vantage point and started the waiting game. We were soon joined by Steph and Rob Murphy and it was a pleasure to chat and swap stories. A few species kept us entertained, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit and European Stonechat. After what seemed an eternity we all decided to call it a day having not seen the bird which would have been lifer for all involved apart from Pete. Nevertheless I had an enjoyable time on site.

View of valley that leads to Soapy Cove

The Lizard, Cornwall
Me and Pete popped here for a rather late lunch in the lighthouse car park in the hope of salvaging the day with a Red-billed Chough but even they didn’t want to play ball.

Helston Boating Lake, Helston, Cornwall 
On the way home, with a deflated feeling I felt I needed to see something decent. So we popped along to the boating lake to see the questionable Male Ferruginous Duck. On arrival we noted the pool was virtually drained for repairs. However, the bird showed and it was nice to appreciate the bird at close range as normally these birds are shy and distant.

Ferruginous Duck (Male)

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon

When nearly home I received a text from Matt Knott about a Red-crested Pochard at Mudbank Lane. I decided to have a super quick look but there was no sign. Apparently someone had fired a shot at them and everything had gone up. So by the time I got there the numbers of Eurasian Wigeon (which the bird was associating with) had dropped as they had understandably moved on.