Golden Plover above East Marsh
It had to be done! I had to go back! My quest for Spotted Crake was becoming an obsession, with eight hours spent to no avail on Monday, I was determined to nail this bird as a lifer! I arrived at Brandon at 1300 in time to see c100+ Golden Plovers on the main island. I spent another four hours, in good company, hoping. A White Wagtail was spotted on the main island, together with a good number of Common Snipe, Little Ringed Plover and Redshank and two Oystercatchers flitted from island to island. Overhead were several Buzzard and at least 50 Sand Martins. A Water Rail flew in front of the hide, generating a degree of excitement! I was beginning to think that I had "dipped" again for Spotted Crake and indeed a number of birders were drifting away. Then, it happened! Eureka! At 1725, The Holy Grail - a view for all of thirty seconds of the secretive Spotted Crake! It had taken over twelve hours of soul destroying searching!
Spotted Crake
Todays Sightings:
Robin; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Great Tit; Canada Goose; Grey Heron; Sand Martin; Moorhen; Mallard; Chiffchaff; Shoveler; Golden Plover; Lapwing; Coot; Mute Swan; Black Headed Gull; LBB Gull; Teal; Great Crested Grebe; Pheasant; Wigeon; Tufted Duck; Snipe; Grey Lag Goose; Pied Wagtail; Little Ringed Plover; White Wagtail; Cettis Warbler; Buzzard; Redshank; Oystercatcher; Gadwall; Starling; Cormorant; Reed Bunting; Green Woodpecker; Water Rail; Spotted Crake; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Magpie.
Grass Snake.
Oh well done Kevin!! It is such a thrill when you get the one you are hoping for :) You deserved it for your tenacity!
ReplyDeleteCheers, ShySongbird. This is the first time I have put in so many hours for any bird! The reward, although brief, was graet.
ReplyDelete