Black Winged Stilt (Juv)
It always happens when I'm busy and miles away that a rare bird turns up on a local water! In this case it was a juvenile Black Winged Stilt that was initially observed on Filey Dams before it flew to the private FBOG reserve of East Lea. The last (and only) Black Winged Stilt I had seen was the long staying "Sammy" at Titchwell RSPB in Norfolk back in the 1990's!
I headed off to East Leas as soon as I could, expecting the Stilt to fly off just as I arrive. I was thwarted in my efforts by elderly drivers who fail to understand that their motor vehicles will travel faster than 35-40mph in a national speed limit area! Arriving at East Lea, I was surprised at the few cars parked near the entrance gate and, indeed, the numbers watching the bird. The Black Winged Stilt was, of course, distant and regularly harassed by corvids, making it appear nervous and flighty.
What a great bird to see!
With Dunlin
Unfortunately, the Black Winged Stilt failed to come closer (hence heavily cropped images!). While hoping it would, I was attracted to a couple of Snipe and well impressed with their swimming skills!
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