Spotted Sandpiper Topsham

A brief visit to Topsham in Devon was worth it with some good views of the 1st winter Spotted Sandpiper which has apparently been present there for about 2 weeks.

The bird showed well down to about 30ft, but the light was quite poor and at the wrong angle for taking decent pics. In November there has been a small infux of this speices in the UK from Hampshire across to Essex as well as this bird.

Eastern Delight!

A must trip up to Co Durham to see a first for Britain, came to light on the evening of the 22nd. So off I went, getting there just after first light to hear the good news, that the bird was still present! The Eastern Crowned Warbler showed amazingly well through a scope and binoculars, often being chased around by a Yellow browed Warbler for comparison! The Eastern Crowned Warbler was actually the size of a of an Arctic, and had an amazing central crown strip, yellow vent and a more Vireo like, thick set bill which was orange in colour. The bird had a circuit going in the few Sycamores which were in the quarry and would disappear and then reappear in 5-10min intervals.

This record represents the first record for Britain and the fifth for europe! Following records in Germany, Norway, Finland and Holland.

What a bird!! My photo is rubbish I know, but I had to get something on it!

Eastern Crowned Warbler

Barid's Sandpiper Davidstow Airfield

A trip to Davidstow Airfield in North Cornwall gave me a great oppertunity to get some shots of a Barid's Sandpiper which has been present at the site for around 4 days. The great thing about this site is the waders and other birds are usually so tame here, not even batting an eyelid to your presence.

White Wagtail

juv Ringed Plover

Barid's Sandpiper

Barid's Sandpiper

Barid's Sandpiper - The bird was calling quite often and sounded more like a longer trilly Dunlin call.

Spotted Crake at Greylake RSPB

A trip down to Greylake Bridge RSPB reserve in Somerset, gave me a great chance to get some shots of the adult Spotted Crake which has been present there for a few days now. The bird showed down to at least 15ft, and did not take any notice of my presence. The biggest problem was the light, which was constantly changing as the bird moved about at different angles.

My New Moth Blog

If you have an interest in Moths, please look at my new Urban Moths blog!

Here; http://roblaughtonsmoths.blogspot.com/