21st to 25th September Pett Level Spoonbill

Walking the dogs on Pett Level 21st Sept in the morning usual bits about on the beach. Walking back along the sea wall noticed a Little Egret feeding strange. No its a Spoonbill no camera so I'll try later. CD texts me but I've already seen it! 

Back in the evening poor light but its still there. Saturday 22nd. morning walking the dogs its still there, brilliant sunshine so back for the camera.

Spoonbill

Sunday 23rd morning dog walk its still there, late afternoon no sign, then no sign Monday or Tuesday morning (50 Turnstones from Toot Rock to the Pools) but then its back again in the afternoon but gone by 6.00pm

Wednesday 26th was seen at Rye Harbour saltmarsh, Thursday 27th 2 maybe 3 reported at Dungeness.

19th September Local

Early morning dog walk along Pett Level was no different to normal, Yellow Wagtails, a couple of Wheatears and a grey heron sitting at one of the rock pools on the beach!. Back home out of the kitchen window a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeder. By the time I got the camera it had gone then I noticed all the little birds in the willow tree flitting down to the pond and back. In all apart from the Blue Tits 1 Black Cap and at least 10 Chiff Chaffs

Black Cap (male)

Chiff Chaff

Later in the day working in Channel Way 2 Ravens, and a Sparrowhawk.

September 9th another trip to Minsmere

Arrived atThe Eels Foot Inn in 25deg. for a weeks stay, Within a couple of hours i was on the Konic field looking for the Pec.Sand and the row of birders gave the location. With the sun in the wrong direction a picture was out of the question. Next morning back to the field and once again there it was.



Pectoral Sandpiper

 Throughout the week various visits provided Dunlin, Knot, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Ring Plover, loads Black Tailed Godwits, 10 Bar Tailed godwits.

One evening a trip to the Island Mere Hide produced male Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Barn Owl, and Bittern.

 Better views were had through the scope, and it was a pleasure to show others in the hide especially a couple who hadn't seen a Bittern before. After 15mins it took off and landed at the far end of the pool.

We eventually found some Bearded Tits on a walk to Walberswick which gave great views, but on the 15th before setting off back home I took an early visit around the reserve, the same again waders were seen, a Wheatear on the beach, a Red Kite was over the woods at Sizewell but no signs of  a Crane but heading back to the car had another look for the Pec Sand and found this.

Still not sure if it was the Pec Sand or maybe a juvenile Ruff. But at last I managed a decent pic of a Beardie - pure luck.