Here’s today’s quick summary of sightings…
As you can see, it was another terrific day with a very diverse range of birds seen. Marsh harrier sightings from Bolton Ings seem to be an almost daily occurrence at the moment, while at Wombwell Ings there seemed to be a fair number of meadow pipit, teal and lapwing today.
At Old Moor, the Reedbed Trail was a great place to see bearded tit with calling water rail and Cetti’s warbler providing a backdrop to views of kingfisher, snipe and bittern.
Ringed plover from Field Pool East
But, once again, the bulk of the sightings at the moment came from the Field Pool and Wath Ings. Golden plover are there along with two little stint and a wood sandpiper. In fact , as far as waders go, you’re spoilt for choice at the moment – ten species today!
Green sandpiper also on the Field Pool.
Probably the most sought-after bird today was another small, Arctic wader, the curlew sandpiper. A bit like a taller, elongated dunlin, this bird has a longer, curved bill and – at this time of year - a ‘scaly’ patterned back. But, luckily, you don’t have to imagine all that as Steve Gregory was on hand to capture a terrific comparison shot!
So, to finish tonight’s blog, here’s Steve’s photo. A dunlin behind and left; a curlew sandpiper in front and right. With the birds so close like this, it’s easy to see those differences. Thanks Steve.
Until next time.
Great comparison shot Steve. Always useful when trying to sort out waders at this time of year!