Yesterday Tony O'Brien found a Snow Bunting grovelling around on the edges of Purfleet Scrape although he did not know quite what he had found at the time. Thankfully he sent me a pic and voila an identity was forthcoming!
Much to my delight (and surprise) it was still present today and had two sessions on view for the visitors before disappearing again. This Arctic species is just about annual here but usually they are flyovers that we pick up on call. Occasionally, one will come down and be found feeding along the river wall and even once around the bird feeders.
Two lovely shots from Pete Woods which are quite remarkable given how far away it was!
And a little video of the SnowB by Tom Bell
This was not the end to the excitement though as Andy Tweed found a juvenile Gannet sitting on the river being harried by the local big gulls. It could even be heard calling! After a while drifting up, it took flight and headed back down river. With more easterlies due perhaps we may yet get some more windblow goodies visiting the reserve this week.
Gannet and a Herring Gull - Andy Tweed