Four New Birds

Before we came away, a good friend shared an excellent place to see Stone Curlew, so yesterday afternoon, I set out to have a look at the spot for myself. 

I found the spot easily, and was very pleased that the site was easily accessible. Unfortunately, there was a very strong heat haze, so I didn't see any curlews on that occasion. I did, however, had great views of another Wheatear, and amazing 3 Hobbies (including 1 that was catching and eating dragonflies on the wing!). There were also 10+ Graylings, Red Admirals and a single Wall Brown butterfly. Afterwards, I drove across to Westleton Heath, where I managed to spot a single Dartford Warbler (183), a male Muntjac Deer and a family of Stonechats. 

I went back to the Stone Curlew (184) site (part of RSPB Minsmere), again this morning, with Jayne, and within a few minutes of arriving (at 5.30am!) we saw 3 birds, and managed a very distant, heavily cropped photograph.

Stone Curlew

Whilst there, we carried on around the site, spotting many of the same species as on 22nd, except for a single Little Stint (185), that was feeding with a small flock of Dunlin, and 4 Barnacle Geese (186). Other new species included a single Common Sandpiper, 2 Wheatears (in the dunes), 7 Bar-tailed Godwits, a single Knot and 5 juvenile Shelducks.

Wheatear

Shelduck (juvenile)

Westleton Heath - 10th August 2023

 On Thursday, I popped down to Westleton Heath to catch up with the last species I wanted to see whilst down in Suffolk, the Dartford Warbler.

Westleton Heath

I parked up in the car park, and within a couple of minutes, had heard the distinctive "chattering". I managed 4 sightings of different birds, but, unfortunately, they didn't come very close, so this is a heavily cropped photo.

Dartford Warbler!

Other species seen were: Whitethroat, Pheasant, Carrion Crow and Herring Gull (over). 

2 Gatekeepers and 2 Grayling butterflies were also seen.

Grayling

Year List update: Dartford Warbler (180)