18 September 2021 - Blacktoft Sands

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White-tailed Lapwing, Bluethroat, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits, Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpipers, Marsh Harriers, Water Rails, Little Egrets

Decided to have a crack at the White-tailed Lapwing this morning while Joanne was at work.  It was a nice sunny day and arrived not long after the reserve opened. The bird had been seen, and when I arrived in the hide it was on view from the Townend Hide but only just - you had to be on the right-hand side of the hide to be able to see it. A few times it flew as raptors went over, but each time it landed almost out of sight behind the island.  Still, good views through the scope, and a tick of course, but a little frustrating. A not very good video screen grab is the best I have on offer.

Recently there had been a Bluethroat at Marshland Hide, and I wasn't expecting much, but was very pleasantly surprised to watch the bird, with quite a bit of blue on its throat as it hopped around the base of the reeds at the back of the lagoon. Only the second Bluethroat I've ever seen, and bird of the day for me.

A good selection of waders too, as well as a couple of Water Rails, Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets.

 

White-tailed Lapwing