4 May 2022 - Hollingworth Lake

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2 Sandwich Terns, 3 male Goosander, 3 Tufted Duck, Common Sandpiper

Overcast and drizzly this morning; good weather for some passage, and true to form I received a WhatsApp message from Simon to say there was a Sandwich Tern at the Lake.  Shortly after another message from Andrew said there were 2 Sandwich Terns.  I just arrived in time, but in heavy drizzle.  The two terns were sat on the posts near the nature reserve, but as I walked a bit closer to get a clearer view I heard them calling and by the time I reached a gap in the trees they were nowhere to be seen, so evidently flew off at about 08:20.  Through the drizzle I managed to see the 3 drake Goosander that Andrew had mentioned, and there were also three Tufted Ducks.

On the reserve there appeared to be two Grey Herons, then when I reached the hide, possibly another just in front.  It was still drizzling and the light wasn't too good, so I didn't attempt any photos but realised there was a Common Sandpiper on the spit. Shortly afterwards it flew closer and spent some time bobbing around just to the left of the hide, allowing for some decent photos despite the poor light.

Elsewhere there were a few hirundines about, mostly Swallows and Sand Martins, but not much else. 

Common Sandpiper , 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 3200 (view full size image)

Common Sandpiper , 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 3200 (view full size image)

Common Sandpiper , 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 3200 (view full size image)

Swallow, 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 3200