Roundup from last few weeks

18/07/17: A Little Egret was present feeding on the shoreline at the eastern end staying put just the evening before departing elsewhere. 1 Green Sandpiper and 4 Common Sandpiper were also present here. The spit at Rilshaw Lane through up a surprise in the from of a DUNLIN. 5 Little Ringed Plover and a single Common Sandpiper was also present here.

Observers: Findlay Wilde, John Gilbody and Graham Bayliss

16/07/17: 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper and 4 Teal were present on the water and spit at Rilshaw Lane, while the scarce record of a REDSTART (juv) were in the Willows alongside the water. The eastern end held 2 Green Sandpiper, 4 Common Sandpiper, a Redshank and 1 Black-Tailed Godwit.

Observer: Findlay Wilde

The above are stand out days in the time period since I last posted sightings. The only other highlights have included 1 Mediterranean Gull on the 12th at Rilshaw, 15 Lapwing at Rilshaw on the 7th, and a Water Rail at Dairy House on the same day.

Observer: Findlay Wilde

Images from the last few weeks:

02/07/17 - Birdlog

Starting at Rilshaw Lane, I was surprised to observe a Kestrel hunting over one of the nearby fields. Perhaps a new pair have moved into this area as I don't recall seeing one on that side before. The scrapes were unusually quiet, only a handful of Black-headed Gull and 3 Pied Wagtail were taking advantage of the exposed mud.

With not much else about I moved on to view the East End viewing from the Sailing Club. I was delighted to pick up the first record of *COMMON SCOTER* for Winsford Flash (a handsome drake). At least 20 sailors were out on the water, therefore I couldn't quite believe the bird hadn't been flushed.

The only other birds of note today included the first Green Sandpiper of the year on the scrapes at Dairy House Farm and also a solitary Common Sandpiper.  

Observer: Findlay Wilde (all images)