randombirder

It was cold as the assembled crowd at Radipole Lake waited patiently for the Ross's Gull to drop by.  This arctic wanderer is a scarce visitor to the UK, and an adult bird is always a real draw.  At just gone 11am, the bird dropped in, and despite being quite flighty, it gave great views as it bobbed about along the channel before heading for the island where it had been seen on the previous days. It was a little cracker and in pristine plumage, but not quite showing the pinkish hues when in breeding plumage, but the dark eye and short black bill, pale grey wings and mantle made this a Gull worth looking at. Also seen by the bridge was a comical Water Rail that dashed back and forth fleeing constant harassment from the local Mallard and Moorhen .  A showy Cetti's Warbler appeared for a few moments before dashing back into cover. There was very little on offer at Ferrybridge, so I made tracks up to Ibsley Water at Blashford for some more Gu

An early start to make the most of a gorgeous day, not as radiant as the previous day but the east fared well as the weather rolled in from the west.  The morning was crisp, and clear. The first stop was Eastbridge where the Glossy Ibis was feeding along the edges of the flooded marsh.  It was then spooked by a passing Marsh Harrier , it's iridescence shimmering against the morning sun as it flew round and then dropped down again.   A group of Curlew were present there as were a few flighty Common Snipe . I was really looking forward to visiting Minsmere again.  It's such a fabulous reserve with so much to offer all year round. Heading along the path toward Island Mere hide, common birds were now vocalising salutations for the onset of Spring within the woodland.  There is a while to go but today in the sun, the signs were promising. This Robin was really confiding. There were plenty of Siskin and a few Redpoll seen from the path that leads

Whatever people have been saying about the newly branded Walthamstow Wetlands, it can still look great before the hoards eventually turn up. A rare visit here to connect with the Little Bunting that duly obliged and showed quite nicely.  A great record for this urban reserve that may struggle to attract the earnest naturalist. I cycled home - probably never to return.

Yes, this was a morning dash down to Eastbourne.  There were two species here of interest. The first was the White-spotted Bluethroat seen relatively easily along a line of reeds at West Langney Lakes.  This site was far better than I had expected with a large waterbody providing suitable habitat for water birds, and an extensive reedbed where the distance pinging of Bearded Tit could be heard.  This would be a great local patch. As for the Bluethroat, this looked like a 1st winter bird, it was well marked but it's behaviour and form made it a real joy to observe as it scavenged for invertebrates on a cold frosty morning. With the knowledge that a decline in the weather was forecast around midday, I headed down to Sovereign Harbour to search for the Black Guillemot that had been present for a few weeks in the unfamiliar surroundings of the south. The wander round the harbour was most agreeable, overlooked by new residential developments made it look like quite a desir