Close to home - Savi's warbler

First there was this.  It was always the plan to head off in search of a savi's warbler this year after the miserable failings of last spring.  It was hardly surprising that Steve Blain had found another local rare - what was more surprising was that it was a savi's warbler - a first for bedfordshire and only 13 minutes from home.

The attempts were racking up - this my seventh overall but the first at Derek White's Egg Pits where this had been expertly picked up reeling on the 5th May.  A reasonable evening on the 7th raised hopes, but the viewing position on the edge of Biggleswade Common overlooking the pits diminished any chances of satisfying views.  It seemed like a mile away from the reedbed on the far side.  A local barn owl put on a great show for the small group lined up along the rivers edge.

Despite almost constant reeling for at least an hour and a half, catching a glimpse of this secretive bird proved to be difficult and thus, my hands were empty on the slow walk back to the car.

The 8th was a filthy day weather-wise so all hopes of connecting were dashed by the vagaries of the english weather.  However - a late afternoon dash to Broom where a fall of ringed plover reached nine with a dunlin there.  Scores of hirundine were feeding over GLE and a hobby was in pursuit of its candy.

Today was far better - well at least the weather had calmed down.  Winds were light, it was reasonably bright and mild with renewed hopes of a fleeting glimpse.

It was claimed to have been sighted during the afternoon but as the evening hit its peak, the savi's was in full voice - this time it appeared to be closer.  Then the sighting - a keen eyed observer spotted it reeling from low down on a distant willow - I was shambolic as usual unable to pick it out amongst the dense vegetation.  Thankfully I had Mike Illet standing next to me who pinned it without much effort and with decent scope views - it was a real joy to have finally seen it.  It then showed intermittently for the next hour as the light began to fade.

This one felt good - really pleased to have seen one at last and particularly so close to home.