randombirder

Waders are always a delight, and the chance for a quick dash to see the Hudsonian godwit made the weekend complete, particularly having missed this species in 2015. Fortunately, this individual had lingered, allowing prolonged views. It stood out as markedly different from the European race, appearing much darker than the eight islandica   black-tailed godwit it associated with and, at times, more reminiscent of bar-tailed godwit. In flight, the dark underwing coverts were prominent, while the white upperwing bar appeared far more subdued. Despite the dull, leaden skies, it proved a very welcome spring bonus.

Garganey , wood sandpiper , greenshank , cattle egret , great egret , crane , bittern , bearded tit , marsh harrier , hobby , great reed warbler, cuckoo, turtle dove  and red-footed falcon ; all within 50 minutes of my front door. A lovely day out in The Fens - Ouse Fen, Berry Fen, Fen Drayton - and a trip over to Swaffham Priory Fen for the red-footed falcon. Just glorious.