Little Stint

Lade - mild, cloudy, W 2 - We`ve stuck pretty much to the local patch these past few days, checking and rechecking the pits and bay for signs of autumn migration. With high water levels waders have been at a premium on the lakes with singles of Common Sandpiper and Dunlin being about it. Two Whimbrels flew over yesterday whistling away, while the bay Curlew flock continue to roost on the desert shingle. A walk outback to a known Marsh Harrier nesting site confirmed successful breeding with two fledged juvs flopping about in cover, where a Brown Hare also noted (scarce here now). Yesterday afternoon a large Starling flock feeding on blackberries and flying ants on the shingle was promptly relieved of a juvenile bird by a passing Hobby in spectacular fashion as it was taken from atop a bramble runner. Willow Warblers and Common Whitethroats have both been seen in the back garden and around the ponds, plus  Reed and Sedge Warblers at the latter site.

                                 Little Stint, Lade bay (by David Scott)

                      Little Stint with Dunlin for size comparison  (by David Scott) 

Good numbers of migrant shorebirds have been passing and pausing through the bay of late with the adults now being joined by this season`s crop of youngsters. The highlight of this afternoons count was a first Little Stint of autumn feeding amongst the smaller waders just out from Derville Road, and by no means a regular bird on the salt. My camera has been playing up lately, but fortunately David Scott managed to get a couple of pics at range, and many thanks to him. A four figure Oystercatcher count at 1,150 was also of note, plus: Curlew 390, Dunlin 550, Ringed Plover 65, Sanderling 55, Knot 12, Bar-tailed Godwit 5, Whimbrel 2 on the incoming tide. Two Wheatears and 10 Yellow Wagtails were also on the shingle amongst the Sea Kale and two Grey Seals at sea.