The sun is shining but very windy walking the half mile west from Long Rock car park. The 2 Snow Buntings were feeding on the sloping concrete coastal defence wall at 10.15.
About 10 years ago thanks to the efforts of the late Colin Selby and others a hide was erected overlooking Treraven Meadow, Wadebridge. It didn't last many years losing the roof first. A couple of years ago it was just a screen. Today it's replaced by a seat.
As we were passing we popped in to Stithians Reservoir. I don't think I have ever seen the water level so low but the Little Stint was still on the main reservoir at the Golden Lion end at 11.05.
The Turtle Dove was still at Brew Farm, Sennen at 11.05 on wires and farm buildings. Very mobile due to nearby shooting. Do not stray from road.
The sun is shining this afternoon so went back to Boscathnoe Reservoir for a second look at the two Ring-necked Ducks. Both still present at 13.45. Not visible in the photo but shows the site.
I don't think it has stopped raining all day in the far west of Cornwall. Stayed dry in the car but as we were passing I nipped into Boscathnoe Reservoir to see the pair of Ring-necked Ducks at 15.30.
I recall the 1st Baird's I saw or didn't see!!! I went to Hartland Point hoping to tick the reported Baird's. A small crowd were watching it, I thought the wing projection looked wrong but I happily ticked it. The next day Messrs Heard and Evans reidentified it as a Little Stint.
Went to Drift Reservoir this afternoon hoping to see the Spotted Sandpiper. Instead I had to walk to the hide to see the Baird's Sandpiper that had just been found. Still there at 13 40
There are some great photos of the Wilson's Snipe on social media. Not surprising when a Birder I was talking to said his lens cost 拢15500. These two photos are the best I could do, taken from BOC.
Bright and breezy on Scilly so went to see the Jack Snipe from Hilda Quick hide. The hide was rather full but the Jack Snipe was in full view bobbing up and down. The Wilson's Snipe was asleep in the same place as yesterday but Birders over 6 feet could see most of it from here.
When I got to the seaward hide at Porthellick early pm the Sora was last seen the other side of the pool. We all expected it to come in from the right so it surprised us by walking in from the left. It then gave excellent close range views in front of the nearest reed island.
Whilst at Old Town eating a pasty the now confirmed Wilson's Snipe was showing at Lower Moors. By the time I arrived it was about 15 feet from the hide but only a small part of its back visible. After an hour is woke up,preened and then fed in full view.
Whilst I saw a Yellow-browed Warbler last week at Newford duck pond the views were brief. Today though just after leaving the hide I watched a Yellow-browed Warbler
which was in constant view for about 10 mins. Just waiting now until 3pm for coffee and cake at Longstones.
Overnight rain on Scilly but by 10.30 the sun was out and it is another warm day. The only Black Redstart I have seen this year was the cracking Eastern bird at Sheringham so the Little Porth bird was great to see this morning. The Robin didn't like it though!!!
The Community Bus is now repaired and I have already used it once to get back from Porthellick. I didn't realise though that the owner had a sense of humour until I walked past the bus this afternoon.
I was nearby when the news of the Barred Warbler in the gardens below the Garrison. Fortunately being tall I was able to look down into the gardens and after a short while I had good views. Being Friday I then walked to Longstones to have apple pie and cream.
Change of plan today due to a Paronychia infection I spent 4 hours in the hospital having treatment. I can't praise all the staff I saw enough though, they were brilliant. I have to take a strong antibiotic, the only drawback is I have to eat Greek Yogurt. I hate Yogurt