Grey Phalarope: A juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was sighted at Eyebrook Reservoir this is not only an uncommon visitor from North America, but a lifer for me, after dipping a few in the past.
So, I decided to drive down on Saturday, leaving very early to get there for first light. However my bad luck with Baird's continued and the bird did a bunk over night.
As a consolation I went across to to Rutland water to see the long staying grey phal. Low water levels at Rutland Water caused by recent hot weather have exposed previously submerged parts of the old landscape, which has been a real draw for waders.
They are a rare inland sighting, grey phalaropes are usually seen along the coast, so their appearance at Rutland Water is considered a rare and exciting event. Like other birds that appear inland, this individual was likely blown off course by strong winds during migration.
The bird was observed swimming and feeding fearlessly, even close to people, and was seen eating bloodworms and zebra mussels.
These smart little birds never fail to fulfil the hopes or expectations of a having a good birding experience. Confiding, bold and photogenic they are great, definitely a nice consolation after dipping the Baird's.
These smart little birds never fail to fulfil the hopes or expectations of a having a good birding experience. Confiding, bold and photogenic they are great, definitely a nice consolation after dipping the Baird's.