I went for my usual "last hour of light" visit to the Meadow to check up on the gull roost. While there's still light I generally look through everything else first to check up on the waders and ducks etc. In amongst the golden plover flock I soon spotted what turned out to be a juvenile AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER. After the false alarm a few weeks ago with the grey-toned golden plover I gave it a good grilling and fortunately this time it looked the real deal. Unfortunately it was found too late by this time for anyone to be able to twitch it so let's hope that it's still around tomorrow morning.
Record shot digiscoped video footage of the bird (c) Gnome
Other birds noted were several DUNLIN, a good number of SNIPE and I think I heard the REDSHANK though I didn't see it and there was no sign of the ruff either. The gull roost was modest in size and didn't hold anything noteworthy.
For those interested in twitching the American Golden Plover tomorrow, the plover flock presently generally favours the shallower flooded area
in the north east corner of the floods, best viewed by looking north
from the gate into Burgess Field NR. Alternatively they often settle
opposite the gate on the west (river) side of the floods. They are
usually very flighty so should only be viewed from a distance. Good luck
to all those going at first light tomorrow!
There was a reported fly-over "lesser" golden plover yesterday at Wilstone reservoir so it may well be the same bird. After a very lean year on the Meadow it's nice finally to get a decent rare bird on the list!
Nice one Adam!
ReplyDeletePS. Some fine heavy breathing on the vid!