But plenty of other interesting birdies and a new 'lifer'
Started by searching for the Hoopoe that had been seen over on Portland yesterday, but to no avail. Spent a good while spotting around the wonderfully named "Suckthumb Quarry," but only managed several magpies, herring gulls, and other slightly disappointed birders. Enjoyed the views though as we (yes, Mr. Wylie came too this time) headed back to RSPB Radipole Lake (the Romans called it 'Reedy Pool', see?) which is an unlikely place for reed beds and lagoons in the middle of Weymouth, but always reliable for something unusual.
And today was no exception with....a lifer for me...a red-rumped swallow. I can hear you gasping as you read this!! It's not just your average swallow you know, this one is only recorded around 10 times a year in the UK, and is usually resident in Asia. There were several birders getting very excited at the prospect of seeing this rarity and in the end it showed really well - flying past several times and so close you felt like you could reach up to it. Also spotted was the resident Hooded Merganser, a Common Sandpiper and my first Garganey in absolutely ages.
All rounded off with my first Chiffchaff of 2015 whilst enjoying a stroll around Lodmoor, bringing my total to 77 so far. Small detour to the Smugglers in Osmington Mills (sounds like the name of a Tory MP, what what) for a pint of Hopping Hare on the way back. Pete's cooking chicken korma. What's not to like??
And today was no exception with....a lifer for me...a red-rumped swallow. I can hear you gasping as you read this!! It's not just your average swallow you know, this one is only recorded around 10 times a year in the UK, and is usually resident in Asia. There were several birders getting very excited at the prospect of seeing this rarity and in the end it showed really well - flying past several times and so close you felt like you could reach up to it. Also spotted was the resident Hooded Merganser, a Common Sandpiper and my first Garganey in absolutely ages.
All rounded off with my first Chiffchaff of 2015 whilst enjoying a stroll around Lodmoor, bringing my total to 77 so far. Small detour to the Smugglers in Osmington Mills (sounds like the name of a Tory MP, what what) for a pint of Hopping Hare on the way back. Pete's cooking chicken korma. What's not to like??