Tuesday 20 December 2011

JACK SNIPE on the list







TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER

A return to milder conditions with SW winds bringing in cloudy skies and warmer temperatures........

MARSWORTH RESERVOIR (HERTS)

Young Ted Wallen did exceptionally well in locating and identifying a JACK SNIPE on Marsworth, the first twitchable individual for a while and the first record this year that I know of. Many of us consequently twitched it and following up behind Roy and Dave B, Ian Williams and I connected mid afternoon with several others. Although the single COMMON SNIPE was relatively easy to find on the muddy margin at the eastern end, the JACK SNIPE proved far more difficult. It was hugging the edge of the reeds and although ''bouncing'' frequently when feeding, virtually disappeared from view when stationary. It had moved 50 or so yards from where Ted had first discovered it and was further east, favouring the back of the area that has more exposed mud on the south shore. A superb find.

There were also two WATER RAILS running around out in the open and now that the ice has melted, 2 Great Crested Grebes were back, and 8 Shovelers

On neighbouring STARTOP'S END RESERVOIR, the first-winter male SNOW BUNTING was still doing his thing, showing well enough for Richard Woodhead to obtain these two great images

Good Birding Always and Festive Greetings to all at Tring

Lee Evans

No comments: