18th Aug: This imm Spoonbill flew in to Eddersthorpe Flash shortly after I had set up my scope and tripod to begin searching for a Spotted Crake found earlier in the morning. No joy was had with the Crake in three hours, but the Spoonbill remained, 14 Black-tailed Godwits in two parties dropped in and out, 4 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, a Garganey, and a family party of Yellow Wagtails were noted at this excellent site.Next was a stop at Old Moor RSPB where the highlight was a juvenile Spotted Redshank from the Wath Ings Hide. The scrape here is in ideal condition with acres of wader mud in superb condition. If only Brockholes had quality mud like this!
Above: Juv Spotted Redshank, Old Moor RSPB - 19th Aug 2009.Next stop was at Welbeck Raptor Watchpoint, Notts, late afternoon. Single Hobby and Peregrine were the highlight, with several Common Buzzard in the air.
20th August: Five hours at Welbeck Raptor Watchpoint was rewarded with a distant male Honey Buzzard late morning.
