Lesser Scaup on my "county list " at last!!

Having missed the first county record of Lesser Scaup at Stanford Reservoir last month I was very relieved when one was found at Ditchford GP yesterday.  However I just couldn't get over there yesterday so had to endure a nail biting wait to see whether the bird stayed overnight.  Thankfully it did and I was able to get over to Ditchford GP this morning and join with the many other birders who also missed the Stanford bird. In fact it turned out to be quite a social occasion as lots of birders came out of the woodwork and I caught up with many folk whom I hadn't seen for years.     The bird itself was showing very well and appeared to like the company of Gadwall.  It preened, loafed around, dived and stretched his wings giving everyone some amazing views and hopefully there should be a lot of photographs.                                                                    It was definitely one of the easiest "twitches " I have been on.  The bird is on the Big Lake at Ditchford GP and is accessed via the Rushden Lakes Complex.  Park between the cinema and restaurants and it is literally a 5 minute walk on a good track on the east side of this lake.  It was visible from an obvious angling spot behind a padlocked gate.  This track is well used by folk out for a walk and was quite busy today as it is half term and nice weather.  Afterwards there is the opportunity to go and look for the Beavers or indulge in some retail therapy!!

Just a few birds of note in the county today.  A few of the long staying birds remain, Pectoral Sandpiper at Hollowell Reservoir,  2 Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys and Northern Wheatear at Clifford Hill GP.   There was a Marsh Harrier at Titchmarsh LNR and over at Stanford Reservoir a Mediterranean, Caspian and Yellow Legged Gull.                     I visited Harrington Airfield yesterday and today and it was a birdless zone. I couldn't find anything.  This is so typical of Harrington,  it is either all or nothing.  Despite sitting around and waiting for the birds/wildlife to show, nothing happened.                This tactic certainly worked well for Stuart this afternoon at shrike hedge where he was rewarded with a Corn Bunting,  Merlin and Stonechat . I walked around the general area and saw nothing of note. Maybe I should have sat around but somehow I don't think that the dogs would have been too impressed!!

Regards Eleanor 

Jack Snipe.

Stonechat.

Pintail.

Images from Summer Leys LNR
courtesy of Tony Stanford.