I HAD to travel this morning. Not forgetting the chance of...you know what?
I arrived at 10. It was a cold, grey and wet day. The perfect day for a long sit...if a little fresh. I was wrapped up and prepared for a "Big Sit" for a few hours.
Visibility wasn't great and the far side of the reserve was difficult viewing. I couldn't see any Godwits... initially. Then I noticed a large smudge of birds way off to the NW...
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| 3/4 of a Mile |
They were present!!
It was impossible to count them BUT there were...a lot! I can only recall seeing one previous three figure flock here over the years (35). From memory that flock numbered around 120. I moved down to Garganey Hide.
Eventually the birds had a stretch and I was able to get some pics...
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| Probably a sight never to be repeated? |
I had a go at counting (not something I usually do but this was special...to me) and made it 346 (give or take one or two!). Glad I made the effort doesn't cover it! They flew high North at 12.15.
Alas no Garganey in 4 hours but it didn't seem to matter today. Especially when another smaller flock of (81) dropped in a 1 briefly, before also continuing North. So, 427 birds in total!!! The horrendous weather didn't seem to matter now. I left for home at 2 with a large grin. Definitely a day to remember.
The day was enhanced further with news that ALBERT had returned to Bempton. Odds on he would but I didn't think it would be so early? Fantastic news though. The RSPB better get the shop stocked up.
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