STILT SANDPIPER - A tale of two ticks!

With Listing it's important not to take your eye off the ball. Obviously it's not always possible and luck and fate definitely play a part but never be isolated from the information for too long... especially with the chocolate factory down the road!

13.23 Stilt Sandpiper Beacon Ponds re radio 

Understated but VERY significant! The usual fingers and thumbs scenario ensued before I headed South. First thoughts included memories of my Yorkshire "miss" in July 1989 (sad but true) as I was on a family holiday. I also missed the BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER at Cowden!!! So much for naively thinking it was a safe time of Year!?

Anyway onward. I arrived at Kilnsea Wetlands car park and luckily (and surprisingly) found a spot before starting the march up to Beacon Ponds. I could see a couple of decent sized groups encouragingly looking "focused".

On arrival a kind gent allowed me a peep through his scope...to relieve the tension! The Bird was an adult and was feeding on the far side of the Ponds at some distance (c150yds). I had my Yorkshire...and Spurn Ticks!!

This continues the remarkable run of Summer Rarities at Spurn this Year...

LEAST SANDPIPER

GULL-BILLED TERN

BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE 

STILT SANDPIPER 

Decent!!!

I made my way further along the path to obtain a slightly closer view and a record pic...

There were quite a few Yorkshire stalwarts present including Frank Moffat and John Mcloughlin. It was good to see them again. I returned to the car chatting to Frank, mainly about Football before making my way home.

Depending on which way the wind is blowing this is my 401st Species for Yorkshire and my 323rd for Spurn... I think!? Lost a couple on both as there's only one Redpoll now...according to some authorities!?