Stone Curlew

No "Thick-knees" here! As you know... strictly "Old School".

Haydn arrived early at 8.15. I'd just returned from Cliff Farm with Bud. After shovelling down my Quaker Oats we headed for Skeffling, our target being the lingering Stone Curlew. After negotiating the ongoing works (no problem with the staff) I parked up and we made our way up onto the viewing screen. This was my first visit here. It was quite a sight!

Much potential here.

It was high tide and there were Birds everywhere, albeit mainly distantly. It looked a daunting task! Large numbers of Gulls and hundreds of Curlew and Shelduck.  There was a group of c50 Little Egrets present. A Yellow Wagtail alighted on a fence wire. Two distant Spoonbills (P.104) were a bonus. No sign of our quarry though. We continued to search, Haydn having a better chance with his scope. Alas, yours truly still struggling at the moment...but managing.

I suggested an area on the far bank with sand and scattered rocks. Just a hunch. Haydn concentrated on this area. After another 30 minutes he exclaimed..."I've got it"!!! (P.105)

Still partially obscured...but THERE! This was an outstanding "spot" by him. Trust me on this one.

It was a County tick for him. I was chuffed it was in the area I'd suggested. This was my third record for the County after Birds at Tophill Low in 1996 and Spurn in 2004.

The Bird hardly moved in the 30 minutes we watched it but we had decent views on occasion, although it was very distant on the Humber Bank.

After lunch in Patrington I showed him around the Village Patch. Nothing significant seen but he enjoyed seeing the Sand and House Martin Colonies. Never to be taken for granted!

A great day in top company.