Slowly, Slowly

My Dental check up in York yesterday gave me an excuse to call in at Duff. I arrived at 9.30 and hung around the car park for a while hoping for something while it warmed up (8C).

A message from Haydn informing me of some PFG heading my way was encouraging...but they didn't make it unfortunately.

I headed for the GS Hide.

Stall set up and scanning, I noticed the River for the first time in months! However the Carrs was still bone dry with Sheep grazing. A couple of Red Kites came as close as I've seen and performed brilliantly for a good 5 minutes before drifting South...

Haydn arrived and we shared a juvenile Marsh Harrier. We then had 3 Snipe, which was definitely unexpected. After a chat he headed home and I remained in situ. 

The Scrape is overgrown now but there are still 3 small areas of visible water. I haven't seen anything on them for quite a while. Today that changed at 12.51. I saw a movement amongst the Reeds, then there it was...

Kingfisher (96)

I soon lost it before thankfully it reappeared and fished for a good 5 minutes before departing...

I'm enjoying these "low expectation /out of season" visits,as it makes the Sightings somehow more Special?

Locally, it's still fairly quiet but there's always something to see and enjoy...

Fresh Autumn Meadow Pipit on the Cliff

Drinking partners...with expression...

Greenfinch and Goldfinch

A few from the "Magic Hedge"...

Goldfinches (c100)

(there's another similar sized flock at the bottom of Seaside)

Male Stonechat

Reed Bunting