Late July, evening birding

 

A message during the late afternoon, on the local whatsapp group, surprised everyone with news of a drake Redstart at Eldernell. I headed down there after work, as I hadn't seen any of the few springs birds that had been around locally. As far as I can tell, there has never been a July Redstart in the area so a great record and lovely individual. Perhaps a 1st summer?

I call into my patch, Deeping Lakes LWT, on the way home for a quick check. A Little-ringed Plover first thing, was the first new wader (other than the usual Common and Green Sandpipers) in a while and with a stormy sky to the north, I thought it might be worth a look. Straight away found six, sleeping, Spoonbills. I watched them for an hour with fellow local birders, Mike Weedon and Martin Coates, before they departed north-east along the Welland, after a preen, in typical fashion. 

Spoonbill overload below.

Spoon Shapes!

 

At first I assumed it was an adult with a first summer and four juveniles (with tiny, bills!) but on closer inspection, the first summer actually has a fair few signs of maturity so perhaps a two year old and this is a family party? From where, is another question. But with a growing population in East Anglia, it would be great to think these hadn't come that far...

Red-belted Clearwing

 Had never seen a clearwing species until this year, so was absolutely thrilled to attract three Red-belted Clearwings to lure in my garden at the weekend- another first for me.

Lunar & Goat

Lunar Hornet and Goat Moths lured and caught by Hugh Wright.

Peach Blossom

Superb little moth, caught by Hugh Wright.

 

Peregrine family

 

The summer of Peregrine watching has began, as the Stamford three are on the edge of fledging. I took these last night and hear that at least one fledged this morning. I watched, with my father, the adult Tiercel and Falcon bring a Jackdaw and Feral Pigeon respectively. The young of course went mental each occasion. What a sight and sound!

Turkestan Shrike

 

Turkestan, or Red-tailed if you prefer, Shrike at Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire. Shrikes are always good value and adult males always look the part. This one wasn't particularly bothered by the elbowing crowd and would even fly to them, feasting on the insects in the undergrowth.