Dotterels

After an absence of two years a trip of five Dotterels appeared in the sheep fields above Blackmoorfoot Reservoir this week. These attractive waders are on their way north to breed on the mountain plateaux of Scotland and are breaking the journey at this traditional staging post in sunny Huddersfield.


The birds rarely strayed far from each other this morning but kept their distance from the handful of Golden Plover, whilst doing their best to avoid being trampled on by curious lambs!


Other migrants on show included a dozen or more Northern Wheatears though, with the exception of this handsome male, views were generally distant.

Norfolk Weekend

Despite some glorious weather this Spring's pilgrimage to Norfolk was a little short on avian highlights. The lack of Nightingales, Dartford Warblers and Cranes was lamentable though distant views of Golden Oriole, Garganey and an abundance of Marsh Harriers and Hobbys was some recompense.


Steady streams of screeching Sandwich Terns against the perfect sky at Titchwell RSPB got the holiday off to a great start.


Avocets monopolised the wader scrapes at Titchwell and Cley with only the odd Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit getting a look in.


The perfect lines of Black Poplar trees at Lakenheath RSPB Reserve are home to a small population of Golden Orioles. Despite their bright colour the birds are incredibly difficult to see as they whistle their melancholy song from beneath the canopy. Don't study the photo for too long - I'm pretty sure there isn't one present!


A couple of commoner species to finish in the shape of a very confiding Lapwing and a drake Gadwall at Cley NWT.