Ranges Round -up.

Cattle Egret.

Knot and Black-tailed Godwit

Godwits and Redshank.

Curlew Sandpiper

During my last four visits to the Ranges the floodwater has produced some pleasing birds.

With a Curlew Sandpiper turning up first. Next was a very smart Knot in full summer plumage feeding amongst the large flock of Black-tailed Godwits which are still present. Red Kite and Barn Owl have also been seen during my visits. And my last visit produced  nine Cattle Egret and a single Great White egret that has been present since the start of the year.

Red Kite & Barn Owl

Monthly moments.

Above Curlew Sandpipers and below Little Stint.

(below) One of the 16 Whinchats found on the 7th Sept.

                             And around 40 Beard Tits (below) were counted on the 28th Sept.

Never knowing what might turn up on the M.o.D Ranges is what makes my Sunday mornings birding exciting, especially during Autumn migration. After searching through hundreds of waders roosting at high tide and hunting under bushes and reed beds these are my Favourite monthly moments.

Banking on the Holiday.

Bank holiday monday would be the last time i might be able to visit the pools for a while. So i decided two maximise my time by making sure i would be in place a couple of hours before high tide. And with the late afternoon sun i should get some good light. Trying to get a little closer to my subjects without spooking them is always a problem. so after sorting my gear out i settled down under my scrim and waited. As i hoped it was not long before the waders came in. Starting with the Ruff and then after she had waded out off sight, in came the Juvenille Curlew Sandpipers. And the end results are these pictures which i am very pleased with.

Autumn Passage continues.

Some new Waders dropped in at the pools Saturday, with a single Sanderling (bottom pic) and a Little Stint found amongst the Ringed plovers as we scanned the flock looking for the broad-billed sandpiper that wasn't to be seen. The days highlight for me was the curlew sandpipers, with 2 adults showing and a small gathering of juveniles feeding with the dunlin. Also had some pleasing moments watching the wood sandpiper with the curlew sandpipers (2nd from bottom pic).