On Thursday evenings in the summer, I always try to go birdwatching after work. As the autumn is fast approaching, bringing with it the dark nights, I decided to go further than the usual Holywell or Swallow I usually visit then.
A drive up to East Chevington proved well worth it. The juv Spotted Crake was showing well at times. Close by were 2 Curlew Sandpipers and a handsome Pectoral Sandpiper. Directly in front of the hide there were 25+ Ruff, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Greenshank, 5 Ringed Plover, 100+ Lapwing and 20+ Dunlin. Amongst the waders there was a visiting
White-rumped Sandpiper, which was not only showing well, but I was lucky to catch a glimpse of the famous white rump as it took to flight on one occasion.
I wonder what else could turn up at Chevington this autumn? The reserve is certainly full of life at the moment, reminding me of the days when Swallow and Backworth were full of autumn waders in the 80s/90s.
Finally a flock of Greylags and Canada flew in, with three most likely escaped Bar-headed Geese. Other wildfowl present, included a female Pintail, 25-28 Wigeon and 100+ Teal.
Paul Buskin