Heslington East early am (Sat 3rd Sept)

Had an early am walk around the local wader hot spot that is Heslington East in the hope of connecting with the Little Stint that had been present for a few days. No such luck as there was no sign of the little one.

It was a surprisingly mild morning as the sun came up which was a pleasant surprise. The Little Stint had either gone, or was out of sight but 2 Greenshank, 1migrant juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Snipe were recorded.

Highlights however came in the form of a Garganey and Kingfisher, the latter showed very well (not that my rushed picture shows this!), the former not so well unfortunately.


Kingfisher at Heslington East

Other waterbirds recorded included 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard (when is the Ring-neck going to turn up?!?!), 2 Teal, 100+ Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Snow Goose, 65 Barnacle Goose and loads of Canada and Greylags.

Several passerines were also noted, including over 100 Swallow and 1 Sand Martin flying high south. Also heading south were 20 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thrush, 30 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail and 150 Starling. There was also loads of Linnet, Goldfinch and Pied Wagtail feeding around the site.

Still hoping for a Yankee wader!