Beacon Ponds

It seems as though the migrants have started to thin out just lately so with that in mind I thought I would see if I could get some shots of the little terns at beacon ponds.
I went up on Saturday and in fairly strong winds, I got set up in a likely looking spot out of the wind.
during the 3 or so hours i was there I was treated to some fantastic close views of the little terns fishing although the poor light didn't help.
with having such a good day on the Saturday I was up there again yesterday, this time it was improved by not only close views of the terns but also a sprinkling of decent waders-not least a red-necked phalorope but also 3 little stints and some close view of common waders, and some interesting behaviour with herons and the little egret.
The walk back last night was in glorious evening sunshine punctuated by the song of skylarks and just as i got nearer the car a cracking corn bunting performed magnificently only a few metres away.
I must stress that the area is quite sensitive for breeding birds and anyone heading up there must stick strictly to the marked paths and not go anywhere near the breeding grounds of the little terns.

Tawny revisited

I had a nice evening down at beacon Ponds tonight, I thought I'd go for another crack at the tawny pipit.
On the way down from Easington I saw a couple of wheatear and skylarks feeding on newly cut grass.
Further on there were some common waders around the lagoons including grey plover, ringed plover dunlin and oystercatcher.
The tawny pipit showed briefly as soon as I arrived then disappeared for half an hour before re-appearing and showing really well.
It remaoned distant but nice to see it out in the open.
I bumped in to Martin garner and a party of birdwatchers and he put me on to a magnificent summer plumaged curlew sandpiper feeding on Easington lagoon.
Also had little tern and yellow wagtail.
beautiful evening under clear skies, shame about the strong wind.

Rustic Bunting

I had a couple of cracks at the superb rustic bunting at Filey this weekend.
I had good intentions of going to Filey when it was reported but waited until late afternoon and unfortunately it didn't show for me in the evening.
I went up again today after it was reported as still being there.I expected a big crowd but was pleasantly suprised by how few people were there.
Most of the time it was feeding on the track allowing good views but a bit distant for a shot, managed to get lucky (albeit view was hampered by vegetation) towards the end when it showed for me to about 15m.
Absolutely cracking bird and another to add to the photograph list.