19/9/21 I was contacted by JH early morning. He was coming out of isolation and wanted to know if I fancied coming with him to Blacktoft Sands RSPB for the White-tailed Lapwing. I hadn’t seen John for nearly a year and there was the bonus of a Bluethroat so said yes. I’ve not seen Bluethroat in the UK since July 2002, a summering White-spotted form also at Blacktoft Sands, although saw Red-spotted form in Finland in 2006. The location and timing made we wonder if the current one had also over summered, if not on site maybe nearby.
Anyway reaching the reserve mid morning went straight to Townshend Hide. The Lapwing wasn’t initially on view but quickly learnt it was only visible from the righthand side of the hide as it was other wise obscured behind an island. Had a quick view and got some pictures but as it was fairly distant and not doing so much got out of the way for anyone who hadn’t seen it.
Next went to Marshland Hide. The Bluethroat was being pretty elusive and the hide was busy with little concern for Covid 19 but eventually got sat down which made trying to locate it less daunting. It was right at the back of the lagoon usually hidden in the reeds. The presence of Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting didn’t help but eventually got a brief view then shortly after saw it enough to fire off a single shot which although small was identifiable.
Moved on to Xerox Hide. Unlike my earlier visit [see here] we had so far seen very few waders but did have a good few Ruff here. The weather forecast was for heavy rain and as we walked back to the car it finally arrived.
However at our next site, North Cave Wetlands YWT, the rain held off. Started at Crosslands Hide. The water level was fairly high, the islands were grassed over and no waders were present just mainly Teal, Shoveler and Little Grebe.
On Main Lake there was more wildfowl including several Wigeon.
Finally went to Turret Hide via East Hide were there were several Ruff, three Black-tailed Godwit and a few Snipe. Also picked up a Hobby over Far Lake then flying over Island Lake.
Getting home took the dog out but quickly the heavy rain caught us up but had a Grey Heron flying over Coop car park as we rushed home. However although both soaked we were out again shortly and it stay dry for the rest of the evening.
Postscript
The White-tailed Lapwing was still present on the 16th December but not on the 19th, however it turned up in Lincolnshire at East Halton Skitter on the 31st and present until 7th March then was relocated at Frampton RSPB on the 9th. After going missing all week the White-winged Lapwing made itself available to Norfolk listers turning up at Ken Hill, Snettisham on the 9th April. Interesting that it seems to be migrating south east so interesting to see where it ends up. I have seen some discussion about its origin but not aware of any in captivity in Europe.. The Bluethroat was last reported on the 20th September.
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