Sunday 15 September 2013

Amwell

I have a week off and the weather is interesting, with a good chance of something. Late Saturday a Great Snipe turned up at Spurn-not unexpected at this time of year but much harder to get than they used to be. Been for a few, and apart from a yes it is/no it isn't bird at Sherringham in the mid 90's which was only seen distantly in flight I have not been able to connect. Should have been there today since the bird showed really well, but yesterday was a bad day with the lingering virus flaring  up again and a really bad headache. Did not expect to be much better today so I decided not to go.
Went down to Amwell for the usual Sunday gathering. Head still bad, but tolerable and improving, but as the morning progressed, the increasing westerlies and showers left me feeling rather cold at the end.
Barry had a couple of Wheatears early on but they had gone by the time I arrived. Constant movements, in small numbers of Swallows, Sand and House Martins were a feature of the day, with the occasional Meadow Pipit going over as well. Two Hobbys still, on and off all morning, plus the usual Sparrowhawks, Kestrels and Buzzards. An Osprey would have been nice, but it was seen at Hertingfordbury. One Common Sandpiper  was present, though elusive, and there were still a couple of Sedge Warblers and one Reed warbler in front of the watch point.
Off to Yorkshire tomorrow-but we may end up somewhere else instead.

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