Away Days

Another lengthy absence from WALBOC. I spent ten days in Norway from the 15th to the 25th of July where I recorded 50 species. These included five Ospreys (three juvs) in a nest that I discovered; Eider, Velvet Scoter, five species of wader, Merlin, Raven, Goosander amongst others. 50 seems meagre for a country with the birding riches of Norway but consider that it was not a birding holiday, I did not have the opportunity to go off and do any, and especially the fact that I had no bins, scope or camera!!

Today I went to Lodmoor in the hope of seeing the Stilt Sand. After a poor journey because the Hindhead tunnel was NOT open, despite 'opening' on the 27th of July. This added an hour onto what was a bad journey anyway. We eventually arrived at 11:30 and walked up onto the bank overlooking the scrape where three birders were present. The bird had not been seen for about an hour when we arrived and so I settled down expecting a long stake-out. Three Green Sands were on the scrape and an Oyk flew over but there was no sign of the Stilt Sand. Eventually it showed at about one o'clock, excellently in the centre of the scrape. It was on show for about five minutes before disappearing. Stilt Sand is an absolute gem of a bird. Stunning wader, best I've seen. Truly beautiful. Unfortunately it was too distant (and obscured by reeds) for a photo. Still a top bird though.

On to Radipole more for something to eat than anything. A Redshank was notable for the reserve. Whilst there I was pleasantly surprised to find the long-staying drake Hooded Merganser. It was in eclipse so not looking its finest but still good to see. The site warden told me it hadn't been seen in a couple of weeks so not a bad sighitng. I also saw my first ever Jersey Tiger Moth, stunner.