Success at the third attempt!

At last at 8.45 this morning...the Curlew Sandpiper, but still a fair way out in Whites Creek from the sluice gate.

Curlew Sandpiper (third from left with 3 Knot and B T Godwit rear end! )

Curlew Sandpiper...centre

...on right

...far right

Snipe ...far side of Breech Pool

Greenshank

Apologies for terrible cropped shots but I was just pleased to see the Curlew Sandpiper in summer plumage.

Still quiet!

Yesterdays report of a summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper had me scurrying to the North Wall area this morning. Alas, it was way out in the middle of the harbour and even with a 'scope view it was  difficult to see! So another quiet morning with just a 'fly by' Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel and an Avocet on Breech Pool to brighten things up.

Distant Whimbrel.

Immature Avocet far side of the pool.

...and a couple of Common Terns.

There were, however the usual Grey Herons!

...in various poses

 ...and in flight!

A couple of Swallows were twittering on the power lines in Church Lane and incidentally there was at least one pair feeding young in the stables...so hopefully they will soon fledge.

....and that was about it!

July can be quiet for birding!

A stroll from the beach to the North Wall produced very little of interest.
Best was perhaps this Stag Beetle found on the 'dog walk' path...

An elegant beast!

Whites Creek had the usual Redshanks, Gulls and some summer plumaged Black Tailed Godwits and a few rather tatty Lapwings...

The resident family of Canada Geese were  near the sluice gate .

A few Reed Warblers were seen in the reedbed surrounding Breech Pool and a solitary Snipe was seen briefly at the far end and a  pair of Common Terns were present, briefly.

On the return journey a family of Whitethroats were seen suggesting successful breeding but not much else!

So, July is quiet for birds and birder alike!

Another hot day but a bonus evening Barn Owl!

Hot, summer days very often reduces 'bird' activity  apart from early mornings or evenings when it is more pleasant for both birds and birders.
During the week I have been endeavouring to obtain a photo of a Green Woodpecker visiting a garden birdbath and this morning at  5.30 a.m., as I was setting up the camera behind an open window the woodpecker suddenly appeared in the viewfinder before I was even ready or expecting it. It stayed drinking for about 30 seconds and I simply pressed the shutter release and hey presto a result. I have recently experimented with using an auto ISO facility and although not keen about adopting this method I was surprised to note the photos were either using ISO6400 or ISO3200.  I was pleasantly surprised!

I then decided to try for the juvenile Swallows near the horse paddock at the North Wall but there were no birds at all.  I stopped at the Salthouse and managed a few distant photos of a fishing Little Egret ...attracted mainly by the reflection.

Big splash but I didn't see a catch.

Two Spotted Redshanks made off from the Breech Pool leaving a lone Greenshank by the far bank...with low water levels I am hoping  a few more waders will arrive soon.

Distant Greenshank

Apart from this Reed Warbler there was little to report but as ever it is always pleasant to catch up with other birders-Owen M and Ian R.
 (Ian had driven over especially to photograph the Swallows but with the same result!)

I was however alerted to the fact that a Barn Owl was showing at about 8.45p.m. on a regular basis so a return was a 'must'.

There were many Sand Martins circling the reed bed preparing to roost....

..and then the Barn Owl but alas, very distant!

...but I was pleased to see it despite only being a photographic record shot!
                           

                   Good night....tomorrow is another day.