Sunday, 24 April 2016

Gann - Curlew Sandpiper & bits & bobs

What a beautiful evening at the Gann....didn't pick it up initially, but once the waders settled down (seemingly oblivious to our dogs) I soon picked up the Curlew Sandpiper: only my 2nd ever spring bird in Pembrokeshire (the other a smart breeding plumage bird one May many moons ago).  Good find Derek.  Up close you could see this bird is beginning to moult - a few spangly coverts and scapulars, ginger fringed tertials and some breast feathers have been replaced.  The delicate, leggy nature of this species compared to Dunlin can be seen in one of the photos below.  Also 3 Wheatears, all looked good for the Greenland race (nice and big, warm underneath).  2 White Wagtails, including one that photo-bombed one of the Wheatears.  Waders included 35 Dunlin, 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Redshank, and a Common Sandpiper on the pool. A pair of Teal hanging on, and at least 10 Shelduck loafing around including 4 pairs, maybe not quite ready to attempt to breed?