A 'waderfest' at Middleton Lakes RSPB

A view of North Pit from the new 'Lookout Hide'
Photo by Adam Archer

With a Temminck's Stint being reported at Middleton Lakes this morning I decided to drop in on my way back from Cannock Chase. Unfortunately there was no sign of the semi-rarity, however there was a grande selection of other shorebirds to admire. On Jubilee Wetlands my second Wood Sandpiper of the year at this site showed well along with a pair of Common Sandpiper. On my hike around to North Pit I stumbled upon not one, but two Whinchat, a species that is unfortunately hard to find in the region these days. A couple of Northern Wheatear also showed quite well.

Northern Wheatear at the edge of North Pit
Photo by Adam Archer

From the 'Lookout Hide' a Little Stint could be found scampering around with a flock of around 20 Dunlin and winter plumaged Sandering. A Bar-tailed Godwit was also feeding on North Pit where a drake Goosander could also be found. Other species included a Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, 18 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, a first-summer Little Gull, 100+ Common Swift and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

Bar-tailed Godwit on North Pit.
Photo by Adam Archer

A couple of Hobby were also present before I arrived and after I left the site a Whimbrel passed through this evening. The 'Minsmere of the West Midlands' is really starting to attract those sought after waders and long may it continue.