The highlight down at Drayton Bassett Pits this morning was a glorious male Whinchat, a fresh arrival from its wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. The handsome bird showed well until early afternoon when it was unfortunately flushed by a couple of dog-walkers. Around the pits the Wood Sandpiper from yesterday was still present as was the Ruff and the Turnstone. Other wading birds included 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin. Overhead a flock of 40 Common Swift congregated at one point before dispersing over the pits. A Cuckoo was also heard despite the blustery conditions.
Whinchat (male) - Middleton Lakes RSPB, Warwickshire.
Whinchat - very handsome. Saw one in Devon a few years ago.
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