Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Easington Beach, Yorkshire

Frampton Marshes

Sedge Warbler

Pectoral Sandpiper

Avocet

Great Knot

Great Knot, Titchwell

Very poor long distance record shot.

Previously dipped on this species at Breydon water in 2014

First UK life tick of the year!!

Greater Yellowlegs

Greater Yellowlegs.

A mega North American Breeder.

First reported on 11th January 2015 at Titchfield Haven NNR, Hants

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Hudsonian Whimbrel, Pagham Harbour, West Sussex.

Only the 12th record of this Mega Wader since 1974.

This life tick goes nicely with the Paddyfield Warbler last Friday at Blakeney Point.

Redshank

Redshank, Grafham Water

Dunlin

Dunlin, Grafham Water

Ringed Plover

Ringed Plover, Grafham Water

Curlew Sandpipers, Tichwell Marshes, Norfolk

Curlew Sandpipers

Avocet, Tichwell, Norfolk

Avocet

Ruff

On our way to Burnham Overy to see Grayling and Dark Green Fritillary Butterflies ( see 'Butterflies etc' in the GALLERY) we dropped in at Titchwell to see these newly arrived Waders.

A Long Haired Lover from Liverpool?

Just returned from a heavy breeding session up-north

Its a pity Titchwell dosen't have a decent hairdresser

''Git your 'air cut mate''

This wind is ruining my Perm!

A very Rough Ruff

Turnstone at Salthouse

'' Will it Catch it ''

Grafham Water

Ringed Plover, Grafham

Black-headed Gull, Grafham.
Also Little Gull and Arctic Tern

Spotted Redshank

  Spotted Redshank, Tichwell, Norfolk

Greenshank

Greenshank, Tichwell. Norfolk

Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit, Tichwell, Norfolk

Great Snipe

Great Snipe, Spurn.

Unfortunately was found dead the day after our visit. ~ thought to have been taken by a predator, either by a cat or a weasel or stoat. There was no real suggestion that the bird was unwell, it appeared to be in immaculate condition, and it seems as though the bird’s tameness and trust was the cause of its untimely downfall.

The Great Snipe (Gallinago media) is a small stocky wader in the genus Gallinago.

This bird's breeding habitat is marshes and wet meadows with short vegetation in north-eastern Europe including north-western Russia. Great Snipes are migratory, wintering in Africa. The European breeding population is in steep decline.

The birds are noted for their fast, non-stop flying capabilities over huge distances.^{[citation needed]} They can fly up to 97 kilometres per hour, with researchers finding little evidence of wind assistance. Some have been recorded to fly non-stop for 48 hours over 6,760 kilometres (4,200 mi).^[2] Their wings are not especially aerodynamic, lacking pointed tips, and they typically do not stop to feed despite having opportunities. The birds instead rely on stores of fat.^[2]

The males display at a dusk lek during the breeding season, standing erect with chest puffed and tail fanned. They may jump into the air. They produce a variety of rattles, clicks, buzzes and whistles while displaying. 3-4 eggs are laid in a nest in a well-hidden location on the ground.

These birds forage in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight. They mainly eat insects and earthworms, and occasional plant material. They are difficult to see, being well camouflaged in their habitat. When flushed from cover, they fly straight for a considerable distance before dropping back into vegetation.

At 26–30 cm in length and a 42–50 cm wingspan, adults are only slightly larger, but much bulkier, than Common Snipe and have a shorter bill. The body is mottled brown on top and barred underneath. They have a dark stripe through the eye. The wings are broad, and a pale wingbar is visible in flight.

Dunlin

Dunlin, Salthouse Beach, North Norfolk 

Ruff

Ruff at Frampton Marshes, Lincs.

Greenshank

Greenshank from Teal Hide at Ferry Meadows, Peterborough