I’ve been quiet on the blogging front, but I have seen a few interesting birds here and decided I should at least get them onto my list!

Most recently was the Dusky Warbler, discovered by Andrew Spottiswood on Ainsdale Dunes. The twitching masses seemed to have difficulty with Andrew’s directions, although they were clear enough, so when I got to the spot I had it all to myself. The bird wasn’t to be seen in ‘the willow by the fence’ but I popped over the dune behind me and there it was in a bush, as interested in me as I was in it. I sat down and was able to enjoy a few minutes of mutual observation, almost completely forgetting to take photos. Lovely bird, and I’m not bothered that it scarpered before I got a decent shot.

Last month, a pair of Bearded Tits visited Marshside, and I was able to see them quite well in wet and windy conditions in a small reedbed near the sandplant. I was delighted to be able to move these little cuties off the heard-but-not-seen list. The next morning I replenished that list with the addition of Yellow-browed Warbler - one was definitely present at the Jubilee Nature Trail entrance, but not showing. Also on that list are Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, although I was able to see both species on trips to Bulgaria and Malta this year.

I was able to catch up with a few other birds on my most-wanted list, though: Terry spotted a Lesser Whitethroat from Sandgrounders hide one morning, and it showed well enough for a decent view. (Another removal from heard-but-not-seen!). A visit to Anglesey allowed me to add Black Guillemot and Puffin to my seabird list, as well as Chough, and Pied flycatcher on the way there and Golden-ringed dragonfly plus Keeled Skimmer on the way back!

Pied Flycatchers again at Hay Bridge, plus Honey-buzzard.

On the wader front, a Red-necked Phalarope at Rutland water was followed by an extremely confiding Grey Phalarope at Crosby Marina. A Temminck’s Stint at Marshside in the spring was not a first for me, but I am pleased with it because I found it myself.