It's Not Always Grim Oop North!

 News that a very rare wader had been found at a site in Yorkshire had my brother and I switch to twitch mode and make the journey up north. Our target bird was a small though perfectly formed Long-toed Stint which was apparently only the third to visit Britain. The RSPB reserve at St Aidan's near Leeds was the mega magnet and I doubt whether it has ever attracted quite so many birders before!

Long-tailed Stint and fan club.

After an early start we arrived just as the gates opened which meant that we actually got parked without too much difficulty, later arrivals probably had more of a struggle. A fairly short walk along the paths of this impressive looking site brought us to a large gathering of birders who were enjoying distant though still decent views of the feathered celebrity. Sadly after a brief period the bird flew off though locals suggested that it had probably not gone too far. During our somewhat leisurely pursuit we searched for any signs of the Black-necked Grebes for which this reserve is apparently known but our efforts were not to be rewarded.

White-tailed Lapwing and Curlew Sandpiper.

The Long-toed Stint had reappeared at the spot where those canny locals had predicted it would and my brother David and I joined a swelling crowd of admirers. Once again distant though good views were had and I managed a couple of duff record pics. Once we had seen enough of the star bird it was time to move on though not before we were treated to good views of a flying Bittern. On the way back to the car we chanced upon a small flock of Bearded Tits feeding at the base of the reeds. All in all it was a very agreeable way to start the day, a new species before lunch and only my third of the year.

Juvenile Ruff and Snipe.

Given our proximity to the Blacktoft Sands reserve it seemed a little churlish not to pop in and pay our respects to the long staying White-tailed Lapwing. Although the hide from which it was showing was somewhat full I squeezed in for a short period of time and had some great views. Other birds noted at the reserve included a Curlew Sandpiper, at least three Marsh Harriers and several skeins of Pink-footed Geese passing over.  Our excellent day was in no way spoiled by a puncture suffered on the A1 whilst travelling back thanks in no small part to the prompt reaction of an AA man who had the correct gear to remove some stubborn wheel nuts - thanks fella!

Pink-footed Geese (Honestly!)