Putting A Gloss On It

 Alan Shorrock and I headed out again to the Nene Valley where we began our session at Stanwick Lakes. Some fine spring weather drew the masses out and we spent much time dodging the hordes as we searched for interesting birds. Our efforts did not go unrewarded though and we enjoyed some decent birding that included a county tick for me.

Reed Bunting and Orange-tip

For the second week in a row we were treated to views of Ring-necked Duck as the female from Ringstead has moved to the main lake here. She was always distant but we had OK views through the scopes as she fed near the far shore of the lake. Though I was happy with repeat views of the duck my main target was the long staying Glossy Ibis that had already evaded me on a previous visit. Having also missed the Thrapston bird last year this species looked to be in danger of becoming a county bogey bird.  Happily that ghost was laid to rest as I found the bird on the far shore of the main lake. Although often out of view as it moved amongst the sedges we had fairly sustained if distant views of the bird,  several dire record shots were taken. Content with our good start we moved on to see what else the site had to offer.

Record shot dross Glossy Ibis and Ring-necked Duck

On the way to the A45 pit we heard a Willow Warbler singing but didn't manage to see it which was a pity as this was Alan's first of the year. On the pit I found an adult Mediterranean Gull which then proceeded to do a disappearing act before Shozzer got to see it, he did hear a Med a little later on but we failed in our attempt to find it. By now the sun was getting pleasantly warm and a couple of male Orange-tips and several Small Whites were noted.

Cattle Egrets

We decided to leave Stanwick and its many admirers behind and headed off to Woodford for another go at seeing the reported Cattle Egrets. Fortune favoured us today as five birds were present and though they were often hidden by the slope of their favoured field we got some decent views. There were not many other birds about apart from some Red Kites and a Sparrowhawk but a few Small Tortoiseshells added to our butterfly day list before we left.

Red Kite and Sparrowhawk