What A Dick!

 Lee Evans can be quite a divisive figure in British birding circles but even his most ardent detractors couldn't really question his birding skills. His discovery of a Richard's Pipit at Bury Field, Newport Pagnell last week certainly proved fairly popular and had more than a few birders heading in that direction. They included some from Northamptonshire in their number and Alan Shorrock and I decided to join their ranks this morning. Sadly this meant that our original plan to see the Pitsford Great Northern Diver was once again shelved, we may yet get to see it again before it does leave - hopefully!

Richard's Pipit

Today's weather was pretty decent, mild with good amounts of sunshine, which meant that Bury Field was fairly busy when we got there. With lots of people taking part in Park Run and a veritable pack of pooches running about I feared that the pipit might be a weekday only bird. An initial sighting this morning was not followed up and the field played host to quite a few worried looking birders wandering about. After a worrying period of time a cry went up that the bird was showing and Shozzer and I hurried  to the spot as fast as our creaking bones would allow. With the fear of dipping now removed it was a happy group of birders that enjoyed distant though still good views of this rare visitor. I managed a few record shots and had plenty of views of the star turn before it took off and flew over the nearby hedge. This was Al's first sighting of this species and my first this millennium so both of us were more than chuffed with our morning's efforts.

Cogenhoe Geese

On the way back we stopped at Cogenhoe for a look at the goose flock near the mill. The seven reported White-fronts were picked out fairly easily but finding the Pink-footed proved to be more of a challenge. Eventually we did find it and managed some reasonable views before the entire flock were spooked by something and flew from the field next to the mill towards the one adjacent to the lock. The gaggle showed well from the lock and treated us to some very good views. In addition to the geese we also saw several Ring-necked Parakeets, a Grey Wagtail and a pair of Ravens. Having enjoyed such a good day it was only natural that we pop into Earls Barton's Saxon Tavern for a celebratory beer.

Goose trio.