Today I decided to go on a twitch for the Western Swamphen that has been at Alkborough Flats (on the Humber estuary, Lincs), one was seen at Minsmere, Norfolk for a few days, so presumably the same one having moved north at little. The species has not been accepted onto the British list yet as previous records have been of escaped ringed birds, this one is un-ringed and looks pretty good for a valid vagrant (southern Spain being the nearest population). The following give you a idea of this large, clourful bird.
We made our way to the area where it was last seen and sure enough it was soon seen at the edge of the reeds, sometimes walking out, other times disappearing from view. It was distant for my camera, but I'll see if any photo is worth posting. The bird seemed quite happy clutching food in its large toes and eating it.
Other birds present included a Avocet and Ruff, a flock of Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank, and Curlew. Ducks were Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Shelduck and Mallard, together with Little Egrets and Black-headed Gulls. A Marsh Harrie headed east along the fields next to the Flats.
Around the marsh a good number of Swallows and House Martins fed. A single Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit flew over. On the dry mud five Stock Doves and several Woodpigeons feed. Small birds included Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Linnet, Long-tailed tits, a Chiffchaff and Starling to name a few.
The whole area looks really interesting and well worth a visit.
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