Little by little

Almost by grinding it out I've arrived at 133 for 2018, equal to 2013 and 2011, but already 3 past 2015's rather sad 130. Linnet on the 30th was good in that getting one helped, but sad that they are so hard to get now. Spotted Flycatcher was good, seeing 3 even better. 2 Whinchat on 31st was very nice, rubbish not finding my own though. And then finally a Yellow Wagtail 5th Sept, another 7th.

Today a lovely little Pintail on BSL was a bit of a surprise, more so because BSL is not often the lake of choice for said species, at least not to set down.

Today's interesting sight was a Kingfisher performing unseen behaviour for me, it left it's perch and dived in the water as it flew fast over Lavell's, it emerged quickly and kept going continuing to dive and 3-4 more times as it headed off up the lake West. I've never seen this and considering I heard another calling, can only assume it was a display or courtship manoeuvre.

What is next? Well we haven't given up hope of Redstart, but it is looking like no cows grazing the car park field means no Redstart, I'll keep looking though.

Big raptors, Marsh Harrier and Osprey both possible all month, just need to be there when it happens.

Then it's wild card stuff Rock Pipit October, rare warbler?, Yellow-legged Gull, a late wader, Firecrest, White-fronted Goose, Scaup...all possible, even a Bearded Tit (I prefer this name) that stays around on weekends.

I would love to see that much overdue Great Northern Diver and Ring-necked Duck, but not necessarily the same day.