With the ringers present on site again, I was keen to join them in the hope that the mystery warbler might be caught. Unfortunately neither team set their nets near where the bird had been calling, and in any case I again failed to hear it. If you think this seems a lot of fuss over a Cetti's Warbler, you'd be right. The "rarity" I can't shake out of my head is Dusky Warbler. I guess I'll never know for sure.
It turned out to be a bit of a disjointed morning. As soon as the mist cleared I became aware of large flocks of Woodpigeons heading south-west. I logged 1,130 before the tap was turned off, and no more appeared.
Shortly afterwards I heard the calls of Greylag Geese and managed to see them heading north. Among them I spotted a smaller goose, and managed a quick shot of it before they all disappeared.
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| It's the fifth bird from the left |
Even when I magnified the image in the back of the camera I couldn't be sure what it was, but suspected Pink-footed Goose. I mentioned the bird to the ringers, and although they hadn't seen it, one of them, Sam, was able to confirm that they had seemed to be dropping beyond the flash field.
I decided to go back to the car to get my scope. On the way I noted a male Stonechat which flew over the ringer's table (at some height) while the ringers were busy at their nets.
So as I returned to the rise from where the flash field can first be viewed I was encouraged to see some geese two fields beyond it. I set the scope up, and was very pleased to discover a Pink-footed/Bean Goose among them. I texted Rob W at Bittell, and he confirmed that the long-staying Tundra Bean Goose was still there. Eventually I got good enough views to confirm I was indeed looking at a Pink-footed Goose.
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| Pink-footed Goose (third from left) |
I think this is the third record for the site.
Unfortunately I ran out of time, and didn't even check the flash field. On my walk back I heard a Brambling which I presume is the same one as I had yesterday.
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