Red-Necked Phalarope

Sunday 20th May

Shearmans Wath:-

On Sunday morning I attended the Woodhall Spa Show so didn't get to check the cattle until the afternoon. The cows were down by the scrape so I decided to walk down to view them fortunately taking my binoculars with me. As I approached the scrape I could see a pair of Avocets present but what caught my eye was a small swimming wader. On raising the bins I immediately recognised the profile of a Phalarope although as I was viewing straight into a strong sun I was unable to sex it. My excitement was compounded by the fact that this was the exact same location that I had found a juvenile of the same species at the end of September 2012. The time of finding was 2.30pm

As this is a private site and also at a sensitive time of the breeding season I felt it inappropriate to broadcast the bird to the birding community. I did, however, invite a couple of photographers to record the bird. I returned later in the afternoon when it was confirmed the individual was a cracking female in full breeding plumage and in common with the species was very confiding. However, it's stay was to be a short one. It was observed preparing and earnestly taking flight around 6.30 pm and heading NW up the R Bain. Despite regular searching it has not been relocated.

Other species around the site:-

Pair Mute Swans
2prs Shelduck
Several broods of Mallard
Regular sightings of Avocet
Broods of Lapwing chicks
2prs of Oystercatcher on eggs
Pr of Common Tern on eggs