Buff-breasted & Pec fest

Saturday 22nd September 2012
Pectoral Sandpiper, left, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, right - both juvenile birds
The midday guided walk at WWT Slimbridge on to The Dumbles produced absolutely stunning views of both the BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER and PECTORAL SANDPIPER feeding together on the tidal salt-marsh ledge. The lighting was perfect, and many people enjoyed the experience, many with cameras. Thanks to the WWT staff and volunteers for arranging and facilitating a great couple of hours. Here are a few of my best pics of the Yankee sandpipers; first, Buff-breasted:
And Pectoral:
As if that wasn't enough, I spotted my first PAINTED LADY for two years on the Ivy near the In Focus shop. The Ivy flowers were swarming with Hoverflies, including Helophilus pendulus, and several other butterflies; I counted seven Red Admirals, five Commas and two Small Tortoiseshells.
Painted Lady
Elsewhere on the reserve the LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was on the Top New Piece with 291 Black-tailed Godwits, also c10 Snipe, six Ruff, a Spotted Redshank, 24 Redshanks and the four GCP Common Cranes. Several Southern Hawkers were also noted and a few Common Darters.

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