Curlew sandpiper

 At Blacktoft on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.

Lots of waders again on Marshland and Townend. After monitoring the vegetation in front of Singleton hide and not recording any sign of nesting birds, the team were able to cut the vegetation on Friday afternoon.

On Saturday morning I did my usual routine of visiting each hide before visitors arrive.

I noticed a bird on the "brick" island. At first it was hidden behind the redshanks and ruff, but as they moved I could see it was a curlew sandpiper. Heather, the assistant warden went to the hide and the bird was feeding and she was able to confirm my identification. Later on the bird moved a bit closer to the hide but the sun was then shining directly into the hide.

shortly afterwards, a juvenile peregrine, with a red ring on its right leg flew over the lagoon and all the waders left. Some returned but not the curlew sand.

At least 18 little egrets on site

Two of this years brood of marsh harrier continue to provide visitors with close views as they hunt close to the hides.