After frantically trying to find a free day to get down to the haven, we finally had a free morning, so after getting up and completing the usual things around the house, Mum and I set off towards the haven. The bad weather was a bit of a deterrent from going today, but we decided to go anyway. A report that it had flown out with some Blackwits was not at all good news, and I was expecting the bird wouldn't be there.
After arriving and paying to get in, we walked towards the haven itself, with a Black Swan in the harbour sleeping, the only thing of note seen there. After making it through the gate, I swiftly headed along the path towards the hide, expecting to be in for a pretty cold and drab morning waiting for the bird to turn up. But, after entering the hide, and walking over to my great friends Joe and Peter Honeysett, I received the great news that the bird was there- and showing well. After a few crazy seconds of trying to get my camera and binos out of my bag, I was onto the bird. Incredible- the Hudsonian Godwit.
With only a meagre 7 records of this species recorded in Britain, this is by far the rarest bird I've seen, easily eclipsing my previous rarest of Least Sandpiper, which I saw last month at RSPB Medmerry.
It was feeding pretty close to the hide, just in front of Island A- as seen here in this zoomed-out photo.
There were hundreds of Black-headed Gulls, many Avocets, including a few very cute chicks, and plenty of Reed Warblers in the reeds next to the hide.
The Hudsonian Godwit showed well, before flying off towards Island D, where its beautiful barred belly was visible.
As it preened on the island, an
Avocet came very close to the hide, and a
Marsh Harrier was in the distance.
A few very cute Mallard and Gadwall ducklings were about, and the Godwit had flown back nearer the hide.
The Hudsonian started to come quite close, giving great views.
The Hudsonian Godwit is found in both North and South America, and is differentiated from our more common Bar and Black-Tailed Godwits with the barred belly, dark wings and slightly longer beak.
Due to its rarity and stunning looks, I was mainly paying attention to it and its movements, and not to the other species around, although the racket of all the calling birds could not be ignored.
After being chased by a Coot, it flew off to the back of Island A and stayed there for a while.
A
Tufted Duck flew in, and the
Hudsonian Godwit was back feeding in front of the hide again.
Two of the
Avocets started fighting and kept at it for a good while.
The Hudsonian Godwit had gone onto some slightly shallower water, allowing great views of its barring underneath.
A large group of Black-tailed Godwits flew over, before dropping down somewhere else. The Hudsonian had again gone back to its favoured patch by Island A, and was feeding the whole time, although it managed to find time to let out a large yawn.
A bit of amusement came from a group of Shelducks that had stationed themselves on top of the Prumfrett Hide before they flew off.
The Marsh Harrier flew past again, this time a bit closer, and after it flew off, I was back to watching the Hudsonian Godwit, trying to savour every moment of the incredible experience.
A large cloud overhead made the lighting despicable, so I had a look out over the reserve to see what else could be seen. Whilst I was doing this, 5
Spoobills flew over, heading towards Posbrook.
After the lighting had gotten a bit better, the Godwit was again chased by a Coot and flew off to Island D again, and would stay there preening for a while.
Sadly, the time had come to leave, as I had school to do, and nothing else seemed to be about. After one last look at the bird, we reluctantly, but happily, left.
Well, what a bird, what a morning! I couldn't have asked for the trip to go much better! The brilliant views we had of this mega rarity were just incredible. The thrill of seeing such a beautiful and rare bird is still pumping through my veins, even as I write the words you are currently reading. My year and life lists both gained a valuable addition, and I saw my first mega rarity. Only one word to describe the morning- Wow.
Many thanks to the finder, Mark Francis, and well done on finding such a brilliant bird:)
No comments:
Post a Comment