Thursday, 8 August 2019

Got the Little Bustard!

News of  a mega rare Little Bustard was rife on the internet this week and, as I'm struggling to increase my UK life list, I just had to go for it. Fortunately I had a good idea of where it was from the descriptions on BirdGuides as I often pass close to its location when visiting St. Aidan's RSPB.


I also knew that photographs would be difficult due to the distance, fences and heat haze as I seen some photos from well-known photographers which were only record shots at best. But that didn't deter me or hundreds of other birders descending on Methley, near Mickletown Ings this week - it truly is a very rare bird.


The bird showed quite well at times when viewed through a scope, but it was just too far for a decent shot, although some people on different, less hazy days, have done better.  I was just happy enough to see its distinguishing features and decided that video might be a better record for me today.

From here I was originally going to visit St. Aidan's RSPB but problems with workmen and builders parking in my usual spot made me change my mind and I headed off for Adel Dam instead. I was hoping for some close Kingfisher shots here, but in the end I only got a couple of fleeting glimpses.


The Mandarin Ducks were in eclipse, but I was surprised how nice the males looked



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