Sutton Bingham - Fri 1 Sep

A pre-work visit turned out to be pretty worthwhile with three Wheatears seen, one near the railway embankment, a second near West Pool and a third below the dam, it certainly has been an unprecedented year for Wheatears at Sutton Bingham. A single Yellow Wagtail was also noted this morning. Three Common Sandpipers were present as were four Little Egrets. A Raven was in trees near the Fishing Lodge and there was a fair sized mustering of Swallows, with at least thirty juvenile birds amongst the adults.
Due to the migrants present this morning, I decided on a flying visit over my lunch hour today and this turned out to be inspired. A quick check of the southern end of the reservoir failed to produce anything, but checking the area south of West Pool was well worth while with a good number of birds gathered. The highlight (and a patch year tick) was a Whinchat, but there were also three Wheatears and eight Yellow Wagtails, with many of the later flying in whilst I was on site.

An absolutely brilliant visit, even though it was pushing it getting to the patch and back during my lunch hour.
I did take the opportunity to stop off for another look on the way home tonight. The Whinchat afforded much better views.

One of three Wheatears this evening also showed rather well.

Finally, a Hobby caused a bit of a stir as it passed over West Pool before heading off in a northerly direction. What a great day!
Sutton Bingham year list 2017 now at 106 species.