Sutton Bingham - Thu 21 Aug

Something very unexpected on the patch this morning, a first-summer type Scaup on West Pool with a female Tufted Duck. The Scaup showed pretty well on West Pool before taking flight and heading over to the main reservoir where it eventually relocated to the area in front of the Sailing Club.

Scaup is a very scarce visitor to the reservoir and I've only seen a couple over the years and these have all been in the winter. There was also some debate over this bird, but I have no doubt.

After I'd left to get to work, I had a call from Pete to say he'd found a Little Stint at the southern end! Typical, and I'd checked that area too, so must've missed it. Fortunately, I was able to return during my lunch break and the bird had hung around and showed well, if distantly.

So a productive day with two year ticks, both of which being quality birds on the year list.

Sutton Bingham year list for 2025 now at 113 species.