Watching my favourite puddle, recently and amply replenished by heavy rains, might sound a sad scenario to some, but trust me it never fails to produce the birding goods.
Yesterday in the company of my friend David Lindo aka the Urban Birder, we both enjoyed a few special birds coming to bathe and drink on still waters. The adjacent river was in flood, so the puddle provide a calm and tranquil scene in comparison. Right under our noses a female Sparrowhawk failed in an attempt to snatch an alert White Wagtail, missing the bird but not the water. Amusing and yet it disturbed the peace for at least another 30 minutes.
A Pied Wagtail, the 2nd such record here, provided a thrill as it accompanied the many White Wagtail. Then a first for me at the puddle were a couple of Green Sandpiper. So another successful day and I hope to get along again for a ‘Great Puddle Watch’ over the coming holidays.
Have a great Christmas and a Healthy, Peaceful New Year, may the coming new year provide you all with great birding and the odd thrill of something new.
Peter Jones – President ABS.
Note: The views expressed in articles are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the Society.