Some late May Easterly winds and a day off meant a trip to the Yorkshire and RSPB St Aidans also known as Swillington Ings was the choice.A not very early arrival led us to having an early lunch and of course a hot drink and some cake!The shenanigans were starting early.5 Red Kites passed over as we munched away and a very distant probable Hobby cutting through the air, circling. The highlight or one of them were just flying over the nearer lake, 2 Black Terns.There had been a late May mini-influx of Black Terns nationally but not in the great numbers that would have been expected earlier on in the month.Some areas had seen just over double figures.
Once finished eating we were on our way down and near the big machine we saw Kestrel, Stock Dove and a Little Owl.We walked down and then joined the little crowd watching the Black Terns twist, turn and hawk insects in the air.I have seen anautumn juvenile bird and a summering bird at St Aidans which spent a few year years there but never any on active spring passage migration in this country.We watched as they hawked insects with Black-headed Gulls who tried to unsuccessfully chase them off and Common Terns.A couple of Back necked Grebes with chicks showed at the same time.We moved on and then came across some Snipe in the air chipping.Broods of Lapwing, Shoveler, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Pochard, Shelduck all showed and Redshank kept watch, calling.
A surprise on the Western reedbed were not 2 but 3 Black Terns.There were only supposed to be 2 on-site.So either the 2 on the East side of the reserve had moved and been joined by another 1 or Phillip had found 3 new Black Terns.Not bad for someone having seen the species for the first time just over half an hour ago!Bittern boomed and flew over the reedbeds, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard also showed. A 6th Red Kite flew over! Bearded Tits called in a few places and showed in a couple. Water Rail called in a few places too. Shame the Black Winged Stilts had moved on! Signs of dead Black Headed Gulls were everywhere.
Next on the list was the hunt for Little Stint reported on the Main Spit.Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling, Turnstone, Common Sandpiper all showed and then eventually not 1 but 2 Little Stints showed after much effort.A good end to the day.Species list included:-
