I've got a bit behind with my blog so here's an update to get things back on track starting with news of a Temminck's Stint today at Middleton Moor.
Ive been visiting Middleton early in the morning so it was just 6am when I noted a small wader on the edge of the lagoon. It was some distance away but the general impression of a diminutive Common Sandpiper led me to believe it was a Temminck's Stint. Quite a few have been recorded in Britain this Spring so it was a bird that was on the radar. I managed to get a bit closer and confirm its identification and fortunately it stayed for the rest of the day so quite a few other birders were able to see it.
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| Temminck's Stint |
There is one previous record at Middleton Moor on 18-19 May 2012 so it could be a while before the 3rd!Also today a colour ringed Caspian Gull was present, I saw this bird on 17 May and managed to read the ring and found out it was ringed in Germany in 2025 and has also visited Carsington, Sheffield and the RSPB Old Moor Reserve in Barnsley.
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| Caspian Gull with colour ring and possibly another behind |
The 17th May was a big day as a Woodlark turned up a Middleton, the first site record.
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| Woodlark |
On the previous day (16th May) I had seen Barnacle Goose and Common Tern both rare birds at Middleton so I've had a good run recently. |
| Barnacle Goose |
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| Common Tern |
I've also seen three Sanderling which were the first I have seen there although they do occur most years. |
| Sanderling |
So that's me just about up to date, I hear the Stint is still present this evening so it might hang on until tomorrow.
