Pipits and Things

Monday 26th December 2016 to Sunday 15th January 2017
Richard's Pipit, Arlingham Warth
 The wintering Richard's Pipit at Arlingham showed well, eventually, on Saturday morning, catching insects in the winter sunshine. This is undoubtedly the bird that was at Rodley in October, directly on the opposite side of the river.
Richard's Pipit showing how long its legs are
The Richard's Pipit site, on the bank of the Severn horseshoe
The Severn Bore heads upstream towards Priding
Occasionally a bird turns up in circumstances so surprising that its origin becomes the subject of much debate, rather than being regarded simply as a vagrant. The Stow-on-the-Wold Blue Rock Thrush is one of these, with dubious credentials, but nonetheless attracts a lot of attention. This adult male is certainly an attractive bird, although they are better shown off in the Mediterranean sunshine. Whatever its origin, I had to see it, and, just for good measure made a return visit in the new year.
Blue Rock Thrush at Stow-on-the-Wold
Glorious sunshine on 29th December
Duller conditions on 7th January
After Stow on 29th December I went to Blagdon Lake, Somerset, for the Blyth's Pipit, a bird with somewhat greater provenance. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and after some wait the bird showed nicely for some time at Holt Bay before flying off towards the far side of the lake. Well worth the permit fee for this lifer.
Blyth's Pipit, Blagdon Lake
Holt Bay, Blagdon Lake
A couple of birds at WWT on 7th January, both on the Rushy - Pink-footed Goose and Little Stint:
This Cattle Egret was one of at least three this week at Saul:
 And finally, this Fieldfare was a nice sight in the garden late morning today:

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