A widespread fall across the east coast has been turning stuff up all week (Wrynecks, hippos and the astonishing numbers of Lapland Buntings) so I decided I wanted to be part of it. The journey started quite badly by getting caught out by the roadworks on the M25 that led to me missing the A12 turnoff. Since it forced me to continue on the M25 I considered a change of plan to head up to Holme to pick up the Arctic Warbler instead but it was being pretty elusive and I decided that I didn't want to stand around staring at the same set of pines for hours on end and then drive home. So after wasting a good 30 minutes I started off at Landguard Point (somewhere else I haven't been to for a couple of decades) to see if the Icky was still around. Quickly ran into a Tree Pipit - non-calling birds on migration are always fun and make me think a bit. This bird was running around on the ground but the fine flank streaking, heavy pink-based bill and wide sub-tashial all look good for Tree Pipit. As if to confirm, it then flew up to some telegraph wires to perch for half a minute or so.
It's pretty windy here so not much is actually showing but managed to pick up several Chiffies, a juv Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (which looked like a 1w on a quick view), 10-12 Wheatears, a flock of c50 Linnets and a few other bits and pieces. But no sign of the Icky. Eventually decide that this could easily suck up more time than the Arctic and head up the coast to Minsmere. Get a great run of birds in a very short space of time: a Wryneck feeding in the same area as 3-4 Redstarts, a juv Red backed Shrike south of the North Wall and, along the beach past the public hide two really stunning Lap Bunts feeding quietly on the shingle.
The Shrike was pretty distant through the 400mm.
But just about recognisable with a heavy crop.
The Lapland Buntings were very confiding.
Walking back along the North Wall had a single Bearded Tit calling. Arrived back at the car and again considered heading up to Holme for the Arctic but instead headed home via Vange Marshes to try to connect with the Temminck's Stint that's been commuting between there and Canvey Island RSPB (TBC). By the time I arrived the light was going and the bird was pretty distant but eventually showed. Also present were 1 ad Little Stint, a juv Curlew Sand, 15 Wigeon, a couple of Blackwit and a Water Rail that showed briefly behind the Temminck's.
