I just couldn't resist the urge to leave home at dawn and drive south-east for a bash at Suffolk's Buff-breasted Sandpiper. There was little traffic and I was on the public viewing platform by 7.00am. The Sandpiper was temporarily obscured behind some reeds, but soon appeared, allowing some reasonable views despite the early-morning gloom.
As it grew bolder - and nearer - it attracted the attention of a Sparrowhawk, from which it only just escaped, flying off westwards across the scrape. I decided to go and investgate the sluice bushes: these were entirely devoid of birds, but a small flock of Bearded Tits was nice to watch. The South Hide held just a handful of waders, but they were decent ones: Little Stint, Grey Plover and Green Sandpiper. Other interesting birds I came across as I walked round included Spotted Redshank, Common & Curlew Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Great White Egret and Yellow-legged Gull.
After lunch at the Visitors Centre, I walked back round to the platform: the BBS had returned, albeit somewhat further away. This time it was nearly taken by one of three maurauding Hobbies: leading a charmed life, it escaped once more and flew towards South Hide.
As I left a very confiding Water Vole entertained a large gallery at the dipping pool...
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