A free afternoon so Ollie and me headed for Fly Flatts on a decent afternoon apart from a cold W>5
but good visibility and some sunshine.
A walk down to the water failed to produce any returning waders as yet but Canada numbers are building up. Plenty Meadow Pipits back on the moors now as well as Lapwings and a few Red Grouse . A male Stonechat was posing but quite a distance away so as I was setting up the tripod to get a shot a phone call from Dave Sutcliffe broke me off. In the wind and a poor signal I just picked up the words Snow Bunting, then the message came through clear, " Snow Bunting Ringby Top now".
" Im on my way " was the reply as I threw everything in the car including the dog and away I went.
The trip seemed to take forever following tractors, learner drivers and little old ladies but finally I got home, chucked the dog out, a twitch is no place for a barky dog, and away to Swalesmoor.
As I got to the top of the steep track, and by now was on the verge of a heart attack, I saw DJS with the bins up watching the bird. All I had to do now was get a picture before I collapsed.
What a great find by Dave just as we thought it was all over for this winter although I have had one on Soil Hill 7th March 2015. DJS had to leave so I hung on as JL was on his way who shortly arrived and got the bird. As we left at 1630 hrs the bird was still present and feeding constantly showing its amazing bright plumage as it was partly into its summer uniform.
Many thanks to DJS for yet another amazing find and for hanging on until I arrived to point out the bird.
We thought this year that Soil Hill may not be suitable for Snow Bunting since it has grassed over but this bird today was quite happy feeding in the long grass as the photos show.
BS