There had been a Long-billed Dowitcher reported around the Cley area of Norfolk for some weeks, but it sounded like it was difficult to pin down at times and was on the move regularly, or was at some distance. With the marshes being so vast I didn't even have the bird on my mind when I visited a couple of weeks ago. I thought the chances of me connecting with it would be slim, so went on a nice family walk enjoying all the other birds on offer.
On a ridge ahead of us were a large gaggle of birders with their scopes pointing all in the same direction. We didn't rush as we enjoyed the great and very noisy spectacle of thousands of Pink-footed Geese flying overhead. Eventually we moved up to the group, and saw the Long-billed Dowitcher just a matter of metres in front of us. I was expecting it to be hundreds of metres away, but it was only about 20 metres away. It was skulking around the grassy areas and mingling with some Teal and a Ruff. Only my second ever sighting of one, so I was chuffed to bits.
Long-billed Dowitcher in between two Teal for a good size comparison.
Great shots of the dowitcher feeding
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures of this Long-billed Dowitcher.
ReplyDeleteA species I don't know.
The winter teals are also perfect.
Greetings Irma
Hello Adam :=)
ReplyDeleteIt's often the case that when you least expect to see a bird, it's fortuitous appearance gives you the best feeling, and you took some great photos of the Long-billed Dowitcher .
All the best.
...Adam, you captured some birds that are new for me , thanks. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful captures, love the reflections.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to get so close to them! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteWow such stunning photos, I've not seen a Dowitcher before, following now to catch more of your posts in the future xxx
ReplyDeleteIt was a lucky day for you.
ReplyDeleteGreat water bird photos!
ReplyDeletehow wonderful to see them and be able to get such wonderful pictures!! the teal ducks are so pretty as well...too bad they were so busy eating!!
ReplyDeleteYou got some excellent shots of the Dowitcher, thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your excitement dear Adam, it's great when you can see rare animals so close (and take such good photos). The heart of every birdwatcher beats faster in such moments ❤️.
ReplyDeleteHave a good new week! All the best from Austria!
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/02/costa-rica-6-kapitel-tortuguero.html
I like seeing your birds. They often differ from the ones here! Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeletethe bird looks so pretty....
ReplyDeleteexcellent captures
the bill is interesting for me.... beautiful bill
ReplyDeleteWhat a great sighting! A surprise to see it up so close. Nice feeding action and good of the dowitcher to pose between the Teal Ducks to get the size comparison.
ReplyDelete