On arriving at Ruckland [1400 - 1425] we drove towards three cars parked on the verge, I asked two guys with a scope if this was the place for the juvenile WTSE, they said yes but the bird hadn't been seen for a while. I drove further along the road and parked up, then scanned the woods to the right of the ponds and thought I'd seen it but it turned out to be a Buzzard. While I set the scope up my mate scanned over towards the ponds etc and shouted he thought he had it in a field this side of them, I looked through the scope and confirmed he had
It was too hazy to take any pics and then the rain came. The bird took off and was re-located by other birders near the other pond, I asked if there was a road to it but was told it was private land, so we didn't bother, we were both excited at seeing it even though it was distant.Other birds seen there other than the WTSE are Skylark, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting - 5 and two Buzzard.
After having a nostalgic drive to Mablethorpe [ didn't stop] we went to Rimac [1600] where very little was seen mainly because it was hazy. Whimbrel - 1, Linnet - 2.
Seaview: 1630 Dunnock, Swallows and Curlew.
Grainthorpe Haven: 1700 - 1800 sunny and dry
Marsh Harrier - 1f
Greenshank - 4
Yellow Wagtail - 1 adult + 1 juv
Grey Wagtail - 1[?] seen on cereal crop, it seems a little early for them but I'm sure it was one.
Swallows
Little Egret - 1
Goldfinch - 3
Whimbrel - 2
Grey Heron - 2
Black-head Gull - 4
Oyk - 1
Brent - 1 [ forgot to put it down and just checked guide, it came from HP way and landed in a dyke at southern end]
Called at Marshchapel for fish and chips then drove to Horseshoe Pass to eat them, certainly can recommend the shop, I rarely buy fish and chips much preferring to make my own but this was a nice change!
Horseshoe Pass: 1845 - 1945
Barn Owl - 1
Golden Plover - 23 [going west]
Plus 100s of waders including Oyks, Lapwing and Curlews
Gulls - 1000+ going to roost.
A very enjoyable day having not been watching for ages.
Regards
John