Being in the general area for other reasons, I couldn't resist calling in at Rutland Water to check out the reported female summer plumaged Red-necked Phalarope. It was viewable from Shoveler Hide (Lagoon III) and the bird was more or less showing non-stop during my hide visit 4.45 - 5.50 this afternoon (Fri). It was frequenting the same area to the left of the Hide the whole time, feeding in its characteristic way, tail up and spinning on the water. Such a small bird, even Mallards looked 'gigantic' next to it. What a plumage contrast to the Chowder Ness bird of November 2009! The Twitcher- in Chief, Lee Evans, arrived in the hide, plonking himself next to me, then spending 5 minutes on his mobile (while 'scoping the Phalarope) trying to re-direct some lost mates apparently circling Lagoon IV instead of coming to Lagoon III (they eventually turned up). A Hobby spent some 20 minutes patrolling one reedbed, feasting on dragonflies.
Regards,
Freddy
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