I'm 36 now.... EEK! However.... Lincolnshire served up two avian 'Lifer birthday presents'!
WOWEE! Went to Gibraltar Point without knowing that the Siberian Stonechat was there. Deepest, warmest thanks to Roy Harvey who put me onto it, and helped me get some pretty stunning views of it!
After recovering a bit from the excitement, Roy's pager went off telling him that the Buff-breasted was back at Frampton, so, after Roy had said most of the reserve was very quiet, heeded his advice about going back to get the Buff-breasted and asked my parents to return to Frampton early for a second attempt to see the bird. I did feel a bit bad, seeing as they were expecting a stroll with me around Gib! However, it was my birthday etc, so, in good grace, sacrificed the stroll for Frampton!
Back down the A52 and A16 to Frampton, and the red mist set in over getting the bird. I found a group of other birders trying to see it, most of whom had been to Gib to get the Sibe too (including Roy). BOY, did that bird make us work hard to get it! It chose to stay in a small flock of very flighty Ruff, which saw us go up and down the road through the reserve at least a million times!
"It's on the scrape now!"
"No it's not, it's flying across to the grassland!"
*Group moves telescopes et al to look over the grassland*
1 minute later.... "Up again, going further away.... coming back again.... going the other way now.."
*Group relocates at least half a dozen times*
But finally - FINALLY we got it! YES! After failing to get it on Tuesday, I was elated.....
I can see clearly now the rain is gone.
I can see all obstacles in my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.
It's gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day!
WHOOP!
