Victory snatched from the jaws of Epic Fail!
Failed to see the bird before my parents picked me up. The Wryneck was flushed by 2 dogs around lunchtime. Melancholy was not really aided by the fact the bird returned later that trip, but I simply hadn't got enough time to walk there to see it before the parents picked me up. It was on the bank, and I was waaaay away in the 360 Hide. Another, more successful birder showed me a snap of it on his camera. Could a heart sink through even the walking surface of my boots?
Gloomily, I trudged back to the waiting car, feeling frustrated. After relating my tale of 'Dip Woe' to the parents, they did something unexpected. They turned the car round after just exiting the reserve, and drove me right down to the bank saying I could have a half-an-hour extension to the trip to help me see the Wryneck!
Rediscovering my Inner Usain Bolt, I fled from the car and charged Light Brigade-style up the bank as fast as the Scopac would allow. I saw a small group of birders on the bank who looked as though they were gazing intently at something. Instinct told me the Wryneck. I eventually caught up with them, puffing and panting. After about 5 mins, JOY! There it was, perching on a post in front of a bramble patch! Smile across face, Lifer Number 227 obtained! Cue lots of relieved giggling and 'victory' postures!
I even relocated the bird on my walk back to the car, so around 5 other people looking for it managed to see it. Now exhausted but elated!
