Today I found a little bunting just south of Pye's Hall, unfortunately no one else saw it - always a slightly awkward situation.....
I saw the bird perch up very briefly at approximately 12.30 in bright sunshine. Through my binoculars I saw the classic chestnut head and striped face pattern. Unfortunately, as I lowered my bins to raise my camera the bird flew off, landing less than 10 metres away in very thick couch grass. I approached the area very slowly but couldn't see the bird! As I stepped forward I flushed it from under my feet (less than 0.5 metres away - the grass is very thick and matted!)... As the bird flew it called twice; a short "tick".... The bird hadn't flown far, so again I approach the area with caution(!), but again it flushed from the long grass before I could locate it; this time flying over the sea bank, never to be seen again! Frustrating to say the least, as other birders were in the area... I stayed till 14.30hrs but never re-located it
Also present; a number of ring ouzels, at least 2 yellow-browed, c30 goldcrest and numerous redwings....
