Homeward bound & a Pacific Diver - Scotland trip (Day 5)

My second Pacific Diver of the year

Closer views approaching the reeds

Superb habitat

Ringed Plover, Sanderling & Turnstone

Twite 

Twite  

Twite 

Sanderling

Route planner

It was breakfast on the move at the start of day five with the sun shining as we left Scotland for East Chevington. Quickly parking up at Druridge Country Park we marched south to the hide where we got our first glimpse of the Pacific Diver which was a great confirmation the bird was still present. We spend the next thirty minutes rotating our position around the lake as the Diver stayed close to the reeds making viewing difficult. Whilst the Captain was delighted to record another lifer the tiredness of five non stop birding was sinking in.

Finally the Diver moved to a central position where we were able to get some outstanding scope views and a few record shots. The bird was identified on the 20th January making it the 3rd record for Britain & Ireland this winter & since this time a juvenile was discovered in Broadsands, Devon.

On the same lake there was a great selection of birds including a Slavonian Grebe, 4 Whooper Swans & 5 Scaup. Satisfied with our views we took a short walk along the beach where 7 Shorelarks were showing before being flushed by a dog walker. The Shorelarks flew into the sand dunes however there were still a large flock of Twite & Sanderlings that showed well before we headed back to north Wales & then finally home. 

Many thanks to the Captain for five brilliant days, I don't think there was any subject we didn't discuss over the trip. I'm sure the trip will take a few days to get over but the scope & binos will be ready by the weekend.