A very late start to my birding on Sunday as I was puppy sitting. A couple of local nature group had seen a Spoonbill on some scrapes at Long Marston which was only 25 minutes away so I thought I would give it a go before visiting the pits.
To access the permissive footpath you need to park on Station Road and enter through the steel gates as shown in my last image. The footpath is very new and in great condition, so no need for alternative footwear. I reached the first scrape in around five minutes when I found four Common Snipe feeding. The site looks very good for waders although I'd recommend taking a scope as you are viewing from a distance.
The Spoonbill was partially hidden but you could make it out if you stood on a bench. With the Spoonbill getting in his forty winks, I started scanning for other birds. The next thing I knew was that the Little Egret called which spooked the Spoonbill making it take flight. The Spoonbill did two super laps including flying over new houses, before returning to deep cover.
Will make sure I call in again...............
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