Small Pratincole

Very little new around the local patch during the last two mornings, only significant new sightings were two Small Pratincoles this morning feeding with 80 Oriental Pratincoles the second time, I have recorded this species on the site.

Peak wader counts over the two days 120 Black-winged Stilt, 28 Grey-headed Lapwing, 21 Common Snipe,18 Marsh Sandpiper, 13 Wood Sandpiper, 9 Little Ringed Plover, 7 Pintail Snipe, 4 Painted Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper and a single Green Sandpiper. There were a few more raptors both mornings than recently, including an Osprey, two Eastern Marsh Harrier, Bhraminy Kite, 4 Shikra and single Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite and Black Kite. No sign of the overwintering Black Baza both mornings, which may have finally gone.

Night Herons

Counts of winter visitors included 3 Purple Heron, 9 Eastern Stonechat, 7 Brown Shrike, 4 Black-capped and 10 Common Kingfisher, 50 Sand Martin, 4 Black-naped Oriole, Verditer Flycatcher, 20 Dusky and 2 Thick-billed Warbler. Local residents included Watercock, four Yellow Bittern, 20 Night Heron, 11 Pheasant-tailed and 9 Bronze-winged Jacana, 100 Baya, 20 Golden and 2 Streaked Weaver and 2 Red Avadavat.