Birding on my bike

On Saturday morning I got lucky in getting a patch year tick at a very quiet time in the birding calendar. A coal Tit singing near Hacton Lane end, I know its not a rare bird in England but at the Ingrebourne Valley it's a 'Mega' as I only had three before in 18 years!!. Sunday morning too, started at the valley Green Sandpiper being the best bird and then onto Rainham Marshes along the foreshore were I only had 2 Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel. Can't wait for Autumn now!!!!

Whimbrel

Oystercatcher

Olympic Torch

The Olympic torch came to Havering today and went right pass our house. Everyone from the area were out on the streets to see a once in a life time opportunity.

I had to have a photo with a real Olympic torch

A Spoonfull of Lizards

Although the weather was terrible this morning I was still keen to try and get out and have a look to see if any Waders had dropped in over night at The Ingrebourne Valley as Rainham Marshes had 7 Wood Sandpipers yesterday and I would be happy with just one, but with all this rain we have been having the water levels are still to high, sadly. So having got wet on the patch I went along to Rainham Marshes rspb for the Spoonbill which was still there (thanks Paul for the text)it was on Avely pools and right at the back, so record shots are below also there were 2 Green Sandpipers. However, when it did finally stop raining I had 6 Common Lizards on the boardwalk which was a change as I don't get to see that many when out birding....

Spoonbill

Little Grebe doing a rain dance