Whilst Kath was running around Ullswater, Shannon and I decided we would explore the lake shore on the northern end. The views were amazing, though the birds were harder to come by.
In my previous incarnation as a birder, I was always interested in gull identification, I was never an expert, but always keen to learn! So, I was delighted to see a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls lingering on rocks. This was a nice opportunity to try some digiscoping.
A walk along the shore took us to some heathland and a copse of oak trees. Here the highlights were Reed Bunting, Common Redstart and Willow Warbler. As we made our way back along the rocky shoreline towards Pooley Bridge, during a light rain shower I could here a distinct and somewhat familiar ‘pui pui pui’ call. I looked up in the sky and locked on to a small plover flying in. The lack of obvious wing-bar was very noteworthy and as it landed on the shore I could see the thin breast band, bright yellow orbital rings and dark bill. It was a superb male Little Ringed Plover, what a huge surprise!
I was able to show the plover to Shannon in my scope before it flew off after a dog gave it the frights. This area is so busy with dog walkers that I doubt there would be a breeding attempt, which is a shame as they are still quite scarce in the county.
The Little Ringed Plover was a very unexpected surprise and a great end to our birding expedition…
