It is definitely shorebirds season still, so I thought that I would jump on the bus to Siddick Ponds. This freshwater wetland site is easily accessible for me, and is fast becoming my local patch.
I arrived mid-morning and set up my scope overlooking the smaller pool (Ling Beck). After a quick scan I was enjoying nice views of the first of two Common Greenshank present.
There were plenty of stunning Northern Lapwings present on the rocks near the shoreline, but the highlight was a Green Sandpiper. I’d not seen this delightful species at Siddick before.
Also present on the shorebird front was a Common Snipe and a Common Sandpiper.
As I checked through the mallard, on the pool, I noticed a small brown duck with a broad white blaze. I was watching a female Greater Scaup. This species is a scarce winter visitor to Cumbria, so a real surprise in late August.
It had certainly been a productive few hours on the nature reserve!