Along with Tom, I went to Minsmere to see the Red-flanked Bluetail that had been present for a few days. A first-winter, probably male, it was rather skulky, but good views were still obtained. Whilst Tom did some sketching, I went for a stroll towards Sizewell and managed to get two fly-over Twite, a Stonechat, and several Meadow Pipits. Returning to Tom, I scanned the Barnacle Goose flock and found a Red-breasted Goose, though I assume it to be feral.
On the way back to the car we checked out the scrape but it was very quiet (water levels still low.) The only waders were Lapwings and Snipes and just a single female Pintail could be found amongst the Wigeon and Teal. A Green Woodpecker was on the beach, a rather odd sight. Walking along the causeway, a Great White Egret flew over, landing out of view in the north scrape at the foot of Dunwich cliffs. Its large size and Yellow bill clearly separating it from the more common Little Egrets.
Finally, near the visitor centre, Tom found a very confiding Treecreeper, so I quickly rook a few shots.
At home in the evening a Tawny Owl was calling from the end of the garden. Unfortunately it managed to elude me yet again.
Red-flanked Bluetail by Tom
