Long-Billed Dowitcher - Leighton Moss, Lancashire

A quick post-work trip to Leighton Moss with Carl this evening in the hopes of connecting with the Long-Billed Dowitcher which had been present on the saltmarsh pools for a couple of days. This Nearctic wading bird is a species I've technically seen, with brief and distant views at RSPB Titchwell late last winter. However, with this bird still in summer plumage and apparently showing quite well I was super keen to see it.

After about five seconds in the Eric Morecambe hide I managed to spot the Long-Billed Dowitcher in amongst a small group of Redshank. It was fairly distant but unmistakable, spending time roosting followed by brief periods of feeding. It took off a couple of times and on the third time landed fairly close, giving even better views.

The light was always poor, but the colours really stood out!

There was plenty going on around the pool too - in addition to lots of Redshank (including well-grown chicks), there were lots of Lapwing, plenty Avocet, Curlew, a Common Sandpiper, two Greenshank and a single Spotted Redshank which took a while to clinch the ID. Two juvenile Water Rails also showed really well at times as they made brief forays into the mud from the tall ruderal vegetation.

Two Greenshanks were also moving around the pools

A stunning male Marsh Harrier also made a few flights overhead which put up the wader flocks. It was good to meet Mo and Naz in the hide and get them onto the Dowitcher, though I suspect they're less pleased at missing the four Spoonbill which we saw on one of the pools from the road near the car park!

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