SOLWAY: Return to D&G 1 October 2008.

It's still great to get back to some UK birding even after a couple of fantastic weeks in Brazil. We started October in D&G on the Inner Solway. In fact D&G has been in fine form during my absence with Richardson's Canada Goose, Hoopoe (still hurts) and Yellow-browed Warbler staying for a few days as well as a few single observer short staying goodies for good measure.

We started at Redkirk Point where there were a few hundred Golden Plover but the flock was too distant to examine thoroughly. It was nice to see a few Barnacle Geese and Pink-feet flying overhead. On to Browhouses next where Curlew Sandpiper amongst the Dunlins was most notable (a D&G tick). A hovering Kingfisher over the tidal pools and a couple of Greenshank were also seen.

Common Crane (over bushes), Caerlaverock WWT 1 October 2008.

On then to Caerlaverock WWT. The Crane had been showing well of late so we were hopeful of some decent views as we entered the reserve. We were even more optimistic when news of it on show from the Avenue Hide was heard. An hour later we were still crane-less and with spirits dampened (despite tonnes of Barnacles and Pink-feet) we headed for the cafe for soup. Revitalised we headed back out in the field and climbed the Farmhouse Tower hide and located the Common Crane in a ploughed field. It disappeared every now and then behind trees and hedges but good 'scope views were obtained.

Canada Goose (probably Richardson's) with Barnacles.

Plenty of Golden Plover about so we decided to give the flock closer scrutiny as there had been a Pec' Sand' around of late. We quickly found single Dunlin, Knot and Ruff in the GP's but failed to find the American vagrant despite much searching. Rediscovering the "small" Canada Goose (ID'd as Richardson's a few days previously, though our views were not conclusive) was a bonus though.

Only a matter of time until a certain little goose with a red breast returns to inflict misery on me here I'm sure (see last winter's posts).

D&G 2008 = 188 now.