Cameron Bespolka's birding blog: August

Patch wise it was a relatively slow month but there were some nice species at times. I had 3 Black-Tailed Godwhit in intermediate plumage on 19/8/13 on the SF. I had a Ruff on the Sf on the 27/8/3. I also had a fem Redstart on the 27th. Spot Flys are still on patch, normally there are about 3-7 showing though i have seen 11. There was also a Little Egret flyover on the 29/8/13.

Birding wise, I saw a Hoopoe on the 26/8/13, briefly in the NF. Despite seeing it briefly, an amazing bird.

I had a lovely holiday in the Alps for a short weekend around the 25/8/13. I went to a town called Zermatt to watch my dad climb the Matterhorn. Well done dad! A great achievement. I also did some hiking around the Alps and saw some nice birds.

Highlights were: RB Shrike, Nutcracker, Black Redstart, Alpine Chough, Wheatear, Crag Martin (lifer) and Crested Tit

I also had an amazing trip to Mull.
On Mull I saw White Tailed Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, Dipper, Short eared owl, Hen Harrier, Hooded crow, Twite, Chough, Bonxie, Black Guillemot and Rock Dove. Mull was really stunning and beautiful to see. Luckily the rain held of for a fair bit of it but remained windy throughout.

On the way back, i stopped at a few places on the east coast. Firstly I saw a Ring-Necked Duck near Dunbar. Then I had a fabulous time at Holy Island. It was stunning and i also saw Roseate Tern, Sooty Shearwater and fem Pied Fly.

The next day I saw the Greenish Warbler at Whitburn. Also a fly-over Little Egret.
RSPB Salthome held a Black tern and a Garganey.

I then saw 2-3 Two-Barred Crossbills distantly in flight, calling at Broomhead Reservoir in the Peak District National Park. A very pretty place.

Lastly on my way home, at Netherfield Lagoons, I enjoyed a brief show of a Spotted Crake.
I really enjoyed this trip so thanks so much to dad for taking me!