Among the first arrivals of Autumn migrants, late August is the time I check some regular haunts for this strange but much-loved little visitor. Few birders would pass on seeing their first Wryneck of Autumn, a bird which can be either quite skulking or, seemingly oblivious to people when searching out their main food - ants. Classed as a rare migrant in the UK, this woodpecker-like bird is about the same size as a small shrike. If, as in the case this morning at Spurn, you are lucky enough to come across two Wrynecks, one may well be right out in the open. What I find fascinating in the Wryneck is the plumage - mottled, vermiculated, striped, every shade of grey and brown in the most intense patterns. One of the birds seen today was feeding well on the roadside, close to the canal hide. It was present for hours, undeterred by an increasing number of observers, as well as passing road traffic. Note how the plumage provides excellent camouflage when on the ground. I had met with my friend Steve and after watching the Wryneck, we set off in search of any new migrants. A Tree Pipit called, flying over and Meadow Pipit numbers were much increased. Two Whinchats were in Well Field and a further one perched along the canal bushes, eating a grasshopper. We found two to three 1w Pied Flycatchers and a few Lesser Whitethroats. An unusual sighting was the return of the ringed (introduced) White Stork which has been in the area for a week or so. Flying very high today, it continued its journey South and appeared to leave the area, perhaps returning to its original home. A second Wryneck was found briefly on the roadside near Church Field, but this was one which didn't want to show itself and remained unseen. Returning later to the first Wryneck, the sun had moved around giving an intense light on the still feeding bird. A sunbathing session in the early morning sun!
I was delighted to spend time with both these remarkable Wrynecks, truly heralding the arrival of Autumn.
Sotero
14/9/2020 07:55:40 pm
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