Spoonbill at Cliffe pools

After a disappointing trip to Dunge where we dipped on the Penduline Tits (only to see them located as we headed back up the A2) we stopped off at Cliffe pools and found a Spoonbill for our trouble giving the year list another tick which was nice.  Earlier we had taken up strategic positions in Hanson Hide waiting for the Pendulines to come in to feed. We did have a Glossy Ibis fly over and a couple of Marsh Harriers put up the Lapwings on ARC pit. Several Red head Smew were seen with pairs of Goldeneye also noted.

Distant Spoonbill at Cliffe pools

On the beach we struggled to find anything other than a passing Little Gull although a stop to talk Morocco with Mick & Richard helped pass the time. Outside Pilot Inn we found a large flock of Oystercatcher but the Glaucous Gull wasn't seen on this trip. We had a quick trip around the reserve finding a Great White Egret, Stonechat and a group of Tree Sparrows before heading off for Cliffe where the Spoonbill stole the show along with more Goldeneye and several Pintail.

The years list now sits at 138