A Couple of Hours at Lemsford Springs

29th September 2025

Still fairly quiet on the migration front so off for the afternoon to Lemsford Springs. Seemed fairly quiet at first glance with just a single Litttle Egret on show. Just look at those yellow feet!!!

Then something unusual. Buzzards are quite common here but are usually seen just wheeling around overhead, giving out their distinctive mewing sound. However this one decided to perch on the dead tree opposite the hide and was staring down at the ground for a meal.

During this time a Great Spotted Woodpecker was chip-chipping, also at the top of a dead tree, but this time above the hide so I had to go outside to get a shot.

Then something even more unusual for this site, a Jay which flew into the Sallow opposite. Looking through my catalogue this is the first decent photograph I have taken of a Jay for many years. I must get out more.

Muntjacs are quite regular here but this male caught my eye as it was rubbing its head on a cut branch.

They have a beautifully marked head.

Now on to the site specialities starting with this Grey Wagtail which was searching for insects on the piles of watercress.

It then flew to the other side of the stream.

The Green Sandpipers are back in numbers now from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and there were seven present today, some sporting their colour rings which are used to track their movements.

This one has yet to be ringed.

But the stars of the show today were the Snipe which are now coming onto the site as winter approaches, and there were four present today, albeit well dispersed.

 

This is a most unusual shot of one sunbathing, and it held this pose for several minutes.

Well, Lemsford never disappoints and I look forward to seeing how it develops during the winter months.

Also good to have a catch-up with Rose and Dave.