A Tawny Pipit at Landguard Point

1st May 2026

A Tawny Pipit was reported at Landguard Point on the 29th April and was still present today, its third day, so seemed quite settled and well worth a visit. The report said it was spending most of its time in the fenced off area. I assumed this was the area fenced off all the year round near the southern tip of The Point which would be ideal as it is relatively small and fairly flat. Sadly that proved not to be the case, and they were referring to the much larger area fenced off to protect the nesting Ringed Plovers.

This area is quite large, at least 60 yards across and several times longer with several ridges running along its length making seeing into the area more difficult. So distance was always going to be a problem, but let us not forget Landguard's dubious distinction of having the highest heat haze due to the type of soil and extremely short sward. So that's got the problems out of the way and see how we get on.

It was spending nearly all of its time in the valleys between the ridges and therefore could only be seen from the ends and mostly at considerable distance. Therefore it was a matter of watching from the ends and when it showed signs of climbing on to a ridge position yourself along the side and hope it will emerge close to where you are standing,

I only got it right once and the bird was only in view for about 10 seconds before disappearing into the valley once more. Here are the four record shots I managed to get of the bird in the Sea Campion, but at least you can see what it is.