A Few Surprises At Lemsford Springs

16th August 2026

A couple of hours to spare so off to Lemsford Springs to see if any of the celebrities like the Fox, Stoat, Kingfisher or Red Kite were going to put in an appearance. No luck there, although the Kingfisher did put in an appearance for three seconds but then saw my lens and was off. Don't have this problem with the Kingfishers at Rye Meads as they seem to think the lenses grow on the hide and don't take any notice.

Not much out of the ordinary to report, just the usual suspects but no photos of the Little Egret as it was staying down the other end while the local Heron was digesting its meal in the bare tree opposite.

Always a couple of Grey Wagtails about and lots of preening activity today.

Stock Doves are regular here but only stay a few seconds to get a drink.

And of course the site specialty the Green Sandpiper.

Note how this one is eyeing up a potential threat overhead.

And then came the inevitable bath. Their technique is to fly a short distance erratically and then plunge into the water to get those feathers wet.

And then the compulsory wing flap to dry the wings.

But the rest of the day was a bit of a surprise. I don't usually come to Lemsford at this time of year, mainly in the winter months, As a result I saw no less than five species of bird that I wouldn't normally even think of seeing here. The first was a flock of 20+ Linnets which were coming down to drink every 20 minutes or so as their normal puddles and ponds out on the fields had dried up,

The second was a male Blackcap which was showing well in the large Sallow on the island opposite the first hide.

And then in the same tree a Lesser Whitethroat.

And then again in the same tree, and the biggest surprise of all, a cracking Spotted Flctacher.

And can it get any better? Well yes. At that point I heard a call which I am very familiar with but never associated with Lemsford............a Yellow Wagtail. I fact when I looked round no less than five had flown in and were feeding right in front of the hide!!!

Well, I won't be forgetting that day in a hurry!!!!