A Mid-September Visit to Lemsford Springs

16th September 2026

Time for another visit to Lemsford Springs, and once again the dead tree opposite the hide didn't disappoint with a superb Great Spotted Woodpecker surveying the scene.

The next bird on show was a Mandarin Duck, a bit of a surprise for me. They are recorded at Lemsford somewhat spasmodically, but I have only seen them here on a couple of occasions.

 

Today the flock of 10 or so Linnets was joined by a single Goldfinch to enjoy the shallow water for a bath and a drink.

And of course no visit to Lemsford is complete without a Grey Wagtail and today there were four birds strutting their stuff on the sleepers and inbetween the clumps of watercress.

Of course the site speciality is the Green Sandpiper which are caught and colour-ringed and sometimes satellite-tagged to track their movements. On my last visit twelve birds were present, but today just six. It is possible there were more up the side channel which is not visible from the first hide.

The resident Water Rail lives under the large Sallow opposite the hide and today kept trying to come out into the small bay under the tree but was always deterred by the numerous Moorhens present in that area.

So the best I could manage today was a sneaky shot when it was partially obscured by some Phragmites.

But the stars of the show today were the two Snipe which were feeding out in the open in front of the hide.

And when they are preening you get an opportunity to marvel at that plumage...............

......................and to see those normally hidden tail feathers.

And the two together having a well-earned rest.

Well, another relaxing afternoon at Lemsford and good to have a catch-up with Rose and Dave.

And true to form I didn't recognise SH4RPY without him standing next to his famous number plate.

Good to see you Chris.