Grey-cheeked Thrush & Upland Sandpiper

Grey-cheeked Thrush in Hertfordshire and Upland Sandpiper in Somerset – November 2005

Hugh asked me if there was much about! I told him about the Grey-cheeked Thrush near Potters Bar and the Upland Sandpiper near Clevedon. Hugh asked me if I wanted to go, I though he was joking………………………………………………………..!

A few days later at 0400hrs we were leaving my house and heading towards the A1! We made the long drive south towards the M25 and arrived at The Great Wood near Northaw at around 0830.

When we arrived at the site, birders said that the bird had been seen but was very elusive. It was then a frustrating few hours, with people getting fleeting glimpses of the bird (everyone except me anyway!) At one point there was a guy telling me it was in front of us, but I still couldn’t see it! A while later, I finally got some views of the bird! The bird was really superb, a small thrush not much bigger than a Robin. This was an amazing mainland and inland record, found by a local birder whilst carrying out a Marsh Tit survey!

After watching the bird for some time, we decided we should hit the road again. We headed across the M4 to Somerset and arrived at Channel View Farm by mid-afternoon. On arrival we could smell petrol quite strongly from the car, on closer inspection we realised there was a leak! Anyway we decided to go and see the bird first and worry about the car when we got back!

We walked up the track and viewed the Upland Sandpiper from the bank. The bird was showing really well as it was feeding in the field. Upland Sandpiper is one of those birds I have wanted to see for a very long time, so it was good finally catch up with one!

After we had watched the bird for a while, we went back to see about the car. Hugh phoned the RAC. The RAC checked the car out and told us that the problem was not serious (Phew!) and we were ok to head back home! Five hours later we were back in Cumbria. One very long day, but well worth it!