News appeared on Birdguides late last night of a reported Pied Wheatear at a gravel pit complex fairly close to Newark in Nottinghamshire. I was tempted to go in the morning, but couldn't find any information on the site or the bird, so I decided to wait. The bird was reported first thing this morning and I was able to find some information regarding site access/details etc and after a quick phone call with Chris, decided to go and 'bag' this lifer.
On arrival, the country lane was surrounded by cars parked on the muddy verges, but a space was found and the walk was started to the birds' reported site. We didn't have long to wait before the bird made its' appearance, constantly flying and darting about, obviously feeding on the insects present in the autumn sunshine. It came fairly close, very good for scope views, but the lens on the new camera is that bit short to get overly close! Still, the above shot serves as a record shot (I seem to be saying that a lot lately!), if nothing else, revealing the tail features that mark this bird apart from the similar Black-eared Wheatear. This bird represents the 69th individual of this species to be recorded in Britain and another tick in my book.
