Moorland Stunner

Yesterday, I got a message saying a Red-throated Pipit had been found by a fellow Greater Manchester birder on the Greater Manchester/Derbyshire border at Ludworth Moor. This is a bird that I have long wanted to see, and the news that it was a full summer plumaged individual really had me straining at the leash to go. Unfortunately there were family duties that needed doing and by the time I was anywhere near able to go it was looking too late, as reports were saying it had flown off at 17.15.

I was gutted, especially as it had also been seen on the GM side of the border, and would have been another GM 'tick'. So, when news came that it had been re-found I was determined to get up to the moors to see it. Hence at 05.15 this morning I left home in a less than confident mood. It had been quite clear overnight and I honestly expected it to disappear. My fears were only made worse when I arrived at the site an hour later. A few birders were also just arriving, but one had been on site since first light and he had seen no sign. I passed an hour or so just watching the other birds that were around: plenty Wheatears, a Grasshopper Warbler and five Golden Plover flew over. But, the reported Meadow Pipit flock from the previous day was non existent. At around half past seven I decided to walk back to the road and walk along its border with the field as I could see a few more 'Mipits' knocking about, but 20 minutes or so proved fruitless. I walked back to the track and briefly spoke to two birders stood at the junction. I had just left them and walked through the gate back onto the track when they whistled to get my attention - they had found it! I whistled to the other birders up the track - I have no idea if they had heard me - before trying to get on the bird.

Eventually, after moving 50 -75 metres along the road I caught sight of it. It was creeping around in the Juncus Rush tussocks. Although I say creeping, it was moving surprisingly quickly and was really difficult to get onto. As soon as someone said it was in the open and gave directions it would move. But when I did get on it, it was an absolute stunner. Appropriately following my last post, I had forgotten my camera, so I was left to try and get a phonescoped shot. That was easier said than done because it was so active. I did manage it though and the best cropped images are below.

Yes they're rubbish, but they're a record of what I think is now one of my favourite birds. The illustrations in the field guides just do not do it justice. You can see some good photos of this species here though.

I have to say this 'twitch' was very different from some other twitches I've been to recently. Mainly because the number of birders with 'scopes outnumbered the number of photographers. Because of that there was very little 'competition' to get to the front of the crowd and people were just enjoying the bird. Yes, some were digiscoping, but most had already taken the time to look at the bird first.

Even better, I was back home for 09.00 and still in good books with the Mrs.