Having missed a couple of Great Knot in Alaska by a few days, it was a little disconcerting when I heard of one turning up at Titchwell in North Norfolk. Little did I know at the time that it would stick around, giving me a chance of seeing it on my arrival back in UK. So Sunday 2nd July 2016, gave me the chance to see another Great Knot in Britain. This time much better views than the one I had in the North East many years ago. The bird was in with an estimated 3,000 Red Knot making for a spectacular sight. The Great Knot was in summer plumage, larger that knot with a longer bill. I found it fairly straight forward to pick out in the flock of Red Knot. I also had a good mix of common waders, including Spotted Redshank. A Peregrine Falcon kept hitting the flock in the early afternoon, causing the knot to disperse and I never saw the Great Knot again during the day. At this time of year Great Knot should be on their breeding grounds in North East Siberia. Year List has suffered of late but moved on to 200.
Great Knot – Titchwell, Norfolk – Above 2 images – Tony Davison© only record shots for me of what was a stunning bird.
Red Knot – Part of the flock during a Peregrine attack – Above 2 images – Tony Davison©
Red Knot – Eventually part of the flock settled back down onto Titchwell fresh marsh but the Great Knot went missing. Tony Davison©
Reed Bunting – A singing male from the top of a Sueda Bush – above 2 images – Titchwell, Norfolk – Tony Davison©
Avocet – Titchwell, Norfolk – Tony Davison©
Mediterranean Gull – Black in wing tips indicating a second summer type. Titchwell, Norfolk – Tony Davison©
