Holmethorpe Sand Pits - Terned Up On Time!

I was definitely not an early bird and probably missed all the early morning worms but with rain coming in from the south a trip out could still be productive. Holmethorpe Sand Pits near Merstham Surrey always has the potential to pull in something special. I did not expect any raptor activity today but almost bumped into a Buzzard that was scavenging on the lane that runs parallel to the M25.

The numbers of hirundines were higher than previous visits. The insects were very low making the journey along the footpath tricky as groups of House Martin and Sand Martin buzzed low over the path that intersects the lagoons.

Mercers Lake has been pretty devoid of birds on the water but has to be checked as a matter of course. I spied two Common Tern that were hugging the tree line opposite a school party that were sailing on the lake. Both bird came to rest on buoys which had me hot foot it to the area with a view to take some photos. I got too the area too late but stuck around for a while just in case the birds returned. They did not return but I heard one call beyond the trees towards the activity centre.

I found both birds on separate pontoons the closest was easily within photo range. Note the extensive black in the bill tip short and even tail streamers and longer red legs distinguishing this species from Arctic Tern. My efforts at flight shots in the gloomy conditions were poor therefore this opportunity was not to be wasted.

The small landfill site was active today attracting a few gulls all of which were Herring Gull. The eye in this bird showing a red ring and bill already showing some red in the gonys-spot. The tertials look mottled and worn with white tips. The coverts also showing brown mottling suggesting overall a third summer bird.

I covered the remainder of the area logging 48 species before the heavens opened up. All sightings are put on Birdtrack via Nature Lister which is now operational on my phone thanks to some assistance from Jack Levine at Wildlife Recorder Ltd 

Link here:- https://www.wildlife.co.uk.