Hard working patch worker Andy Kane discovered a juvenile MARSH SANDPIPER at Hickling Broad Rush Hills Scrape (Norfolk) on Monday 18 August (see his excellent photographs of the bird published above)
It was loosely associating with Common Greenshanks on the pool and was favouring the back edge, where it fed on the emergent vegetation and shallow muddy fringe. It remained present until at least 26 August, during which time it was admired by large numbers of observers.
VIEWING INSTRUCTIONS
Rush Hills Scrape is accessed along the Weavers Way public footpath, from where a hide overlooks the area. Park sensibly around the 'green triangle' in Potter Heigham village (by the church) and take the footpath east and northeast to the reserve. After some 600 yards, you will enter the small coppice and eventually arrive at the Weavers Way. Turn right here, and continue for a further 500 yards to the hide. In all, the walk will take around 25 minutes.
Many other waders are taking advantage of the excellent feeding conditions on the scrape, including Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and Red Knot, Pied Avocet, up to 60 Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Dunlin, up to 12 Green Sandpipers and Black-tailed Godwits.
