Well, I never expected a Blyth's Pipit so close to home but when news broke of one at Blagdon Lake near Bristol in the week, I just had to go see it. Blyth's Pipits are usually notoriously difficult to get decent views of. They often turn up in long grassy fields or paddocks and you spend much of the time trying to see the features and jizz that separate it from the similar Richard's Pipit. Not this one. When Dave Helliar and I arrived on site and marched the 3/4 of a mile or so to where the bird was, it was ambling about on the shoreline. It has to be some of the best views you could ever have of this difficult species here in the UK?
When you view them this well, the differences from Richard's are much easier to see. Although it was about 30 meters away the light was good and some distant photos could be grabbed. My best efforts below:
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| Showing the nicely streaked crown and rich plumage tones |
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1st winter Blyth's Pipit, Blagdon Lake
The bill structure, hind claw and jizz
Could all be easily seen with prolonged views |
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| 1st winter Blyth's Pipit, Blagdon Lake |
Couldn't ask for a better Christmas present! Thanks to everyone who's followed the blog in 2016 and a Merry Christmas to you all.
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