The jewel in the crown

 Got to get back into blogging.... I think I've said that before.....

Anyway, myself, Phil and Martin headed over to Goldcliffe on Sunday morning, to try to pick up some year ticks. Arriving at a reasonable time - just before 7am, we popped into the first hide, where a small group of waders were resting on the pool edge. A quick check showed at least 1 Curlew Sand with some Dunlin. A closer scrutiny revealed at least 2 Curlew Sand and possibly as many as 5, but before we could scrutinise the group they were flushed by a fly thru Peregrine. Over to the Snipe platform and the far side of the lagoon was filled with a mix of Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing and Redshank with Knot, Snipe Dunlin and, presumably, the Curlew Sands mixed in. A little stint was picked up. However, a closer scrutiny of the flock was not possible as a number of photographers had commandeered the platform overlooking the flock, and viewing would have been impossible whilst maintain some form of social distancing.

The sea wall added Oystercatchers, Curlew and a couple of distant Bar-tailed Godwits, and a single Wheatear. walking back round the lagoons brought a large flock of hirundines, mainly House Martins. However, it didn't attract any passing Hobby. Several fly over Yellow Wagtails were noted, but couldn't be located on the deck.

We then decided to head over the bridge to twitch the Red-backed Shrike that had been found at Marsh field. A small, socially distant, twitch was quickly located and the Shrike followed before we got close to the small paddock it frequented. After getting reasonable views of the Shrike, the first for a few years for all three of us, we set about trying to pick up a few of the other species we required for the year lists. Corn Buntings proved easy, and were soon followed by Yellowhamer, but it was a no show from any Partridges. A couple of distant Whinchat were the only other birds of note.

Not yet 10:30 we decided to head back over the bridge and have a wander round Magor Marsh in the hope of picking up Water Vole and dragonflies. The Water Voles didn't show, though I had a possible dive into one of the reens, but it never resurfaced where it could be seen. A few Southern and Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters were about, but none in decent numbers. However I did find the star of the day, a magnificent Musk Beetle, Aromia moschata, our largest Longhorn Beetle and a beast that Martin had longed to see.