Got there ... eventually

Back home to rain,wind and generally crap weather. But a fully loaded van and some decent birding made it all worth the while. Before the main event of collecting the rest of our furniture we did a whistle stop tour, it seemed, of the UK. First up was Aberlady Bay and the Lesser Yellowlegs, unfortunately it was playing very hard to get in the driving rain and strong winds with only 2 brief views had so we headed south to our next destination London Heathrow ? Only for a bed for the night. Next morning we set off for Kent with Dungeness the desired location. On the approach road to Dungeness Dougie got his first tick of the trip with Cattle Egret, that was soon followed up with his second and 2 Glossy Ibis. Unfortunately there was no sign of the elusive Penduline Tit nor did we come across the Great White Egret.

Next stop on our journey back north was Staines Moor, and for me my second look at the Brown Shrike. After an anxious 30 minute wait (for Dougie) it eventually showed and fantastically well. Tick number 3.

A slight detour off the M40 for a look at the showy Red Kites around Stokenchurch.

After spending a birdless day loading up the van we decided to get an early dart next morning, for the Baird's Sandpiper at Barns Ness, Lothian. Upon arrival it wasn't long before i picked it out feeding along the shoreline but more importantly it was a milestone bird ? 400 BOU and thankfully it came before the year end.

Next stop Aberlady, again. This time we were in luck as the Lesser Yellowlegs was showing splendidly.

A cracking few days were rounded off perfectly with City thumping Arsenal 3-0 again. Next up in the cup its Man-U.