Recently a Pratincole turned up on Northam burrows close to my home, there was some debate as to what species it was as only very distant views were seen and the light was murky and daylight was fading fast. Collared Pratincole seemed to be the more likely but the bird flew off so we left the site not 100% certain. Fortunately the bird was located again the following day and it was confirmed to be exactly that. The bird was not seen again until today (five days later) so when I heard the news I went down to have a look.

Collared pratincolePatience paid off today and the bird came close today, Northam, Devon

On arrival it was easy to locate due to the number of birders already there which totalled nearly 40 when I left. The bird stayed at distance, mainly due to the large crowd forming so together with another photographer we peeled off to the left by about 30m and waited. Shortly after the bird made its way towards us although still very distant at least we would be able to get a few decent record shots. As the bird made its way slowly towards us annoyingly some of the other birders and photographers thought they would join us for better views, obviously this had a negative affect and the bird just changed direction and moved away from us again, still at least this time I did manage a few record shots.

Wheatears are always good to photograph on this site and pose very well with gorgeous backgrounds for photography

WheatearNortham, Devon