Herts Hoopoe at Hinxworth! - 26.6.22

3rd May 2010 was the last time I saw a Hoopoe in the UK. That was down in Kent. I have to go back even further for my last one in Herts. That was 11th May 2007 at Bishop’s Stortford. 

So when Matt Moreton offered me a lift I took him up on it. We left just after 7am and about 45 minutes later we’d arrived at the village of Hinxworth just north of Baldock. A short stroll through the churchyard and down a footpath took us to a horse paddock where along the fence line the punk headed bird was showing very well. We watched as it hurriedly fed on grubs pulled from the ground which must’ve taken it out of it as it did fall asleep at one point. Even Matt’s daughter Robyn was impressed!

The drive home was uneventful and I arrived home before 10am only for my son to knock over my telescope/tripod and break the quick release lever 🤬. 

Cassiobury - 22.4.22

 (LATE NEWS that I forgot to post!)

While weeding the shrub beds in the paddling pools in Cassiobury Park 2 Tree Pipit called as the flew over heading NWish. This was a new species for me in the park and the first record since around the 1970’s! Shortly after 2 Greylag Geese flew East. Only the second time I’d seen this species in the park. Not a bad morning!