Water Pipit performs well

19th January 2010 – overcast E2/3/4
Rarities
The Water Pipit was again in flooded roadside fields near Biggar.
Offshore
Small numbers of Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter were the only records of note.
Grounded Migrants
A clear out of winter thrushes occurred overnight with just 60 Fieldfare remaining.
Diurnal Migration
Four skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 230 birds flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The flock of 120 pale-bellied Brent Geese remain.
Images
A couple of images of today’s Water Pipit.




Identification criteria allowing separation from Rock Pipit include the rather pale looking appearance provided by the brown and white plumage, clean white belly and undertail, strong supercilium, weak malar stripe, less prominent eye ring, less blotchy brown streaking - especially along the flanks and prominent white double wing bar.