On arriving at Little Marlow GP at about 10am on 20th April 2017, local birder Alan Stevens was amazed to find two Black-winged Stilts feeding in the shallow water by the sand spit. News was quickly put out and an initial rush of local birders gave way to a steady stream of admirers. In the first three hours approximately thirty birders managed to see these county rarities. The birds stayed throughout most of the day. During their stay the birds moved quickly around the shallow waters and covered a wide area. The birds were frequently a fair way apart and often flew short distances to reach another feeding area. At one point the birds flew up as if to depart, but quickly dropped back down.
Above three photos from Dave Parmenter. Those below from Jim Rose
There have only been two prior records of this species in the county previously. They were firstly in 1988 when a pair were at Willen Lake from 7th to 18th June, and at Manor Farm, MK where a pair were present on 24th April.
If anyone has any better quality photos of these birds, for inclusion above, please seen to Jim Rose at webeditor@bucksbirdclub.co.uk