Hoopoe at Briggens, near Roydon, Herts. 30th April 2026

After a morning at Rye Meads news broke of a Hoopoe in the grounds of the old Briggens Hall Hotel just off the A414. A 15 minute drive later and a short walk soon had me there where already a few familiar faces had gathered. The bird was on a lawn in front of Briggens Lodge and we were able to observe it from the public footpath. It was feeding happily, flying into a tree when a delivery van turned up.

This was my 2nd Hertfordshire Hoopoe (after the Hinxworth bird) and fourth in the UK. Despite seeing lots in Spain and Portugal they are a real treat here. A few more shots taken from the footpath.

A great way to finish the day and special thanks to Laurence Drummond for his excellent directions!