Pied Flycatcher at Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage, 24th August 2022.

Stevenage is not the first place I think of in relation to birding hotspots, but when news broke of two Pied Flycatchers by the old farmhouse, it was time to pay a visit. A small group of local birders were already in place and as I discovered later, they were firsts for the park. The birds were feeding and seen in flight, and every so often would perch up allowing some shots.

I didn't manage to get pictures of the second bird, but this one I believe, is a juvenile. Great to see some familiar faces, and big thanks to the finder and the local patch birders. It just goes to show what can turn up!