Spoonbill at King's Meads, Hertford, 1st June 2023

As the car was in for an MOT and service I had a walk down to King's Meads looking for Damselflies. Intently looking at the ground I noticed a large white bird fly off and initially my first thought was Little Egret. It soon became apparent it was a Spoonbill! It quickly landed again and I went round to try and get a another look and it took off again before coming back and settled down for the afternoon.

I have seen them at Amwell, but this was my first at King's Meads and could indeed be a first for the site. Putting the news out on Twitter allowed a few local birders to connect.

A great adult bird showing the yellow throat patch. It stayed until late evening but there was no sign the following day. Heading back home, this Dunlin was another unexpected surprise.

Amazing what is on your doorstep!