Wood Sandpipers at King's Meads, 29th & 30th April 2026

Five Wood Sandpipers had been reported on the flood on King's Meads late on the 28th. As they are one of my favourite waders I popped down at 5.50am to see if they were still there. Luckily they were, and feeding up before moving on to their breeding grounds in Scandinavia. There were actually six birds present which increased to eight the following day. The most I had ever seen before together was two. The record for Hertfordshire is 13! Apologies for the photo overload!

What fantastic birds! But while waiting, this Sedge Warbler was very showy.

A grasshopper Warbler was reeling behind me and this female Reed Bunting put in a brief appearance.

A pair of Gadwall were expected.

But more of a surprise was the long staying female Goosander which flew over, heading for the river.

And the final treat of the morning was a Cuckoo passing overhead.

It's so good to have this precious place on my doorstep!