SWANSEA HOOPOE

 If there's one bird I've always wanted to see it's got to be a Hoopoe. They spend the Summer in central and southern Europe but every year in the Spring and Autumn migration the odd few accidently turn up in the UK . I've either been to busy or I've not been brave enough to drive myself to where they are. So when one turned up in Swansea and my very good birding friend Stephen Bool offered to take us both to go and see it I obviously jumped at the chance.

When we got there we made our way to the Swansea sea front cenotaph where it was last spotted. As we got closer we couldn't believe our eyes there it was in some shrubs and grass right in front of us my first Hoopoe. 

my first hoopoe

It went from around the cenotaph to the trees nearby and then down on the sandbanks where it foraged and fed just feet away from all the birders that had comedown to see it. The Hoopoe was so tame you felt like you could have stroked that beautiful black and white crest it was that close.

Here's a short video clip Steve took through his scope, though he had to stand well back to fit the bird in the frame.

We stayed there for about an hour just watching and photographing this wonderful exotic looking beauty.

A massive thank you to my best mate Steve Bool for driving us down there for what was for me an unforgettable experience what a bird.