Our Young Person’s bird ringing demonstration on the Lower Piddle Valley got off to a good start despite the rain showers. The next generation of conservationists and birders learnt about the science of bird ringing, close up identification and ageing features of species such as Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, Tree Pipit and Grasshopper Warbler.

Further along the next river valley, 6 Glossy Ibis are still present, often seen later in the afternoon from the side of the Wareham Bypass along the edge of the River Frome.

At Swineham this morning, 19 Egyptian Geese are enjoying the rising water levels along with 70 Black-tailed Godwit, 15 Little Egret, 6 Coot and 5 Lapwing.

Teal are increasing at Lytchett Bay with at least 120 observed. 25 Lapwing, a single Bar-tailed Godwit alongside 199 Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Redshank and 18 Greenshank.

Brownsea Island lagoon also had a good range of the usual wader species with 5 Curlew Sandpiper and 4 Avocet being the highlights. An Osprey overhead momentarily disturbed the feeding and roosting birds below.

Spoonbill – Arne – dizzygirl66@bsky.social