With the rain coming and going throughout the day, any birding opportunities had to be timed well. At Lytchett Fields, just after the early morning downpour the Lesser Yellowlegs was found on French’s Pools, Lytchett Fields with 109 Dunlin, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 155 Redshank, 25 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe and 1 Marsh Harrier, 6 Skylark and 1 Rock Pipit were also recorded on site. In Middlebere the Great White Egret was again seen early AM with c500 Avocet, c300 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Pintail, 1 Kingfisher right in front of the hide and a pretty dramatic Peregrine chase. Tonight our local ringing group carried out its first winter Woodcock lamping session of the season, and although no Woodcock were back on site yet, we did encounter 10 Jack Snipe (and ringed 3) and c20 Common Snipe (and ringed 1).

Jack Snipe – Lower Frome Valley – Paul Morton

Common Snipe – Lower Frome Valley – Terry Elborn

Kingfisher – Middlebere – Simon Kidner