Huge temperatures today largely restricted birding to the cooler hours of the day. That said, a midday visit to Lytchett Fields was rewarded with 9 Greenshank and a large Little Egret flock, c.30 strong, dropped into the bay. We’re gradually starting to see wader numbers increase now as the first returning birds stage in the harbour on their journeys south. Brownsea are seeing an increase in Common Redshank numbers and Brand’s Bay early doors welcomed the first returning Common Gulls (8) back in the harbour along with a supporting cast of 66 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Whimbrel in with the 111 strong Curlew flock (also increasing by the day), 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Great Crested Grebe.

Green Sandpiper, Lapwing & Common Sandpiper (left to right) – Lytchett Fields yesterday – Ian Ballam