Sandpipers & Raptors

Lade - 0700hrs - 23 species in the moth trap this morning, which was surprising considering how wet and windy it was last night. Checked out the Black-headed Gulls at Kerton Road pit where at least 15 juvs now on the wing. Two Oystercatcher chicks too.
ARC - 0900hrs - A wader survey around the pit delivered 6 adult LRPs, some probably migrants. Also, 2 Ringed Plovers, 30 Lapwings, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshanks, Curlew and Green Sandpiper. A single Garganey was amongst the Teals from Screen hide, plus 300 Pochard, 200 Tufteds, 50 Shovelers, 40 Gadwalls, 2 Shelducks and a Wigeon. At least 50 House Martins above the lake with 200 Swifts, 2 Marsh Harriers, Kestrel and plenty of Reed Buntings and Reed Warblers around the margins.

                                          Great Crested Grebe, ARC

ARC - 1830hrs - With storm clouds all around us, patches of sunshine and the wind dropping away, decided to venture out again, and glad I did... From Screen hide a clutch of waders included 3 Green and 2 Wood Sandpipers, plus Dunlin and Redshank. The sky was full of Swifts and House Martins, 2 Hobbies and a Marsh Harrier.
Walland Marsh - 1915hrs - Superb session around the Marsh with steam rising off the tarmac attracting loads of Blackbirds and Woodpigeons to feed and bathe. The model flying club field held a flock of 8 Mistle Thrushes and a Buzzard, plus a `purring` Turtle Dove; the latter species was seen/heard at two other locations. Elsewhere, several Marsh Harriers, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and a cracking perched Barn Owl, 2 Corn Buntings, Yellow Wagtails, Yammers and Tree Sparrows.

                                          Buzzard & Yellowhammer, Walland Marsh