Red-rumped Swallow at Lodmoor

Red-rumped Swallow (file image)

A new one for the reserves list

Knot & Grey Plovers

Fleet towards Ferrybridge

Returning Little Tern

 Cetti's Warbler

Chessil Beach

After seeing the Great Spotted Cuckoo I headed towards the Bill before a quick u-turn after getting a couple of texts of reports of a Red-rumped Swallow had been seen at RSPB Lodmoor. I was on the reserve within 20 minutes but had to walk towards the north side before I could see the bird well skimming over an area repeatingly. I'd never seen this species before however the bird could be easily picked out. Two lifers in the day was a real bonus. 

A Bee-eater had been seen briefly on the reserve but flew north, that would have made a nice treble. There were plenty of other great birds to see of which a number were new for the year. These included a perched Hobby, three Bearded Tits, a Knott and two Great Plover. Whilst I also osserved a hunting Marsh Harrier, Water Rail and a Common Tern.

I decided to have lunch watching over Fleet, it was great to see returning Little & Sandwich Terns plus a flock of 15 Dunlin, in addition there were six Curlews.