More good conditions today with full cloud at 9 degrees on a light S>2 turning SE>3 by late afternoon. Some very dark clouds but I,ll have to wait till tomorrow for any rain.
A male Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin were new in overnight , the Plover causing a stir with the breeding pair when it got too near to the chicks whilst Snipe were up drumming constantly throughout both sessions.
A pair of Common Sandpipers that I,ve been watching in the boatyard produced 2 chicks today as well as a second pair on the east bank. Chicks seem to be everywhere now with Lapwing, Curlew, Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and Redshank as well as Greylag and Canada goslings along with Mallard ducklings. A real good year for breeding with the water down.
Some decent rain forecast for tomorrow which will top the ponds up again hopefully.
Fly Flatts
2 m 1 f Ringed Plover + 2 chicks
2 Dunlin
8 Common Sandpiper + 4 chicks
4 Redshank + 6 chicks
6 Snipe with chicks present but well hidden
9 Curlew with chicks in the fields
3 Oystercatchers
+ usual sp.
BS