Terrible conditions to be out in today but ideal reservoir tackle with a moderate SW>5 decreasing to SW>3 by late afternoon. Heavy horizontal drizzle turned to heavy rain which laster throughout the morning and afternoon session. Low cloud base at 8 degrees.
After a lot of searching and expecting, another target wader was found today in the way of a Sanderling, or rather this one found me.
As I unlocked the boatyard gates this morning there it was on the slipway. A quick few record shots in case it disappeared and then drove in and parked up. I needant have paniced as it continued feeding up and down the slipway and shoreline and was still present as I left after a second session late afternoon.
A check of the west bank and SW corner for any more specials just found Common Sandpipers Oyks, Redshanks and Ringed Plover which were all very lively in the wind and rain. Two real good soakings today but well worth the effort when something a big special turns up.
Both Greenland Wheatear seemed to have moved on now but a new male Northern was in the top field with a very worn looking plumage.
Just after I had found the Sanderling I got a text from MC alerting me to a significant move of Turnstone, Sanderling and Dunlin from Oxon so hopefully they will be heading this way. The next target wader now being Turnstone, although there are several other waders I would appreciate but you have to be realistic. Mick was watching Sanderling and Dunlin on his patch at the time in gale force winds and rain, at least you have a cosy hide down there Mick, unlike your days of reservoir watching up here.
Fly Flatts
1 ad Sanderling
2 Ringed Plover
12 Common Sandpiper
2 Oyk
1 Redshank
2 Snipe
1 Nth Wheatear
+ usual sp.
BS