Ferrybridge's Little Terns and a Lodmoor Double-Header.
As my last post felt a bit like it had fallen by the wayside, it felt brilliant to get back out on the birding trail today with a fresh ,upbeat start. I made and early start and arrived at Ferrybridge, Chesil by 8:45 AM. Even at that time of the morning the air was already beautifully warm setting a good mood for the day ahead.
Looking out across the Fleet Lagoon the stars of the show, the rare Little Terns were busy out on their distant Stoney island. Despite the distance ,it was spectacular to watch their erratic, agile flight as some hovered and dropped out of the sky to catch small fish in the shallows.
But the morning had an extra bonus in store. Scanning the shore, I pick out 5 Ringed Plovers moving along the shingle. Seeing them was an absolute milestone bringing my Dorset County list up an exciting 156 species with these two species seen.
Riding high on the list boosting success, I decided to keep the momentum going and headed over to RSPB Lodmoor for the second half of my trip. It turned out to be an inspired choice as there where a few good waders and gulls about.
The mudflats and shallow pools were teeming with life. I managed to count five wonderful Black-tailed Godwits, a busy group of 10 Dunlin and two Common Sandpipers picking their way along the edges, the air was filled with bird calls punctuated by the raucous racket of some noisy Common Terns putting on a lively display.
The real magic of the afternoon came from the gulls and a raptor. A wonderful Marsh Harrier made a dramatic appearance, soaring effortlessly over the reedbeds. Down on the water ,there were some lovely Mediterranean Gulls, these I think are real smart looking gulls. Best of all. I think this is the first time I have actually managed to photograph juvenile Mediterranean Gulls. Get some records shots of the youngsters was a nice way way to cap of the day.
It was a great day of birding and feels good to be on track, just hope I can keep it up.
