Somewhere different today as myself and the "Usual Suspects" headed off for a day out together, the first time for many years since all five of us could make it. Arriving at Lodmoor we were met by heavy rain but after donning waterproofs we set off anyway and had a good explore of the reserve. An explore of the old tip area drew a blank as we looked for the juvenile Red-backed Shrike that had been in the area for a few days, but in the rain I guess it was not that surprising, so instead we headed down to the reserve proper and checked out the birds present. A few Mediterranean Gulls were noted and on the deck a handful of Black-tailed Godwit and Lapwing. A flock of small waders then flew in, all Dunlin but one which was a Little Stint. Continuing round the reserve we added Kingfisher and then a couple of Ruff. Two Great White Egret was also present. Fortunately, the rain eventually stopped and it soon became a bright and warm morning, so we returned to the old tip location to try our luck again. I somehow managed to find myself separated from the others so focused on finding the location where the Red-backed Shrike was last seen, and I found it! So a quick call to the rest of the gang and before long we were all treated to great views.We then returned to the car and drove out to Portland It was now a glorious day and the weather was far too good for any passage offshore, which just a few Gannet and a couple of Common Scoters noted. On the land there were a few Rock Pipits and a very smart Wheatear but little else. So after a good wander around we headed back home after a really enjoyable trip out.
After getting back I popped up to Sutton Bingham for a quick look and found a couple of late Common Sandpipers but nothing else of note.
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