Sightings - Sunday 24th July 2011

Balearic Shearwater - 2 past Portland Bill
Little Ringed Plover - singles at Lodmoor and Hengistbury Head
Stilt Sandpiper - an adult at Lodmoor (apparently also present yesterday).  This morning it was seen on two occasions on the main reserve, however this afternoon it was present on a pool at the Overcombe end of the reserve.  The area is best viewed from the bank along Preston Road at approx SY695815.  This is the 2nd record for Dorset, following 1 on Brownsea Lagoon in 2006.
Arctic Skua - 3 past Portland Bill
Pomarine Skua - 1 past Portland Bill
Great Skua - 2 past Portland Bill
Mediterranean Gull - 61 at Stanpit, 42 at Cowards Marsh
Yellow-legged Gull - 2 at Ferrybridge
Turtle Dove - 3 at Affpuddle Forest
Whinchat - 3 at Pentridge
Crossbill - 7 over Easton, 1 at Culverwell

Very distant Stilt Sandpiper! - Lodmoor © Kevin Lane