Park life

Following up on a report of a Long-billed Dowitcher in my local park in Poole last night, I was unable to locate it during a flying visit on the way to work this morning - though several Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank were present on the mud where the park lake would normally be.

The more observant Steve Smith had better luck later and was kind enough to let me know that the bird had returned. I was able to get back from work in time to find the Dowitcher tip-toeing through drink cartons and fag packets on the margins of the lake, just a few yards out from the edge. Many photos were deleted due to this unfortunate detritus - these pictures were rescued only by savage cropping. An amazing record for this location, putting the regular Black Swan's nose seriously out of joint...