Lodmoor Country Park

The first full day of a few days in Weymouth turned out to be a bit damp.  Some light rain in the morning gave way to dryer periods but it did not stop me walking along the front to Lodmoor RSPB reserve.  A good variety of ducks and waders were present along with one or two Marsh Harriers hunting over the reedbeds.

One of the birds I was hoping to see was the Lesser Yellowlegs that had been present since 5th October.  However there was no sign to this American vagrant on any of the shallow pools on the south and western sides of the reserve when I arrived.  There were however 25+ Snipe, 20+ Black-tailed Godwits, 20+ Dunlin,  2 Ruff, Lapwings and a Redshank. Wildfowl included Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal.  Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers could be heard in several areas.  Several species of Gulls were present, most notably 7 Mediterranean Gulls.

One of 7 adult Mediterranean Gulls present. 

One of the Black-tailed Godwits, most of which were asleep.

A rather smart Lapwing

This Kingfisher was conveniently perched close to the pathway.

Ruff - One of two present.

Two of the Dunlin feeding alog the waters edge.

A size comparison between a Dunlin and two Black-tailed Godwits.

A very confiding Robin was just asking for it's photo to be taken!

The rest of the photos are of the star bird, a Lesser Yellowlegs.

The bird was originally out of view in one of the middle pools but was eventually
flushed by a Marsh Harrier and landed fairly close to the footpath.

I have seen quite a few Lesser Yellowlegs on the far side of the Atlantic
but this was only the second I have seen in the UK,  

Showing it's white rump.