10 Black-tailed Godwits were seen this afternoon on the margins of Saltmarsh Pool. They were with a large flock of Lapwings and a few Redshank. It was sunny with little wind and they were busy foraging along the wet margins. Eventually they started washing and preening on the water's edge. Occasionally, they would take to the air with the restless Lapwings but then settle back to feed.
Some of the Black-taileds foraging on the far edge of Saltmarsh Pool, seen some quarter of a mile away from the RSPB lay-by.
Perhaps a family group!
In flight with Lapwings.
Black-taileds landing back on wet margins of the pool.
Black-tailed Godwit showing long straight bill, rufous summer plumage, white wing-bar, black tail-band, white rump and long legs.
One of their group was leg-ringed and it transpired that it had been ringed in Scotland.
Just discernable leg rings on the middle bird.
These birds will be from the icelandica sub species, which mostly breed in Iceland, migrating south down our west coast in July for the winter, to moult and fatten up for their return journey north in Spring. On passage they favour saltings, coastal mudflats and lagoons - so Campfield Marsh suits them well as a stopping off point. A good bird to watch out for at the moment!