Yesterday I started my 5 month residential placement with the team here at Radipole, and it was certainly a memorable day! News of an American wader, a Long-billed Dowitcher seen at Lodmoor meant that was our first port of call. As we walked the reserve great flight views of Bittern were had, along with plenty of waders and wildfowl but no Dowitcher!
Nick, Anne and I resumed the reserve tour with Radipole in the afternoon. What a reserve! With Bearded tit, Water Pipit and Green Sandpiper all seen as we did the rounds past the rustling reedbed and shimmering lagoons and ditches. We finished off at North Hide where it was clear the spring tides had exposed plenty of mud giving brilliant habitat for feeding waders and ducks. We all scanned noting the Green sandpiper, Snipe and small party of Teal when I noticed a dumpy wader frantically probing for food directly in front of us. After a second to steady myself I made the shout of 'Long-billed Dowitcher'! The bird remained loyal to the North Pool where reserve staff plus a few speedy birders managed to get great views in the evening sunlight.
As it turns out the Dowitcher had been seen the day before by Tim Tapley et al who took this great picture, allowing comparison with Snipe, a fairly close relative. All in all it was a tremendous first day and I look forward to 5 months and hard work and fantastic birding!