At Lodmoor, we there was no sign of the Lesser Yellowlegs. While checking through the birds present, we noted darvic codes on three Mute Swans ZKK, VYT and ZOU all black print on yellow. There was also a colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit. The godwit had a lot of discolouration on the rings but we read it as lime above orange on the upper left leg, with yellow above black on the upper right and the metal ring on the lower right leg. Other birds present were as follows: Little Egret (1), Black-tailed Godwit (27), Marsh Harrier (1), Buzzard (1), Raven (1), Cetti's Warbler (8 heard) and Bearded Tit heard.
Hawthorn blossom at Lodmoor
RSPB Lodmoor reserve
We then spent a good deal of time at both Kings Barrow and Tout quarries. Here we saw lots of Peacock butterflies - but despite our best efforts failed to see an elusive Large Tortoiseshell. One was later reported, but from Fortuneswell, Portland. A couple of other bird records for the day were a female Black Redstart at Kings Barrow and a Swallow just on the coast at Tout.
Peacock butterfly
Chesil beach
We returned to Lodmoor at the end of the day and had good views of the Lesser Yellowlegs. The Black-tailed Godwit was still present and a little closer, allowing a few more photos to be taken.
Lesser Yellowlegs with Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe
Colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit.
The black ring signifies that this is part of a project in Iceland.
Gorse flowers