March 12th 2012

A misty start to the day so hung back at home photographing moths before venturing down to the pond. The place had a feel of emptiness after yesterdays heavy disturbance from the 200+ runners on a 10 mile race and the usual weekend fishing and sailing activity so we were kicked sideways when we were asked if there was any sign of the Glossy Ibis. Met with a chorus of what glossy ibis. Apparently one had turned up in dunns bay yesterday afternoon before flying off towards toft bay. If anyone has any further info on this bird John Judge or myself would appreciate details as this would be a first for the pond.
Having seen our first Little Ringed Plover of the year Bob and I were walking back from toft shallows and ended up absorbed in watching some “official” doing plant survey work in the “scrape” below farborough bank when they flushed a Jack Snipe. They must have nearly stood on it before it burst from cover and was watched flying off before coming down near pool by the entrance road to Foxely Farm. My first at the pond since October 2009.
Also present today was a Ringed Plover on the island, Oystercatcher toft shallows, adult and 3rd winter Yellow-legged Gull out in the centre, 20+ Goldeneye, male and 2 female Goosander, 6 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, single Pochard, 40 Teal, 70 Fieldfare, 400 Starling, 10 Redwing, 40 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Bunting, Green Woodpecker and a lone Buzzard.

Richard