01-11th June 06.

An expected quiet month, proved to be almost that was it not for a couple of sightings of Hobby (both sightings were of a single bird soaring high up, 200ft+, over the southern end of the pool. But a patch year tick all the same and became species No.116. Just 4 off my final total for 2005.

However, a phone call from a fellow birder on the afternoon of the 11th, was to prove to be one of those unforgettable visits to VP!! He rang to tell me of a flock of 68 Black-tailed Godwit at VP!!! I raced there (leaving the wife asleep in front of the football!), and arrived to witness this unprecidented number of waders at VP!!! I believe the previous highest count of Blackwit at VP was 14? - so this was awesome!

The majority of the birds were either sleeping or sunning themselves on the main island, but a few were busy feeding. It was mentioned that these birds could possibly be of the islandica race? I cannot honestly comment on this as I didn't either study them well enough (only had my bins & too difficult through the heat haze!), nor do I have any real knowledge of this race (I know they're supposed to be shorter billed & legged and brighter plumage on the summer birds). Some did look very bright....but I'll leave that decision to the county recorder!

The main thing was a) An awesome spectacle for VP. & b) My 117th species at VP for the year!!

I hope that this is the start, of a much needed, pick up of things turning up at VP!!?...