By way of a change I thought a visit to Dorney Lake was a good idea. Not the best place to visit in steady rain as there is no shelter, so full waterproofs were called for in the steady rain.
My decision to visit there was soon justified with four Wheatears on the causeway, two of which were probably of the Greenland race. Walking further down the causeway I then found a Common Sandpiper and then heard a distant wader call. I saw something flying away which may well have been a Greenshank but I could not be sure. I then located 3-4 Redshank to the south of the return lake in the reserve area. While scanning this area I came across a winter plumaged GREY PLOVER, a species I have only seen in the county on a few occasions, so a great find. I managed a few rather distant photos which are now on the BBC website.
The seasonal pool held about 60 mainly immature large gulls, plus two Shelducks.
Lots of Swifts and Swallows about, plus a few House Martins. Number increased while I was there. Also several Common Terns fishing.
Walking back along the causeway, I had just about got back to the start line when six Ringed Plover, flying in a tight flock flew in low as though to land but few off again. Maybe my presence put them off. I then found two more Wheatears at nearby Dorney Common and another two by the pumping station.
Worth getting wet for.
Jim Rose