Farmoor wader spectacle

30 Aug - An impressive selection of migrant waders at Farmoor today after the recent showery weather. The highlight was amazingly close views of 2 superb juvenile Curlew Sandpipers (3-9), with scaly upper parts, buffish breast markings and of course long decurved bills. Up to 20 Dunlin (12-14) present for comparison. Also seen - a confiding Black-tailed Godwit (10-11), 3 Redshank and a Common Sandpiper. Passerines included a passage Whinchat (15) and all 3 Wagtail species, with 1 each of Grey and Yellow. A Hobby and a Red Kite soared over the A 420 near Shrivenham. Photos JM.