Local .........

24 Mar - Very conveniently, Nigel Pleass found a 2nd-winter Iceland Gull at Lydiard Park lake just as I was leaving work, so 20 mins later I was watching it - unfortunately a few mins later, this very good bird for Wilts flew off, before many other people arrived. Very white including the primaries, medium-sized with the gentle dove-like expression typical of Iceland Gull. Probably the bird that has been roosting at CWP. A stop at pit 74 on the way home produced the flock of 11 Black-tailed Godwits in flight (these have been present for a couple of days now) together with 2 pairs of Goldeneye. No Sand martins yet. Finally, the usual Shorncote Barn Owl was out well before dusk and giving good views perched and in flight, despite the milder weather. I suspect prey is in shorter supply this time of year?