There was some confusion on this great find, a singing Hippolais near Retford in Notts a couple of days ago. It's not surprising this wasn't easy to identify - grey blue legs, and a striking pale wing panel, primary projection almost impossible to see during brief glimpses. But surely song suggests Melodious?
As I was about 30 miles away on Saturday morning it was a great opportunity to check it out. Unfortunately it was more elusive than expected. Probably due to the wind, it was singing regularly but low down and moving around at a low level. In two hours I didn't see it on one of the higher branches once.
Whilst in Dorset at the end of May I visited Brownsea Island for the third time. The Sandwich Terns were in good form on the lagoon, although none of the chicks had hatched so movement to and from the nests was a little slow.
Peacock detail:
Natural wood sculpture (tree roots):
Just before leaving a couple of Mediterranean Gulls made an appearance.
