I had seen reports of whinchat in Stoke Park this morning and popped across to see if I could see them. I had no luck but was very pleased to see a common sandpiper fly across Duchess Pond but wasn’t quick enough to get a photo. Fortunately, when we moved to the other side of the pond it flew back again and gave me a second chance. It stayed around for a while even though it was harassed by a moorhen.

Just as exciting was the joy of two young girls with binoculars who clearly appreciated having the sandpiper pointed out to them.