After arriving at Farlington, I locked my bike and then set out towards the main lake. A few Goldfinches were about, and two Great Crested Grebes were out in the harbour. On the lake, there was a large increase in waders since the last time I was here, with many Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank, Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, and Dunlin obvious. A Spoonbill was in some reeds behind the main lake towards the visitor hut.
As I was searching for the Ruff that had been reported earlier on the day, a huge clap of thunder was heard, and a flash of lightning zapped over Portsmouth. Before long, it was pouring, and I scarpered towards the visitor hut, trying to keep as dry as I could(didn't succeed). After finally making it to the visitor hut, I sat down and waited for the rain to abate. An hour later, and the rain seemed to have gone, so I went outside the visitor hut, scanned the stream before heading towards the cattle where some Cattle Egrets were. With not much else here, I headed off back towards the lake, with a Cetti's Warbler calling in the reeds behind the visitor hut.
En route to the lake, a Common Sandpiper was seen, along with a few Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, and Black-tailed Godwits.
Nothing new was obvious on the main lake, with plenty more Ringed Plovers, Little Egrets, Grey Plovers, and Dunlin visible. A Grey Heron dropped in, and a total of 5 Swifts were flying about. A bit of interest came in the form of a Hobby, which flew about briefly before heading back east. With not much else apparent, and no sign of the Ruff, I started to head off back towards my bike.
As I was walking past Jason (Farlington regular), he asked me whether I had spotted the Ruff at the back of the lake. I replied in the negative, so he put his scope on it, and I managed to pick it up- a beautiful Ruff. After a bit of searching, I got it in my binos and eventually in my camera, very distantly but clear. I hadn't seen a Ruff since summer 23', so I was happy to finally pick one up. Also visible at the back now were two or three Knot. After a while of watching the Ruff, I headed back to my bike to catch the train(don't want to be late home for dinner!)
Another great trip, with another year tick, and some fun species seen.
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