From America with love...

I had just walked in the house when the phone rang and an excited Nick Moran was telling me about a Dowitcher sp. at Livermere.  Twenty minutes later, having gone the scenic route, I joined the group of birders (including just about every birder from the BTO) watching the bird, by this time confirmed as a Long-billed Dowitcher busily feeding on the far side of the lake alongside a Bar-tailed Godwit.  As the bird was too far away, there was no chance of any photos but it showed well enough through the 'scope and along with a Hobby and 2 Yellow Wagtails overhead, made for quite a successful evening.