A Purple Sandpiper was found today at Helwell Bay by Brian Gibbs about 10.30 but flew off with Ringed Plovers at 10.45, as the tide came in. This is the first record this winter of this formerly reliable site. It can be a difficult bird to connect with in Somerset now. Probably the most reliable site now is Knighton Beach but the birds can range all the way to Wall Common.

Also present were two Black Redstarts, the female/immature which may have have been present since January, and a male Black Redstart which may be newly in. Both birds were favouring the long line of rocks at ST076435, though elusive, especially the male.