Although the Lesser Yellowlegs had been exciting birders from far and wide since it had been found by local birder Adam C Hartley on October 14, it was a while before I could visit Port Meadow to see this rarity.

Adam regularly reports on this Oxford birding hotspot and if you wish to be updated go to www.portmeadowbirding.com for the latest birding news from the meadow.

Birding friend Tony Edwards from Watchfield picked me up at Bampton and we arrived at Binsey, parking near the Perch with the intention of accessing the meadow across the rainbow bridge.

As we approached the river, I noticed a cow and her calf. This combination made me feel a little nervous in case a dog walker appeared.

Sure enough, round the bend came six dogs with their master in tow. The inquisitive calf ran towards the dogs, this action incited the protective instincts of the cow, which charged the dogs. In the confusion, the calf ran off, quickly followed by its mother and a potentially serious incident was avoided.

As a retired farmer, I am aware of the possibilities of such a situation and ask all walkers to remember, cow, calf and dog is a dangerous mix so please avoid this.

A group of birders were enthusiastically watching the Lesser Yellowlegs, only the fifth of this species to be recorded in the county and their presence pinpointed the bird for us.

Wow! What a joy, such a dainty graceful wader busily feeding on our patch, probably blown off course while on its seasonal travels down the Americas.

The bird showed well, giving the impression of feeling comfortable in its alien surroundings.

After we had feasted our eyes on this marvellous creature, we turned our attention to other avian fare, for Port Meadow has much to interest countryside lovers. On this occasion we noted two Ruff, birds worthy of an article all to themselves. There were several Snipe and Dunlin and the usual array of Duck and Gull.

As a grand finale, the Golden Plover flock of some 500 rose as one, giving striking views as they wheeled round over the river against the treeline, the weak autumn sun reflecting off their golden plumage.

Barry Hudson Oxford Ornithological Society