First notable bird of the day was a booming Bittern, this is the first time I've heard this weird call. Next up was a Great White Egret feeding just off the first platform, never expected that today. Whilst I was looking at it through the telescope someone called Bittern, I looked up and there was one flying across in front of us, unfortunately I wasn't quick enough with the camera but did manage a great view through the binoculars
7. Great White Egret
I then walked on up to the second platform which is where the Pied Billed Grebe has been reported from, on route I saw plenty of tit and finch activity in the trees and hedges lining the path and heard numerous Cetti's Warblers however was unable to locate any. I took a few shots of some Long Tailed Tits, one which I am quite happy with.
8. Long Tailed Tit
I finally arrived at the second viewing platform but viewing was at a premium as it was very busy, this still didn't stop me getting some great views of the Pied Billed Grebe through my binoculars and some amazing views through the telescope; my first lifer of the day. The pictures however are not as great, suppose I brought an entry level camera for a reason though so can't grumble.
9. Pied Billed Grebe
I'd heard there had been a Ring Necked Duck, Scaup, Smew, Black Necked Grebe and Ferruginous Duck present yesterday so I wandered on further along the track, on route I managed to snap a couple more birds for the list, Blue Tit and Chaffinch.
10. Blue Tit
11. Chaffinch
I arrived at a group of people who it turned out where getting on/off glimpses of the Ring Necked Duck. I managed to get onto my second lifer of the day - awesome!! Again, not the greatest of shots as it was through trees and in a very narrow viewing window.
12. Ring Necked Duck
Whilst observing the Ring Necked Duck I happened to look up and notice 3 birds flying towards us, since I was having I lifer day my first hope was Crane - no chance.... however 3 Spoonbills were a nice addition to the year list. I wandered further up as somebody informed us that the Ferruginous Duck had been located. I arrived just it it disappeared behind some reedbeds, I waited for about 20 minutes but he wasn't coming out. I decided to call it a day and head back to the car as I still had to go to work, on the way back I stopped for a quick look at the Pied Billed Grebe but he'd become elusive, a bonus though was that the 2 Black Necked Grebes had arrived back, great views but too far out for photos. Lastly I found a Chiffchaff flitting about the tree tops by the carpark which was another nice addition to the year list.
All in all a great day; lovely weather, great birding, an awesome site and 2 lifers to boot.....Happy Days.
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