My last visit was back in October so I was looking forward to some sun walking around this time. The visit started with some weird sounding Frogs, took me ages to realise what was making the noise.
First birds of the day where White Stork which nest at the reserve and are quite numerous. It was great to see them with chicks in the nest.
White Stork
Even better was amazing close up views of Water Rail to the point they seem almost tame, the reserve has a very healthy population, when I walked around last October I counted no less the 20 birds calling. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see them with young.... and so close.
Water Rail
There were numerous waders out on the scrapes, plenty of Grey Plover, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt (also all with young/on nests), Spoonbill and 3 Spotted Redshank.
Black-winged Stilt - on nest
Black-winged Stilt - with chicks
Spoonbill
Black-tailed Godwit
Avocet
My target species for today was Bluethroat for which the reserve is famed, however it wasn't meant to be, another species which is abundant and almost impossible to not see is the Nightingale, I saw 5 today, the first 4 I had what would be consider great views in the UK, i.e. they were about 1 metre away showing quite well but still obscured. I then found another which gave great views but at a distance. I wasn't quite prepared for the one sat out in the open by the entrance to the reserve, I observed for over 20 minutes but had to leave to catch my train, my usual photographic prowess doesn't do the experience justice though.
Nightingale
I was fortunate enough to get a lifer today in the form of Blue-headed Wagtail.
Blue-headed Wagtail
Plenty of other species seen around the site including Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, loads of Kingfisher, a couple of photos of other animals seen.
Coypu
Great Crested Grebe
Red Squirrel
Terrapin
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