Carlton Marsh SWT

 Out on the marsh with three BITTERN calling and an increase in LITTLE EGERET. Also just one REED BUNTING and a pair of MARSH HARRIER. Altogether 33 species but the best was an obliging SPARROWHAWK.

Back again.

 Well a regular job at Carlton Marsh SWT, but wat made this one different was that I made use of the disability scooter. Sad but at least I got out on the reserve, so thanks to the team. Species list was 29 for the day, but the benefit of the scooter was that the JAY came out of hiding to show itself.

 

Carlton Marsh SWT

 Well the first time I have walked to Turnpike hide for a year and half. Rather a struggle but made it with my son in tow to make sure I was ok. The thing is it took rather a long time but well worth seeing the LONG BILLED DOWITCHER and a sculking CATTLE EGERET. 

The issue on site is that as the water is disappearing so are the birds. Especially the BTG which just a short time ago were in hundreds at over a thousand. Today a different scene with a handful of BTG. Still hundreds of WIGEON with a scattering of other duck including SHELLDUCK, MALLARD, PINTAIL, TEAL. It was also exciting when a PERIGRINE came through over the old scrape and put everything up. Had five SNIPE, MEADOW PIP, STONECHAT, MARSH HARRIER, in all 49 species, so a good show.

What a flat battery

 Why when a good bird flies by do you find your batteries are flat in your camera. When a STORK flies low over your head and only seconds to take a shot. All you can say is "Dang my hide". But it did mean that this is the 104th bird for the house in twenty years.