James Packer and I had an adult Purple heron fly NNE across the marsh late last night in the direction of Burtle/Westhay. Worth keeping an eye open in the general vicinity.

During a period of sunshine this morning, about 10.30am, there were substantial numbers of Swifts hawking insects only a few meters above the ground; however hirundines were few in numbers with only 5 House Martins seen.
3 little Egrets and 5 Cattle Egrets foraging, often disappearing amongst the Rushes.
A passing female Marsh Harrier carrying prey flew from behind the west hide (from the southwest) going east northeast and out of sight.
At the margins of the car park Blackcap, Whitethroat and Dunnock were present.

Around 08:00 Again the Barn owl put on a good display flying around in the light rain.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47986232561/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47986234041/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47986196193/in/datetaken/

There were also 4 cranes which were there when I arrived but could not see them (too far back) only when they took off around 10:00 ish.

07:00 - 08:00 this morning in the car park hide a Barn owl hunting in the fog. Managed to catch a vole and then flew off to the trees at the far left. (Managed a few shots but dark and foggy see links)

I also counted 6 Black Tailed Godwits (in front of the hide), 1 GW Egret, 7 Cattle Egret, 3 Little Egret. A whitethroat in front of the hide and car park, 1 white wagtail. No Garganey to be seen but did see it yesterday evening in the distance.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47979904103/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47980470308/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47979903183/in/datetaken/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulcousins/47979962846/in/datetaken/

31-May-2019
At least 8 Cattle Egrets this afternoon between 14:30 & 17:00; also 3 Little Egrets, 2 drake Garganey, 68 Black-Tailed Godwits, a Common Crane that flew southwards over distant Canada Farm Lake, and at least 3 Marsh Harriers.

Between 6.10pm and 8.30pm - Prob Red Kite In distance .4 Marsh Harriers. 2 Black Winged Stilts. 3 G W Egrets, 2 Little Egrets approx 15 Cattle Egrets Redshank heard , 100 to 150 Swifts .Whitethroat and Drake Garganey.

Highlights today 7.00am from the west hide:
Little Egret 1
Cattle Egret 4 (3 in breeding plumage)
Great White Egret 1
Black Tailed Godwit 5
Dunlin 1
Marsh Harrier 1 male
Lapwing 2 aerial displays

19-May-2019
Seemed to be fewer Blk-t Godwits, c.35; 2 Greenshanks, but no sign of any other waders; 5 Cattle Egrets, 3 Little Egrets, a few broods of Greylag Geese in varying sizes, male Marsh Harrier flew thro’ and 3 Hobbies were over distant Canada Farm Lake.

Black-tailed Godwits?
Reply: Yes.

15-May-2019
Mostly the same birds this afternoon: c.70 Blk-t Godwits, 1 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Ruff (a reeve), drake Garganey, 3 Little Egrets, fem Marsh Harrier flew thro’ sending all the godwits into the air; a distant Hobby and a calling Cuckoo.

Thanks but checked photos and sadly this one wasn’t so interesting, just a washed out looking wigeon.

Chiloe wigeon does occasionally show up:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebalcombe/45294025001

Mike

10-11 am this morning: 2 whimbrel, 1 ruff and 1 greenshank with the blackwits and cuckoo calling. The male wigeon looks a bit odd so we wondered if it was a cross of some sort. Scrape looks beautiful in the sunshine. Also yellow wag at Tealham. Also lesser whitethroat and bittern booming.

Friday 10th. May early afternoon,  A dozen Whimbrel and 60 Black Wits. one Dunlin and the Greenshank were present but the Whimbrel flew off S. West around 1455hrs.

Hi Everyone.

Catcott was looking stunning this afternoon (9th May) and the range of birds on display was impressive

Highlight was the Leucistic House Martin see here
https://flic.kr/p/S5xAuH

but the others on show included
Waders - 30 ish Black Tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, Greenshank and 12 Whimbrel
Ducks -  Shovellers, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall and Mallard (Tufted, I think)
Raptors - Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk

Families
Canada Geese pair and Goslings
Greylag Geese pairs and many Goslings often being paraded in front of the hide
Mallard and duckings
2 Coots sitting on nests
Mute Swans.

Others
Vast number of House Martins and a few Swifts.