I arrived just before 8 am to start my shift in the reception hide at Blacktoft. As I walked along the path I could hear avocets and as I got closer to Marshland hide, I could see a pair flying around.
There were 8 adults on the lagoon and 4 young birds.
A grey heron, little egret and several mallards were on one of the islands and luckily for them the young avocets did not go any near them, so the adults left them alone.
This male shoveler was starting to moult his breeding plumage and kept having a scratch.
Perhaps moulting feathers is very itchy!
Perhaps moulting feathers is very itchy!
A female mute swan was preening while her cygnets had a snooze.
They then moved off to feed.
After the reception hide closed at 4 pm I returned to Reedling hide. I had seen a bittern 3 times during the day from reception, and was hoping to see one again. I was lucky enough to see 2 bitterns several times.
One was high up at it went on a flight to find food. Another flew around the lagoon. 3 people visiting the reserve for the first time had managed to see a bittern from every hide they visited.
Cormorants were having a rest after fishing.
Marsh harriers were active and I saw 3 birds close together on more than 1 occasion.
Butterflies were also about on the paths, keeping out of the strong wind.
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