Egrets

It was time for an evening visit to NDC yesterday on the strength of 2 sightings of Cattle Egret...another Species on the "possible addition" short-list! Sightings are becoming more frequent in the Valley these days, as are Great White Egret (one was present on arrival)...always special in my book. More breeding ...more records!

A detour was taken en route due to the presence of a pair of stunning White-winged Black Terns at North Cave Wetlands. Many years since I'd visited this Site...I remember when it was first created! It was understandably busy on arrival, I found a parking space then realized I needed to be further down the track. As I reversed, a car came hurtling down the track sounding its horn and sending clouds of dust into the air, covering anyone in range. Disappointing.

Having reached the end of the track I parked up  and joined the thankfully small group scanning the pool. The Birds weren't present but eventually showed for some time at c200 yds...

A good decision

It reminded me of the superb close views I had of one at Kilnsea Wetlands; June 17.

Anyway, I eventualy arrived at NDC at 3 and left at 8. No luck with the potential addition but a wonderful relaxed experience in sublime conditions...

The aforementioned Great White Egret was present throughout although it did roam the reserve...

The Bird looked stunning in its breeding finery...

A pair of Common Terns patrolled the River...

Great to see a Greylag creche in the bottom corner...

A couple of Hobbies appeared briefly again over the River. A distant image of a feeding Bird...

The Pochard "flock" remain around the "scrape". 7 Drakes and 2 Females present...VERY unusual at this "late" date...lovin' the close views...

I sneaked another Year tick as 8 Ringed Plover (89) did a circuit.

So, no CE...but it's only a matter of time...

You may have heard about the Aurora?!!! I had a peep out around 11 and WOW...

It helped that we don't have street lights in our little Village. Standing on our doorstep watching this will live long in the memory!!!

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This morning I was driving along Snakey to Patrington when I checked out the "drying scrape". I'd had high hopes for this spot, as it's VERY unusual to have standing water here in May. AT LAST I was rewarded for my constant checking. 4 Birds present...Oystercatcher, Turnstone...and 2 Little Ringed Plovers.

Difficult through the fret (yet another) BUT you can see the leg colour and white behind the "headband"...

Landmark moment

A passing Buzzard meant their stay was brief, underlining the need to check as regularly as possible! 

My 196th Species for my Village. Marvelous! 4 to go...