We were supposed to be walking along the River Hull today, but because of the recent flooding we went to Tophill Low instead. The warden, Richard Hampshire, saw a Bittern early in the morning leaving the site, so I didn't hold out any great hopes of seeing one. We'd been in SMW hide for a few minutes with very little to see, when Steve casually remarked on the Bittern-like bird right in front of the hide among the reeds - sure enough there it was within only a few feet. Everyone managed great views as it remained in place for nearly 30 mins before moving further into the reeds. Tessa had to drop out today, and there's no doubt we wouldn't have seen the Bittern if she'd been with us, as it is her bogey-bird. We went on to see excellent views of Bullfinches, and then Bramblings and Great Spotted Woodpeckers back at the Visitor Centre. After the morning class left, and before the afternoon sesson started a Woodcock did a shuffle from the pond across the boardwalk & then right across the lawn - don't let on to Margaret (from the am group, she will be furious)! In the afternoon we eventually had a distant view of a head & neck of a Bittern in Watton Borrow Pits allegedly while someone else was watching another Bittern elsewhere on the reserve. So, it seems there may have been at least 2 birds present today. It almost felt like spring, and everyone's spirits were lifted in the glorious weather, which was reflected in the very noticeable ubiquitous birdsong. The am Bittern was the best view any of the participants had seen before, and it was certainly the best view I've had of one at this particular location. Oh, I almost forgot a Kingfisher flew right across SME heading towards SMW. The Barn Owl didn't show while we were watching, but was seen at lunch time. The horrible bloke who referred to the group as a Woman's Knitting Circle was there again today, but this time the well-behaved 'students' were only condemned as "that lot".
Bittern
Bittern
Bittern
Bittern
Woodcock
Woodcock
Woodcock
Woodcock
Woodcock
Brambling
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Teal [drake]
ditto
Pochard
Record shot of Mistle Thrush
ditto
We were supposed to be walking along the River Hull today, but because of the recent flooding we went to Tophill Low instead. The warden, Richard Hampshire, saw a Bittern early in the morning leaving the site, so I didn't hold out any great hopes of seeing one. We'd been in SMW hide for a few minutes with very little to see, when Steve casually remarked on the Bittern-like bird right in front of the hide among the reeds - sure enough there it was within only a few feet. Everyone managed great views as it remained in place for nearly 30 mins before moving further into the reeds. Tessa had to drop out today, and there's no doubt we wouldn't have seen the Bittern if she'd been with us, as it is her bogey-bird. We went on to see excellent views of Bullfinches, and then Bramblings and Great Spotted Woodpeckers back at the Visitor Centre. After the morning class left, and before the afternoon sesson started a Woodcock did a shuffle from the pond across the boardwalk & then right across the lawn - don't let on to Margaret (from the am group, she will be furious)! In the afternoon we eventually had a distant view of a head & neck of a Bittern in Watton Borrow Pits allegedly while someone else was watching another Bittern elsewhere on the reserve. So, it seems there may have been at least 2 birds present today. It almost felt like spring, and everyone's spirits were lifted in the glorious weather, which was reflected in the very noticeable ubiquitous birdsong. The am Bittern was the best view any of the participants had seen before, and it was certainly the best view I've had of one at this particular location. Oh, I almost forgot a Kingfisher flew right across SME heading towards SMW. The Barn Owl didn't show while we were watching, but was seen at lunch time. The horrible bloke who referred to the group as a Woman's Knitting Circle was there again today, but this time the well-behaved 'students' were only condemned as "that lot". 
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