Bittern-less

For the past two winters there's been sporadic sightings of Bittern at Holywell Pond, this is most likely a wintering bird, but due to the vast reed-bed, and ponds to the West, its only been seen on the main pond a handful of times, normally in flight.

Today I had a text from BD, saying 'Bittern at Holywell, in reeds in front of North Wood'. Alan and Sid had seen it fly across the pond and land in the reeds opposite the hide, but it hadn't moved (in sight) for half an hour. I sat until dusk, with no joys. I'll catch up with it someday !

The White-Fronted Goose was still amongst the Greylag flock, in the field on the way down to the pond.

Little Gull at Holywell Pond

At about 11:30 this morning I looked at my phone to find a text from BD, informing me of a Little Gull on the pond. Unfortunately I had a few things to do, and it seemed that the bird had moved off, but half an hour later I was heading down. On arrival I received news that it was back! Moving quickly down to the members hide I joined BD, after a scan of the numerous Gulls catching insects over the pond, it wasn't to be seen. Scoping round to the public hide I picked the bird up sitting on one of the fence posts. A dash down and we were enjoying good views on the bird sitting on the posts. (excuse the heavy cropped record shots)

The White-Fronted Goose is still amongst the Greylags and a few Pink-Footed Geese remain. I had my first Sand Martins on the pond last week, and the first Swallow Friday just gone, the Denes alive with Chiff Chaffs, and the majority of the residents are back to breeding.