It is one of the most elusive birds I have ever seen. I am not sure what Elton's records are but I would put this near the top if not at the top simply because there did not appear to be that suitable habitat within the area. I have only ever been to Elton 2-3 times and there does not appear to be much in terms of reed beds - I have not been around it so maybe there could be a huge bed. I am not at all familiar with Little Bittern requirements but I doubt that is the sort of typical habitat they require but then again vagrants do as vagrants do. I never thought I personally would never see a Little Bittern let alone seeing in in a small bit of marshland by a reservoir which appears very busy on a miserable early Saturday evening about 11 miles from home. I am glad I avoided yesterday as I can imagine there must have been hundreds of people - very few vagrants coincide their travels with a public holiday.
Big thanks to Brian Fielding for letting people know. I can understand why some people are not keen on letting details out as problems can occur. Some people on saturday evening did walk up the path to get better photos after the bird went out of view as the majority of birders disappeared. What is the attraction of Elton to birds? is it the proximity to the Irwell?
Dave Lowe said
Tue May 27 11:03 AM, 2014
As someone who used to watch Elton very regularly during the 90's but then subsequently moved away from the area, I can only drool over the pictures of this cracking bird. A truly great find Brian - well done!
Has got me thinking that this could be Elton's best ever bird? Historically the Lesser Grey Shrike in the 60's (?) or the first for Britain in the form of Black Eared Wheatear many moons ago maybe have a claim as well? Interested to hear what others closer to the action think.
Dave
Ian Campbell said
Tue May 27 10:57 AM, 2014
brian fielding wrote:
no sign of little bittern up to 0730 this morning, common scoter still present.
I don't think it helped that a dog walker deliberately sent his dog into the area the bird had been frequenting. Also seen 2 Garden Warbler in hedgerow near Withins and on factory roof over river by the canal an Oystercatcher with at least 2 small youngsters. Cheers Ian
brian fielding said
Tue May 27 7:45 AM, 2014
no sign of little bittern up to 0730 this morning, common scoter still present.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon May 26 11:34 PM, 2014
If we could not stray too far off topic from this 'sightings' thread for this site that would be appreciated please
Ivan has, in my opinion, the right attitude here though but as anyone who attends twitches with any regularity will know, such 'observer issues' are unfortunately relatively common place and occur for many reasons but I believe events at Elton have occurred innocently and without any form of malice intended.
Paul Wilson said
Mon May 26 11:31 PM, 2014
It's unfortunate that the bird has chosen possibly the worst spot in the whole of Elton to set up shop. I stood there myself yesterday evening and was joined by just a handful of birders who remained at the site. They were all reasonably well behaved and we all got fantastic views before the bird walked off.
I went that way because it is my way home. Glancing down as I walked past I saw the bird just standing there. It's a difficult one - carry on past, or stop? I decided to stop and make the most of it. It's a difficult one.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Monday 26th of May 2014 11:31:32 PM
Andrew Mitchell said
Mon May 26 11:25 PM, 2014
Keith - spot on. Worth everyone bearing in mind that the non-birders around Elton are understandably interested in what we're all looking at, which isn't a problem if you're on Hinds Lane (as most of us were) but is if people are too close, as it adds to the crowd and the chatter. That's what caused the bird to bunker down out of sight for a few hours when I was there.
Ivan Ellison said
Mon May 26 11:22 PM, 2014
Some birders? were on the res bank earlier in the day peering into the bush taking pics etc. I went to speak to them asking them to return to the lane, both groups did when asked. Many grumbling birders moaning about it- have the balls to do something about it. Tell them why it is unacceptable and not birding etiquette even though it is a public footpath and they can tell you to naff off if they so wish.
Keith Mills said
Mon May 26 10:28 PM, 2014
Dennis Atherton wrote '' Nipped over at 8pm after the madness of the day had calmed down''
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You've nailed it there Dennis. On My arrival at around 2pm, the majority of the Birders/Photographers were peering into the Willow from the reservoir bank. Just feet away and leaning over as far as possible. The general level of chat was also of some concern. Some birders there were using scopes! A few birders then turned their scopes round to scan the reservoir from the same spot....with more discussion.
After 3pm this crowd had dispersed and in was only then that the Little Bittern showed well to the few of us on Hinds Lane
-- Edited by keith mills on Monday 26th of May 2014 10:36:11 PM
Andrew Mitchell said
Mon May 26 10:11 PM, 2014
Brief but decent views of the Little Bittern from Hinds Lane between 3:30 and 5pm. It stayed in the willow, mostly obscured, for the majority of time, but twice was flushed out. The second time it jumped down into the vegetation, where it then stayed out of sight for the remaining time I was there.
Much better views were had of the Common Scoter on the main res, again knocking around with a male Tufted Duck. At one point they were about 20 yards from the bank, giving clear scope views in bright sunshine - superb.
Two lifers for me there, can't complain!
Other birds seen were the more common suspects, with the highlight a cracking view of a display flight from a Common Whitethroat.
-- Edited by Andrew Mitchell on Monday 26th of May 2014 11:29:00 PM
Dennis atherton said
Mon May 26 10:01 PM, 2014
Nipped over for a quick look at 8pm after the madness of the day had calmed down. I was wrong. Still 60 birders present at 8pm and also the bird most importantly
Ps well done Brian. A well deserved find
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Monday 26th of May 2014 10:03:06 PM
MJKeating said
Mon May 26 4:11 PM, 2014
Had 20 mins spare at half 12 this afternoon so dashed over and with help from everyone there I managed to get sight of it under the willow. Like Tanmay, not great views but they were views all the same and amazing to see! Thank you to whoever it was who allowed me to peek through their scope for a look! Thanks also to the father and son who pointed me to the location from the footpath!
Only been birding a few months and feel like this is a good treat for a newcomer!!
Keith Mills said
Mon May 26 3:33 PM, 2014
Good views of Little Bittern at 3.15 this pm. Up in front of Willow bush.
-- Edited by keith mills on Monday 26th of May 2014 04:25:44 PM
John Doherty said
Mon May 26 2:47 PM, 2014
Ditto - good bird and a lifer. Good if brief views as well. Also the Common Scoter was a lifer. There were plenty of Reed Buntings and a few Swift, plus Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler heard in the vicinity. Nice to meet some faces, new and old :)
Adam Jones said
Mon May 26 1:36 PM, 2014
In the short time I had here this morning I missed the Little Bittern by 20 minutes of arriving and 15 minutes of leaving. Just didn't have enough time. Still, close views of the Common Scoter without the need to stare out at black dots on the sea was some consolation.
sid ashton said
Mon May 26 12:58 PM, 2014
Arrived at the Little Bittern field at 05.30 only to be informed that I had missed the bird by about 20 minutes - "Don't worry" said Mr Fielding "it will reappear". Four hours later it reappeared giving good views at the base of the Willow tree, a short flight view and then perched in the tree. The time passed quickly in the convivial company of several members of this forum - pleasant day, nice folk, good bird
Lots of Swift about and a view of the Common Scoter on the walk back to the car park.
Tanmay Dixit said
Mon May 26 12:52 PM, 2014
Brief view at 1130am, no sign until 1205 when I left. Nice to get this lifer - not great views but can't complain!
Thanks again to Brian for the find. Also nice to meet lots of forum members - too many to name here!
Also present: 1 common tern flew over as we were looking for the little bittern, 1 common scoter (with a male tufted duck - they were doing a bit of synchronised diving as I left), 3+ reed bunting, 6 sand martin, 5 swift, 3 great-crested grebe (2 ad, 1 juv), 3+ sedge warbler, plus commoner species.
My views from my first visit last week remain - this place has great habitat esp for breeding warblers, definitely somewhere I'll try and visit again.
Final thanks also to Ian and everyone else who replied to my questions earlier - much appreciated.
Antony Wainwright said
Mon May 26 12:49 PM, 2014
Great to see the Little Bittern out in the open, albeit very breifly, at around 11.30. What a stunning bird! Nice to meet a few familiar faces again and thanks to Brian for a truely remarkable find.
M Gannon said
Mon May 26 12:38 PM, 2014
Little Bittern gave good views at around 11:30. Originally we were with the crowd of birders, but then we walked past the trees and reeds it had been seen by, and, much to our disbelief, found the bird sitting only 5 foot away and lookin right back at us!
This gave me some brilliant photo opportunities! Also around was
Little bittern still present showed at 9:40 also common scoter still present
Ian McKerchar said
Mon May 26 9:40 AM, 2014
Little Bittern showing at 09:40
Info thanks to Jimmy Meadows
Mike Passant said
Mon May 26 9:24 AM, 2014
Hi Tanmay,
Although I parked yesterday near St Andrews Church (way to the west of the reservoir) and walked from there past the boarded up farm (complete with barking dogs), this isn't necessary. It's easier to park by the boat club and to walk around via the SOUTHERN side of the res. westwards past the "waterside" farm where you should almost certainly encounter a line of birders watching from the dirt track Good Luck with the bird!
Regards, Mike P.
Tanmay Dixit said
Mon May 26 7:15 AM, 2014
Great news thanks. Is it best to park on Hinds Lane or to park in the car park and walk down to the south end of the resr. Last thing I want to do is disturb the bird so where should I try to view it from?
Ian McKerchar said
Mon May 26 5:34 AM, 2014
Both surprised and happy; the Little Bittern is still present this morning
Info thanks to Ken Haydock
Paul Wilson said
Sun May 25 10:25 PM, 2014
Mike c cooper wrote:
I got there just after 19:00 just as it went into hiding. At 20:30 one birder went home along the dam wall and found it skulking on far side of willow. Brilliant views and was hunting a caught a fish? Left it in the gloom at 21:10 with 2happy birders including one who had travelled down from Northumberland! C'mon on elton what's going to tern up next weekend?
-- Edited by Mike c cooper on Sunday 25th of May 2014 10:09:51 PM
That was me going home, Mike. Not sure there are any fish in that marsh though.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Sunday 25th of May 2014 10:27:07 PM
Mike c cooper said
Sun May 25 10:09 PM, 2014
I got there just after 19:00 just as it went into hiding. At 20:30 one birder went home along the dam wall and found it skulking on far side of willow. Brilliant views and was hunting a caught a fish? Left it in the gloom at 21:10 with 2happy birders including one who had travelled down from Northumberland! C'mon on elton what's going to tern up next weekend?
-- Edited by Mike c cooper on Monday 26th of May 2014 01:13:16 AM
Chris Harper said
Sun May 25 9:52 PM, 2014
In addition were: Common Scoter 2+ Common Tern 2 Sedge Warbler Reed Bunting Lapwing Goosander Willow Warbler
Paul Wilson said
Sun May 25 9:43 PM, 2014
Went back later and as the light was fading, the handful of birders still there were treated to one great view. Many thanks Brian Fielding for finding this bird and getting the news out quickly. Well done.
Richard Thew said
Sun May 25 8:33 PM, 2014
I was shell shocked to learn of the little bittern, and what a beauty! Some fantastic viewings, posing well and many thanks to the kindness of the others who let me look through their scope and for pointing the area out as to see it is one thing, but close up views........ Seen from 6pm till 7pm.
A coot and moorhen wondering past it at one point. Common scoter is still on the main resovoir. Loads of swift close too.
Ps. If anyone is unsure where the little bittern is, its right at the far opposite end from the boat club place, then in the middle of the marshy section next to the hawthorn on the corner round the dirt track on the right. I Wish any others all the best in finding him.
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun May 25 7:49 PM, 2014
Thanks Ian really appreciate it - might hang on a bit and maybe go late morning instead if there's positive news. I hope you're surprised too!
Brian you deserve all the plaudits and more
Ian McKerchar said
Sun May 25 7:40 PM, 2014
Your question doesn't sound stupid Tanmay and is perfectly understandable but there is unfortunately no guarantee of it being present tomorrow, not from anyone! If you're struggling to get down it might be worth hanging on for news if possible; observers usually text me first thing as they see it if they don't post in here from the field themselves so news either way will be posted as soon as possible.
Personally I'd be quite surprised of it's still present but I really hope I'm quite surprised in the morning
Rob Creek said
Sun May 25 7:39 PM, 2014
I think everyone has appreciated your efforts Brian, Elton has certainly been the place to be over the last few weeks. Well done on a great find. Next time though, could you please go out a little bit earlier and find the rarities so that we can all get good views and go home before the rain. Cheers Rob
Chris Harper said
Sun May 25 7:28 PM, 2014
Still showing on and off at 7.20 UK lifer:)
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun May 25 7:28 PM, 2014
John Doherty wrote:
hehe Elton produces again - Tanmay won't be alone in going for this corker tomorrow; I'll be up with the lark as well - wow, good find, hopefully it'll stay - I can see it staying personally.
Cheers John, will try to get there early too though as I don't drive it depends what time my lift can take me! - so any news early would still be much appreciated. Just got a PM from Bill Myerscough (thanks again) quoting a text saying that bitterns are usually nocturnal migrants - not good news! But can be hopeful.
I realise my query might have sounded a bit stupid - I obviously wasn't expecting a guarantee one way or the other but was hoping for info such as that above - some birds are more twitchable than others! As Ian says, you never know...
Thanks Ian for your reply as well
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Sunday 25th of May 2014 07:28:41 PM
brian fielding said
Sun May 25 6:59 PM, 2014
thanks everyone for the kind words and messages, a lucky find in many ways but its nice to be rewarded for putting the hours in, glad so many managed to get down there today and see this bird which was a british lifer for me also, having twitched other birders good finds in the past its nice to give something back, cheers, brian.
John Doherty said
Sun May 25 6:53 PM, 2014
hehe Elton produces again - Tanmay won't be alone in going for this corker tomorrow; I'll be up with the lark as well - wow, good find, hopefully it'll stay - I can see it staying personally.
Steve Judge said
Sun May 25 6:48 PM, 2014
Two lifers for me today with Little Bittern and Common Scoter (between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs). Crack open the champagne! Nice to meet up with you again Bernard and sorry I missed you Tim.
Tim Wilcox said
Sun May 25 6:42 PM, 2014
I had been content with seeing it through vegetation at 11.00am just as the heavens opened but then it popped back into cover. However there was a bit of a scramble as people poured round right close up to the Willow where it was taking cover but could still be seen from the path around the reservoir. The sheer throng of birders trying to get a view/photo flushed it. I stayed on the footpath by the hedge with others and saw it flying around the field coming right past my nose at one point. A GM and UK tick for me and well done to Brian for finding it. Now what was I saying about Bird of the Year the other day....
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Monday 26th of May 2014 09:09:04 AM
Bernard McGurrin said
Sun May 25 6:34 PM, 2014
got some good scope views of little bittern this pm, great find Brian well done mate you've put smiles on a lot of faces today. common scoter still showing well pm, lots of swift, swallow, house and sand martin over res,
Jon Bowen said
Sun May 25 5:56 PM, 2014
Great to see the bird this morning after 2 1/2 hrs standing in the rain, giving up, getting a call once half way back around the res to say it had put in an appearance and rushing back around to see it. UK first for me and a brilliant find by local patch watchers - good to see so many out.
JOHN TYMON said
Sun May 25 5:52 PM, 2014
PM Little Bittern -Showed all afternoon ,on and off-no good picture ops for me, as a little far away, but a great find by Brian, and great scope views ,thanks to Andy Makin. Common Scoter - 1 Male still present - 4.30 pm Common Sandpiper-1
dave broome said
Sun May 25 5:28 PM, 2014
The Little Bittern crept back in to thick vegetation after about eight minutes sitting in view, inc a dramatic neck stretching posture as a Coot passed by. Congratulations on this find.
dave broome said
Sun May 25 5:16 PM, 2014
The Little Bittern is currently showing well in the marsh near the Willow
John Taylor said
Sun May 25 4:09 PM, 2014
Many thanks to Craig for letting me see the bird through your scope
-- Edited by John Taylor on Sunday 25th of May 2014 04:11:03 PM
Mike Passant said
Sun May 25 4:06 PM, 2014
Firstly, many thanks to Brian for a GREAT FIND, a thoroughly deserved reward for the many early morning hours you and the Elton faithful put in. Secondly, a big thanks also to John Rayner for the early morning call which enabled me to arrive there at just after 10 am. After an initial very poor view in the rain, I ended up with stunning full views for several minutes of the bird in the same original willow at around 11.45 am;- only my second ever in UK (after one at Radipole in August 1981).
G M ( and Elton in particular) is enjoying an extraordinary purple patch so far this year;- (I wouldn't mind a break now though until the autumn?)
Also managed to identify Craig Higson at last; perhaps THE rarity of the day?- nice to meet you Craig!
Regards to all, Mike P.
Ian McKerchar said
Sun May 25 3:23 PM, 2014
Tanmay Dixit wrote:
Taking a risk on planning to go tomorrow at some time. Any news early in the morning would be much appreciated. I realise it might move on but tomorrow is more convenient - anybody have any ideas about if it's likely to move on- if it's likely to leave I may try this evening? Anyway congrats to Mr Fielding for an amazing find!
Only the bird itself knows for sure Tanmay
Tanmay Dixit said
Sun May 25 3:09 PM, 2014
Taking a risk on planning to go tomorrow at some time. Any news early in the morning would be much appreciated. I realise it might move on but tomorrow is more convenient - anybody have any ideas about if it's likely to move on- if it's likely to leave I may try this evening? Anyway congrats to Mr Fielding for an amazing find!
Rob Creek said
Sun May 25 2:21 PM, 2014
Nice to meet Rob Adderley, Andy Makin, Simon, Adrian, and many others up here today.
Worth the wait for some excellent views, the Little Bittern decided to start climbing the Willow and gave a brilliant photo opportunity with both a hunting/skulking posture and then neck stretched out. What a fantastic bird and full credit to Brian Fielding for this find.
Common Scoter was still present but after a couple of long dives we didn't see it resurface and we had a decent vantage point to oversee most of the res. I couldn't see it anywhere. It may have finally left.
Other birds: Sedge Warbler 3 Reed Bunting - a lot Grasshopper Warbler - 2 heard reeling in the reeds on the res path Skylark - 2 Garden Warbler was heard in the distance 3 Commic Terns over Plenty of Swift, Swallow, House and Sand Martin Cheers Rob
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 25th of May 2014 02:23:28 PM
Craig Higson said
Sun May 25 2:12 PM, 2014
Managed decent but a brief (1minute ish) views. Enough to tick it anyway. Unfortunately I had to tick and run as I was already unpopular having left the Mrs to take No1 son to football. Still, a fantastic bird and one I've often dreamed of finding on my own patch. A GM tick and a UK tick to boot. Also ticked Mike Passant and Mark Rigby. Nice to meet you both and glad to know you recognised me from the 'normal' photos on this site rather than Ian's version on the meet and greet page Mike and thanks for putting me on to it Mark.
Rick Hall said
Sun May 25 12:52 PM, 2014
Got a flat tyre on the way to Elton this morning and missed the good sightings of the county mega by about 10 minutes!
Little Bittern - pretty poor views of it for me at about 11 after a 3 hour wait. Lifer and 2 more GM ticks with the Common Scoter on the res and Little Owl elsewhere
Hope the guys who decided to brave the downpour got better views eventually.
It is one of the most elusive birds I have ever seen. I am not sure what Elton's records are but I would put this near the top if not at the top simply because there did not appear to be that suitable habitat within the area. I have only ever been to Elton 2-3 times and there does not appear to be much in terms of reed beds - I have not been around it so maybe there could be a huge bed. I am not at all familiar with Little Bittern requirements but I doubt that is the sort of typical habitat they require but then again vagrants do as vagrants do. I never thought I personally would never see a Little Bittern let alone seeing in in a small bit of marshland by a reservoir which appears very busy on a miserable early Saturday evening about 11 miles from home. I am glad I avoided yesterday as I can imagine there must have been hundreds of people - very few vagrants coincide their travels with a public holiday.
Big thanks to Brian Fielding for letting people know. I can understand why some people are not keen on letting details out as problems can occur. Some people on saturday evening did walk up the path to get better photos after the bird went out of view as the majority of birders disappeared. What is the attraction of Elton to birds? is it the proximity to the Irwell?
Has got me thinking that this could be Elton's best ever bird? Historically the Lesser Grey Shrike in the 60's (?) or the first for Britain in the form of Black Eared Wheatear many moons ago maybe have a claim as well? Interested to hear what others closer to the action think.
Dave
I don't think it helped that a dog walker deliberately sent his dog into the area the bird had been frequenting. Also seen 2 Garden Warbler in hedgerow near Withins and on factory roof over river by the canal an Oystercatcher with at least 2 small youngsters.
Cheers Ian
Ivan has, in my opinion, the right attitude here though but as anyone who attends twitches with any regularity will know, such 'observer issues' are unfortunately relatively common place and occur for many reasons but I believe events at Elton have occurred innocently and without any form of malice intended.
I went that way because it is my way home. Glancing down as I walked past I saw the bird just standing there. It's a difficult one - carry on past, or stop? I decided to stop and make the most of it. It's a difficult one.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Monday 26th of May 2014 11:31:32 PM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You've nailed it there Dennis. On My arrival at around 2pm, the majority of the Birders/Photographers were peering into the Willow from the reservoir bank. Just feet away and leaning over as far as possible. The general level of chat was also of some concern. Some birders there were using scopes! A few birders then turned their scopes round to scan the reservoir from the same spot....with more discussion.
After 3pm this crowd had dispersed and in was only then that the Little Bittern showed well to the few of us on Hinds Lane
-- Edited by keith mills on Monday 26th of May 2014 10:36:11 PM
Much better views were had of the Common Scoter on the main res, again knocking around with a male Tufted Duck. At one point they were about 20 yards from the bank, giving clear scope views in bright sunshine - superb.
Two lifers for me there, can't complain!
Other birds seen were the more common suspects, with the highlight a cracking view of a display flight from a Common Whitethroat.
-- Edited by Andrew Mitchell on Monday 26th of May 2014 11:29:00 PM
Ps well done Brian. A well deserved find
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Monday 26th of May 2014 10:03:06 PM
Only been birding a few months and feel like this is a good treat for a newcomer!!
at 3.15 this pm.
Up in front of Willow bush.
-- Edited by keith mills on Monday 26th of May 2014 04:25:44 PM
Lots of Swift about and a view of the Common Scoter on the walk back to the car park.
This gave me some brilliant photo opportunities! Also around was
1 common scoter
2 sedge warbler
3 reed bunting
2 greylag geese
Info thanks to Jimmy Meadows
Hi Tanmay,
Although I parked yesterday near St Andrews Church (way to the west of the reservoir) and walked from there past the boarded up farm (complete with barking dogs), this isn't necessary. It's easier to park by the boat club and to walk around via the SOUTHERN side of the res. westwards past the "waterside" farm where you should almost certainly encounter a line of birders watching from the dirt track
Good Luck with the bird!
Regards,
Mike P.
Info thanks to Ken Haydock
That was me going home, Mike. Not sure there are any fish in that marsh though.
-- Edited by Paul Wilson on Sunday 25th of May 2014 10:27:07 PM
-- Edited by Mike c cooper on Monday 26th of May 2014 01:13:16 AM
Common Scoter
2+ Common Tern
2 Sedge Warbler
Reed Bunting
Lapwing
Goosander
Willow Warbler
Brian you deserve all the plaudits and more
Personally I'd be quite surprised of it's still present but I really hope I'm quite surprised in the morning
Cheers
Rob
UK lifer:)
Cheers John, will try to get there early too though as I don't drive it depends what time my lift can take me! - so any news early would still be much appreciated. Just got a PM from Bill Myerscough (thanks again) quoting a text saying that bitterns are usually nocturnal migrants - not good news! But can be hopeful.
I realise my query might have sounded a bit stupid - I obviously wasn't expecting a guarantee one way or the other but was hoping for info such as that above - some birds are more twitchable than others! As Ian says, you never know...
Thanks Ian for your reply as well
-- Edited by Tanmay Dixit on Sunday 25th of May 2014 07:28:41 PM
-- Edited by Tim Wilcox on Monday 26th of May 2014 09:09:04 AM
Little Bittern -Showed all afternoon ,on and off-no good picture ops for me, as a little far away, but a great find by Brian, and great scope views ,thanks to Andy Makin.
Common Scoter - 1 Male still present - 4.30 pm
Common Sandpiper-1
-- Edited by John Taylor on Sunday 25th of May 2014 04:11:03 PM
Firstly, many thanks to Brian for a GREAT FIND, a thoroughly deserved reward for the many early morning hours you and the Elton faithful put in. Secondly, a big thanks also to John Rayner for the early morning call which enabled me to arrive there at just after 10 am.
After an initial very poor view in the rain, I ended up with stunning full views for several minutes of the bird in the same original willow at around 11.45 am;- only my second ever in UK (after one at Radipole in August 1981).
G M ( and Elton in particular) is enjoying an extraordinary purple patch so far this year;- (I wouldn't mind a break now though until the autumn?)
Also managed to identify Craig Higson at last; perhaps THE rarity of the day?- nice to meet you Craig!
Regards to all,
Mike P.
Only the bird itself knows for sure Tanmay
Worth the wait for some excellent views, the Little Bittern decided to start climbing the Willow and gave a brilliant photo opportunity with both a hunting/skulking posture and then neck stretched out.
What a fantastic bird and full credit to Brian Fielding for this find.
Common Scoter was still present but after a couple of long dives we didn't see it resurface and we had a decent vantage point to oversee most of the res. I couldn't see it anywhere. It may have finally left.
Other birds:
Sedge Warbler 3
Reed Bunting - a lot
Grasshopper Warbler - 2 heard reeling in the reeds on the res path
Skylark - 2
Garden Warbler was heard in the distance
3 Commic Terns over
Plenty of Swift, Swallow, House and Sand Martin
Cheers
Rob
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 25th of May 2014 02:23:28 PM
Little Bittern - pretty poor views of it for me at about 11 after a 3 hour wait. Lifer
and 2 more GM ticks with the Common Scoter on the res and Little Owl elsewhere
Hope the guys who decided to brave the downpour got better views eventually.