Amazing day! Kites, Dartfords, SEOs and Bitterns!

Brian & I made the most of the decent weather to head south east to Minsmere. On the way we stopped at Wrentham for terrific views of the nest-building escaped Black Kite. What a beautiful bird!

Next stop was Dunwich Heath, where the old birding maxim held true: find the Stonechats and the Dartfords won't be far away! A pair of distant Red Kites added to the day's haul...

The move to the RSPB reserve wasn't initially productive, but the walk to Island Mere produced fine shots of two male Adders snoozing in the bracken.

Island Mere was unexpectedly quiet: surprising, considering how well a Bittern was showing at close range! Water Rail and three distant Bean Geese were welcome, too.

After coffee and a scone, we headed homeward, but decided on a whim to check Hardley Staithe. Great decision: the Ring-necked Duck showed distantly and Kingfisher (3) and Short-eared Owl (2) rounded off the day nicely!

Brian Tubby's excellent photo!