Red-necked Phalarope at Minsmere and other delightful bits and pieces...

Since 'Cleggy' is still in Bavaria, it was just Norman and me who drove south east for a day's birding in Suffolk. First stop was Minsmere's East Hide, where -  eventually, and with the aid of visiting birder Kim, we located the long-staying juvenile Red-necked Phalarope lurking behind an island. After a while it deigned to show itself and - although a little distant - it was fascinating to watch. Other birds in this part of the reserve included Little Stint and Spotted Redshank, while the walk to and past the Sluice added Stonechat and Kingfisher to the tally.

As we approached South Hide, a family party of Bearded Tits allowed closer views than we'd earlier 'enjoyed' from the Sandy Wall: still a degree of patience was required due to the stiff breeze.

A walk out to Island Mere was unproductive, as was a slog around the Blyth Estuary from the White Hart to the hide: just a mixed flock of Knot, Redshank and both Godwits. As we were climbing back into the car, a group of  raptors rose up from a distant belt of woodland: Buzzard and Marsh Harriers were certainly present, but what about the whopper in the grainy photo? Big enough to be a White-tailed Eagle?