Unexpected (and well-overdue) year tick at Strumpshaw!

As usual, I met Brian, Brian & Mike at the Fen this morning and sat in front of a birdless Fen Pool for two hours before a Bittern took pity on us and flopped over the reeds (briefly!) Lots of Water Deers, of course, and the Marsh Harriers seem  to be pairing up: they also seem to be getting more than the usual hassle from the corvids! The regular pale-rumped Buzzard put in an appearance: a really attractive bird.

A walk around the reserve finally added Treecreeper to the year list: it was in the woods with several Marsh and Long-tailed Tits. Back at Reception, the Black Swan seemed determined to punch above his weight!