Blacktoft Harriers and Dusky Maidens

Late morning arrival at Blacktoft hoping for spotshanks on the tide and some more shots at a perfect marsh harrier if only they'd come that bit closer...

I went to Marshland first to check if anything had dropped in. A sedge warbler showed well just before the hide. Reed Warbler Reed Warbler Reed Warbler

The male harrier showed very distantly over towards Alkborough church but the female patrolled the reedbeds in the Townend/Singleton area. Here are some more attempts at better marsh harrier photos... Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier Marsh Harrier

Eventually I headed back. Good but fleeting view of a cetti's warbler en route. First comma of the year too. Comma

Spotted redshanks x4 were on Marshland but well over the far side. The avocets pushed them about a lot but later let a magpie take one of their eggs. 

Distant spotted redshanks looking nice and black! Spotted Redshanks Spotted Redshanks Spotted Redshanks

Treat of the day came when a bittern climbed into view on the reeds to the right hand side of Marshland lagoon. Bittern Bittern