Not what I had in mind!

...but who cares?

Wednesday 29/5 I set off for Hornsea Mere mid-morning but diverted initially to Driffield to look for a rose-coloured starling. Met various birders: good to see the Spavins back in Yorkshire and David Armitage too. However none of that helped us find the starling.

Some of us continued to Hornsea. Baikal teal seen but not great views as it was on Swan Island in the darkened depths. But I saw it so I'll not complain. Would have been good to see on the water. Another day mayhap.

So, on to Tophill Low in case the cattle egret showed. It did but departed long before my arrival. And then things rather picked up. First surprise was a young tawny owl...

Some birders told us there were 6 kingfishers at South Lagoon so, obviously, we hurried off in that direction. They were buzzing about all over the place.

I like this shot! Also present: mallard with ducklings.

On next to South Marsh East. A few orchids coming into flower on my way there. [Common spotted]

Settled down to watch the birds hoping the cattle egret might return. It didn't but little egrets were about...dozing...

...feeding [different bird] Then, unnoticed initially, a pair of yellow wagtails dropped in just in front of the hide. Yellow wagtail extravaganza time!!

Time was approaching my time to leave for home. Walking back a birder I'd chatted to earlier called me over. He'd spotted one of the adult tawny owls a fair way off up a tree. Here's an iphone view. Can you spot it? Roughly left of centre image on the side of the darkest tree.

And here's what I managed with the big lens from the same spot.

Amazingly enough, when I got back to near where I'd seen the youngster earlier some birders were pointing cameras high up into one of the trees. The other adult had been spotted! 205 UK 2019