Yesterday Morning

I went out birding for what seemed like the first time in ages. I went up to Cresswell with SH first. On our way to the hide at least 3 Reed Warblers were singing from the reeds.
On the sand bar in front of the hide were 10 Little Gulls, which soon flew over to the spit on the left of the pond.
Also near the spit were a pair of Avocets, one of which was a large juv. A juv Great Crested Grebe and 5 Wigeon were also on the pond as were 3 Bar Headed Geese.

Next we went up to East Chevington. The north pool was relatively quiet but there was an adult Spoonbill on the left bank.
We also got good views of the Marsh Harriers including one fledged young collecting food.

Our last stop was at Arcot where the water level is at the best I have ever seen it. 3 Redshank were amongst the now permanent group of Lapwing and oystercatchers at the back of the pond. The long staying Little Egret was also on the back island.
Whilst scanning the areas of exposed mud in front of the reeds in the bottom SE corner I spotted a juv Water Rail walking out into the open. It moved from the edge of the reeds into the open water a few times before disappearing back into the reeds.

103 – Water Rail