An afternoon visit to Martin Mere to see the Spoonbill today - there it was in the pools off the United Utilities Hide, a gazillion miles away, but still looking quite good.
To its credit it didn't do what Spoonbills normally do - ie sleep, rather the bird preened for awhile before going off on a feeding exercise, sweeping its bill through the shallow water.
Some apricot banding on the chest and a nice yellowy blob at the end of the spatulate bill, just visible through the horrible heat haze.
Only half a crest though.
Apart from that the mere was quiet - Tree Sparrows, Avocets, Grey Herons etc, but only one Dunlin amongst a few Blackwits, Lapwings and Redshanks from the Ronnie Barker Hide.
At least two summering Pink Feet and three Whoopers down there too.
A Buzzard in the background, a few Kestrels, but no other raptors of note.
Three Stock Dove on Vinsons and Sunleys Marsh.
If I don't get a decent seawatch soon, I will not be held accountable for my actions.
Graham Moreton did much better with the Spoonbill than I did, and has sent me a few shots - and he got the Green Sandpiper too.
Thanks, and well done, Graham...
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Hi John. Hobby hawking over fields between Hall Road and Hightown this morning brightened up the train journey into town.
Upcoming events at Leighton Moss in July:
Wednesday walkabout (for adults)
Every Wednesday in July
11 am-1 pm
Learn more about Leighton Moss and all its wonderful wildlife. Cost: RSPB members: adults ã2, non-members: adults ã4.50.
Red deer at dusk
Every Thursday in July
7.30âÂÂ9.30 pm
Evening is the best time to see red deer on the reserve. Cost: RSPB members: adults ã2, children ã1, family ã4, non-members: adults ã4.50, children ã2, family ã9.
Moths count workshop
Saturday 5 July
10 amâÂÂ3.30 pm
Theseàworkshops, run locally by Steve Palmer,àare designed to encourage a greater appreciation and enthusiasm for moths.àLearn about their lives, habits and how and where to see them.àMoth identification techniques will be a major part of theseàillustrated talk, including live moths found on site.àâÂÂMoths countâ is a national scheme sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund, in co-ordination with Butterfly Conservation and the RSPB. Lunch not included-please bring your own packed lunch or use our tearoom. Free event for complete beginners only. Booking is essential by tel: 01929 406009 or email: nmrs@butterfly-conservation.org
Bittern Bus guided walk
Sun 6 July
11 amâÂÂ12.30 pm
Why not see the wonderful wildlife of Leighton Moss on a free guided walk and support the Bittern Bus at the same time? Tel: 01524 734311 for timetable details.
Summer nature: evening meal and walk
Sat 12 July
7âÂÂ9.30 pm
Enjoy a summer evening at Leighton Moss with a meal, followed by a leisurely stroll through the reedbed to look for red deer and other breeding wildlife. Booking essential. Cost: ã15 (RSPB members ã13).
Summer mystery
Sat 19 July â Mon 1 Sept
9.30 am-5 pm
Visit the reserve throughout the holidays and pick up the summer mystery quiz. Normal admission charges apply.
Moth breakfast
Sun 20 July
8 am onwards
Learn more about the fascinating world of moths. Booking essential. Cost: ã7 including cooked breakfast.
Please contact 01524 701601 or email leighton.moss@rspb.org.uk for further information or to book on the events.
Jay heading north east high over the garden at Dempsey Towers this evening, which made a pleasant change.
With Stormies seen off Workington in Cumbria today, surely it'll be seawatching time soon - the wind is starting to get tasty too.