Southern Hawker

Arcot's highlights today were a Great-crested Grebe, two Pochard, two Tufties, three Buzzards overhead and the young Little Grebe no longer riding side-saddle but liberated and being fed my the parents.

The scary, hairy cows and the five mad ponies are all now in the first field and whilst they are, I am sure, gentle giants, I did not linger.

Up the lane, Willow Tit and GSW, but the best was this Southern Hawker:

Black List

After this afternoon's early excitement at Arcot, off to WH and, as ever, seconds behind the arrival of The Guv'nor, this morning accompanied by Mrs G, this afternoon by Crammy Birder.

Conversation this morning was of Black-tailed Skimmers, seen recently there but not today.  And this afternoon, West Hartford's east shore and at least three.

And off to Bassington Nature Reserve for another first, this time a Black Darter.

(Not so) Little Terra

Planned a quick visit to Arcot this afternoon and ended up spending a pleasant 90 minutes.  Two Common Sandpipers were a nice find.  The usual waterfowl remained - Coots included a brood of seven.  Magnificent!  A pair of Little Grebe had one wee one hiding on Dad's back whilst Mum sought dinner. 

And this bin lid has survived the winter and was sunbathing.

And a few from Thursday evening at WH: