Bearded Dip

 A small group of Bearded Tits had been reported from Stanwick Lakes during the past week and the prospect of catching up with them drew Alan Shorrock and I there this morning. We didn't manage to catch up with them but it looks as if some other lucky observer did. Despite our dip we did see a few interesting bits and bobs. 

Great White and Cattle Egret

Best bird was a single Cattle Egret seen on the north lake in the company of a small herd of cows. First views were rather distant but I did get closer a little later on. Also present around the complex were two Great Whites while several Littles took the egret total up to three species. During our visit Siskins were noted passing over on at least three occasions suggesting a light passage while Alan spotted some overflying Fieldfares too. While checking the visitor centre pit for those pesky Beardies a near adult Caspian Gull was found which gave reasonable views before heading off westwards.

Caspian Gull

Some pleasant autumn sunshine was warm enough to bring some late season odes out and these included four Willow Emeralds. Plenty of Common Darters were active and there were some Migrant Hawkers on the wing too. Not much else to report other than a Muntjac and a brief glimpse of a butterfly which may have been a Peacock. Unfortunately I managed to delete all my pictures before reaching home so there are no images in today's post.

Willow Emerald and Migrant Hawker

Thanks to some arcane computer wizardry on the part of Alan my photos have been retrieved so I can now include a few here - thanks Shozzer!

Muntjac