Storm Darragh Blows In

 Yet another storm has blown in this weekend bringing with it a combination of strong wind and squally rain. Though it was tempting to stay indoors and devote my day to telly and a few beers I decided instead to venture out in the company of regular birding pal Alan. Initially we had planned to visit Rutland Water but a last minute change of heart took us instead to Summer Leys. The weather was unsurprisingly pretty challenging but it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be and we even saw the occasional patch of blue sky during our wander around.

Distant Pintails and closer GWE

From Pioneer Hide Alan picked out a distant pair of Pintails on the main lake though they didn't seem to hang around for too long. Plenty of Wigeon and Teal were present on the margins and there was the odd Pochard and Goldeneye on view too. A rather miserable looking Great White Egret was the highlight from Rotary Hide, it was one of at least two present on site today. After a brisk stroll we arrived at Paul Britten Hide from where we had distant views of the Glossy Ibis which has become regular here of late. It was seen briefly as it fed in front of the feeding station before disappearing from view. Other birds showing from here included Snipe and Shovellers. Braving the wind once again we wandered round to the Screen Hide where Shozzer picked out the Ibis again. It was fairly distant but views through the scope were tolerable. The final stop of the day was at the Coach and Horses where a well earned pint washed down some very tasty pork scratchings.

Snipe, Glossy Ibis and Teals