Getting Better!

First thing this morning I visited the RSPB reserve. From Dennis's hide the light was awful, looking into the low sun a Turnstone and Common Sandpiper could be made out on the islands but little else. Approaching Makepiece Hide a Stoat ran across the path in front of me, I stood still as it trotted through the Sea Buckthorn and Bramble towards me. As it appeared from the Bramble I took a couple of images, the sound of the shutter made it curious and it slowly approached me through the undergrowth appearing just a few feet away, I took some more images before a couple of Magpie's took umbrage and started mobbing the Stoat chasing it over the bank. Reviewing the images a Tick can clearly be seen on the Stoat.

 Stoat

 Tick on the Stoat

 Migrant Hawker

From Makepiece hide a Black-tailed Godwit was on the newly exposed islands but little else of note.

At Dengemarsh a Migrant Hawker was posing by the path, a Great White Egret and 3 Little Egrets were on the lake, also the neck collared Mute Swan (6UA0).

Around the trails plenty of Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warblers, along with many Reed Buntings and Linnets. 

 Great White Egret

 Mute Swan

 Grey Seal in the scum at The Patch

A late morning visit to The Patch saw just a single juvenile Yellow-legged Gull of note also the Grey Seal feeding in the scum.

 Sanderling

A sea watch from the fishing boats with MH was marginally better than of late:

14.45-16.00

Gannet: 7W   2E

Cormorant: 13 around
Redshank: 1W
Sanderling: 3W
Great Skua: 1E
Common Tern: 5W
Sandwich Tern: 17 o/s
Harbour Porpoise: 8+
Grey Seal: 2
Late afternoon at the ARC from Hanson c500 Sand Martins feeding over the lake and some newly appeared islands which hopefully will start to attract waders and terns.
Below some of the moths from this mornings catch in the Plodland MV.

 Jersey Tiger

 Sitochroa palealis

Small Ranunculus