Seriously behind with posts! A couple of images from Tuesday 26/09. Stunning Wheatear at Severn Beach in the morning and then headed back to CVL to see the reported Grey Phalarope (thanks Merv )

Some days just get better and better. After the Grey Phalarope headed to Stratford hide. First ever relatively close views of an acrobatic Osprey followed by a stunning juv Sparrowhawk flying in low and landing on the perch in front of the hide! CVL Tuesday 26/09

Joined the party at Whelford Pools to see the Purple Heron and wasn’t disappointed! Not sure I will get such goods views again any time soon. Life ✅. Images from 24/10/23.

Wonderful to see a large flock of Fieldfare near Panborough on my way to Westhay Moor NNR this morning. Still there end of the day and was able to get a slightly closer shot. Quite a few Redwing in the flock also.

Returned to Barrow Gurney Tanks today hoping to get closer views of the Long-tailed Duck. Was not expecting to see a Great Northern Diver. Slightly improved views of the LTD but the GND eventually put in a good show

Joined the party yesterday pm in the dull and damp conditions at Chew and despite having to wait a couple of hours I jumped from the car almost as fast as a young lad in the adjacent car. Not sure who was the more excited but it could have been me!

Finally caught up with the Glossy Ibis at Westhay yesterday, even if they did fly off after a few minutes. A good number of Cattle Egret opposite the car park and the Bearded Reedling were out enjoying the sun.

The Common Sandpiper at Chew Valley Lake dam was being unusually cooperative yesterday. Plus a few Goldeneye images from last week - also from CVL.

Wonderful day at Catcott Lows yesterday - the sun shone, the Harriers put on a show and even the Pintails flew in to see what all the fuss was about.

A trip down to Keyhaven yesterday, stopping off in the New Forest on the way. Some great sightings albeit a little farther away than I would have liked! Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Red-breasted Goose & Scaup. Also, Brent’s, juv Spoonbill, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Sprawk ….

A trip down RSPB Arne yesterday hoping to see the Dartford Warblers. Photo opportunities were limited to this one male but it’s such a glorious place to visit, particularly when there’s a bit of sun. #rspbarne

Finally caught up with the Firecrest at Chew Valley Lake on Monday this week. I wish I could say 3rd time lucky but it took more visits than that!

Made the trip down to Broadsands 18/03 for the Little Bunting - a first for me. The usual waiting game but rewarded 3 times over the stay and entertained whilst waiting by the Cirl Buntings. Thanks to Mike Langman for the find / feeding and OwenE for directions.

Enjoyable day at Martin Down yesterday although not many butterflies - a bit cold and too much wind. A few Green Hairstreaks did show but the absence of more was made up for by all the song birds. Whitethroats, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer plus the Stonechats, Linnets & Red Kites.

I wasn’t expecting to see a Dormouse at Martin Down in the middle of the day! You can’t get much cuter - a real highlight #dormouse #martindown

Quick visit to Glastrum Wood NNR on Wed in search of the Chequered Skipper. Not hopeful as heavy showers all journey and low temps. Two seen before hail storm stopped play! 56/59 happy days 😀.

Stop off in Cumbria started well when eventually found one Northern Brown Argus at Latterbarrow. Signs weren’t good with no reports of sightings but after 2 hrs I struck lucky. Puzzled by missing figure of 8 spot on underwing but the open wing image looks conclusive. 57/59😀

Took 2 attempts but finally got the last of the GB butterflies. Conditions not good but with help of some extra eyes on the Irton Fell Mountain Ringlet hunt the shout went up just before we had to leave 😅! An emotional moment even if it’s not the freshest of examples. 58 ✅

Scarlet Darter at Silverlake, Dorset.. Thought I was late to the party yesterday but it turns out it’s still on going - and with good reason! Plenty of other dragons and damsels to see but the star was all in scarlet.

A few firsts from Priddy Mineries today. Marsh Fritillary - wasn’t aware they were at this location. Large Skipper - first of the year Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary - first of the year, although hard work getting a photo!