A veritable raptor-fest manifested itself during my 37th birthday birdwatching trip to Rutland Water!
2 Hobbies swooping low over the lagoon seen from Shoveler Hide. My closest views EVER.
3 Red Kites seen on arboreal horizon from Shoveler Hide.
3 Buzzards over surrounding countryside.
1 Peregrine over visitor centre 5 mins after we arrived.
1 Kestrel just inside Rutland on the border with Lincs.
Circa 200 Tufted Duck and 15 Great Crested Grebe seen from Lapwing Hide.
Good numbers of very vocal robins all around the reserve.
Usual waders and wildfowl present, especially Lapwing with circa 300 seen from Sandpiper Hide and Wigeon.
Enormous numbers of Cormorant on the reservoir.
Usual birds on the feeders - Dunnock, Great Tit, Blue Tit, and Chaffinch.
Alas, my usual run of bad luck continued regarding one bird. A Great White Egret was seen on the reserve yesterday, and today. And I dipped again. For the TENTH time. Will my toast EVER land butter side up?
** Fulsome sobbing **