The Ruff, 1 LRP and the one that didn't get away!As it was a nice day and we were child free myself and Barbara (the missus!) decided to have a wander around the reservoirs at Tring. First port of call was Wilstone Reservoir. From the top of the car park steps I saw 4 Greenshank over the far side but the rest of the notable birds were seen from the hide. 2 juv Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper and a male Ruff were on view as were 15 Little Egrets. A Reed Warbler half heartedly sang a couple of times and I saw my first Small Copper butterfly of the year.
After a quick drink in the Angler's Retreat pub we walked around Startops End Reservoir. Apart from a few Mallards and Tufted Ducks it was fairly quiet. That was until we approached the NW corner. I suddenly saw 3 Red Kites circling over fields (presumably one that was being ploughed earlier) between us and Wilstone Reservoir. 3 turned into 7 then finally 10 Red Kites were circling together! This is the first time i'd seen a double figure flock in Herts and it's the biggest flock i'd seen since 40+ in 2002 in Oxon (the first time i'd seen them in UK). Another singleton was seen later over Tring.
Whilst walking back to the car a young fisherman had hooked a large fish. A small crowd then gathered to see what it was. A few minutes later he hauled out a large Mirror Carp which after weighing in at 29.5lbs (apparently his personal best!) and a few photos it was released back into Marsworth.
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