Minsmere Again! - 13.5.12

The male Garganey and the young Treecreepers.

Less than a week after visiting the reserve and I was back this time with the Watford RSPB group. This visit didnt see as many year ticks but I did manage 4 more. 3 of those were seen from the East hide with a Curlew Sandpiper on one of the islands and a Little Gull on the water and flying around. A Hobby was also seen distantly but better views were had further around the reserve. The final year tick was a pair of Garganey that appeared out of nowhere posing just long enough for a photo before vanishing again. Because of the high water levels last week there were no Avocets but around 20 were seen today as the water level had dropped. 3 Little Egrets were on the levels and a Yellow Wagtail flew over. From the new Island Mere hide 2 Bitterns were seen in flight and in the woods a family party of 7 Treecreepers were seen with 5 young huddled together on a branch being fed by the adults. A Marsh Tit on the feeders by the visitor centre was the last bird of note for the day.