The weather forecast predicted a dull, overcast morning and true to form, it turned out glorious with sunshine and mild temperatures! I had not been to Tophill for over a month so decided to give it a go. I was not to be disappointed and spent most of my time at Watton Reserve which was teeming with birds! Arriving at the car park in darkness, I was amazed that I was the seventh car in the car park, so I knew that North Marsh Hide or Izzard members hide would be full to capacity with no chance of getting in. I elected to walk the south side but was challenged by the rising sun. I visited each hide and was gobsmacked that no one was in the members only, Izzard Hide! It was, however, too bright with the sun reflecting off the water so I didn't stay long. Very little on the south marsh save several hundred Teal and a dozen or so Shoveler. Arriving at the Watton Reserve Hide, I was greeted by a teeming array of wildfowl so I decided to stay put here for an hour or so.
Bird wise, best for me was a small group of Pintail on Watton! Until today, I had not seen one in Yorkshire and my first in five years! These would have even eclipsed the sighting of a probable American Wigeon on D reservoir, having seen one at Scalby a couple of years ago. (I wouldn’t have seen it anyway, as I didn’t go there today!). As I started my walk, I spotted a Great White Egret flying over and it was a pleasure to find it on Watton Reserve. It was, hover, under constant harassment from gulls and a Grey Heron.
My "bird of the day" - Pintail
Great White Egret
Bathing Curlew with voyeur Teal!
Shaggy Ink Cap
Sunrise over South Marsh
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