Arrived at Westay at around 07.30 am to very grey skies and misty drizzle. The forecast was for the skies to clear quickly but it took its time to clear. Driving across Tealham Moor to get to Westhay we discovered a new Heronry with at least 6 nests plus at least 30 Little Egrets together in a field.
Our full walk around Westhay started at the Lake Hide then on to the end of London Drove visiting the other hides and screens on the way. At the end of London Drove we turned right onto the road and then took a right onto Daggs Lane which brought us back onto the reserve. We paid a visit to Island and Virador Hides but there was nothing to be seen. The same with the Tower Hide not even a Bittern or Marsh Harrier. The best part of the day was around lunchtime when we had walked back to the new North hide. We were informed that we had just missed a Grebe Dance, we didn't see the dance but we had some great views of the Great Crested Grebes displaying and nest building. Two pairs of Marsh Harriers were also seen as well as a Peregrine in hot pursuit of a Snipe, which it failed to catch.
Brilliant to see a Great Egret come in close as well noticing it's lovely breeding plumage and colours.
30 Species seen today with some close encounters and a lovely 6 mile walk around the reserve.
Marsh Harrier on its usual tree
Peregrine heading off after its miss of a Snipe
Grebe nest, one of two being 'chosen' by this pair of Grebes
Amazing how the Grebes almost lift out of the water
Green lores, blackening beak it must be breeding time
Moor
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