We started out searching the reedbed walk for Bearded Tits, but no luck today. There were at least 5 Cetti’s Warblers singing, though, as well as a chiffchaff. The sunshine also brought out a few Migrant Hawkers and we also spotted a Drinker caterpillar and a few Eristalis and Helophilus hoverflies.

Out on Wood End Marsh actual flocks of snipe were competing for airspace with the godwits and lapwings, but the highlight of the reedbed walk was undoubtedly the stoat hunting on the footpath and observing us as keenly as vice versa.

A commotion near the Janet Kear hide alerted us to the presence of a Tawny Owl which also tried to out-stare us but then popped back into its nest box. Up at the Ron Barker hide we weren’t treated to any kingfisher viewings, but buzzards and a marsh harrier put on a bit of a show. And on the way back, the Kingfisher Hide also lacked kingfishers but was host to Common Darters, a big ichneumonid and a couple of bank voles.