Hunt for Little Egret

After a chat with B.S. this aft(tks for the advice on the tyres Bri) after tea I decided to try my luck with the Little Egret down at Cromwell Bottom N.R.

18:30 to dark

I parked near the fishing lake (gravel pit) and tried to keep to the path close to the river.


Soon however, I was obliged to take the higher path after suffering two submission and a knock-out, from some Les Kellett type brambles.

A couple juv. Cormorant, LBBG, BHG, Moorhen and Mallard were seen on the way to the Steel Bridge.

I had an enjoyable chat with some guys, with some smart greyhound type dogs, and another natter with a birder by the (temporarily empty) feeding area.

A GSW called on the way to the bridge and while on the bridge a Mink swam across the river.

At the weir there was no sign of the Little "E" so I headed further along keeping the river on my right.

A Willow Warbler was in the dark trees flitting about with an oft repeated one syllable call.

A Kingfisher was spotted briefly through the trees, keeping low to the river and a Heron sat motionless on some bare branches at the far side of the weir with a Cormorant doing its laundry on the gravel island.

On the return route via the canal , I had a second sighting of a Kingfisher as it headed towards the steel bridge but still no photo opportunity.

It was getting dark now, but I gave the pond and reed beds a go ,with no luck.

Just as I was leaving 3 Cormorant came into roost on the large pylon and another Heron flew over.

A very enjoyable evening out if a tad disappointing.

Willow Warbler

Cropped W.W.

A bird far off in the reed beds - A Moorhen I guess

No sight of Little E.

I had to make do with an Avocet instead