RSPB surprises.

We certainly hadn’t expected it to be so windy on our visit to RSPB St Aidens this morning.
The weather forecast got the sunny intervals right but it was certainly more than a light breeze.
Could hardly stand up to take photos. You can see the waves on the usually calm lagoons.

However we got a wonderful surprise as just a few yards from the car park, and next to the path, we saw two pairs of black-necked grebes. Now that was totally unexpected!
Last time we saw them a couple of years ago they were out in the middle of a lagoon.
Quite rare birds although are getting more frequent these days.

We had a short walk but because of the weather called it a day, and drove on to RSPB Fairburn Ings.
Decided to walk along Lin Dyke as there was more shelter from the trees at either side of the path.
Another three surprises this time.
First looking over the lake at what I thought was an egret, I spotted a spoonbill!
Certainly didn’t expect that! It was so busy feeding but managed a couple of reasonable photos. Love the way it moves along in the water, it’s bill sweeping from side to side.
After watching it for a while we walked on and spotted half a dozen cattle egrets in amongst the highland cattle.( see extra)
On the way back we saw three great egrets.

What a great day and as always expect the unexpected!

We didn’t hear the bitterns booming, but that can wait for another time when it is less windy!