Weather Report

I had arranged to meet friend P for a bit of birding at Burton Mere on May 23rd, three weeks ago. We cancelled that as the weather forecast for the day was dire. Instead I called in on P and M at their home in Shropshire on my way down to Herefordshire the next day, a good chat and pub lunch, and we rearranged for today. Much better weather - dry, some sunshine and pleasant (wearing three layers helped).

It’s been a good day. Wader and gull chicks have suffered dramatically however, as a result of badgers getting through the electronic fence defences, not by digging under but by climbing gates. They’ve had to strengthen defences on those, although it’s too late for this year. Lots of avocets but no chicks today for example, similar to what I’ve seen at Leighton Moss. Badgers are omnivores and will eat both eggs and chicks in large numbers if they can access them. Also no marsh harriers - the very wet weather raised water levels and swamped all but one nest.

I took good close up pics of the great white egret in today’s image, but I like the contrast between the nature reserve - beautiful egret, reeds and mere - and the Tata steelworks which form the industrial backdrop.