Waders

Hubby was at games today so I headed over to RSPB Burton Mere with my neighbour. I've not been there for a few months so was keen to see what was there at this time of year. 
There were predictably, lots of chicks around and one of the volunteers told us that they had counted over 100 avocet chicks which is a great success after last year's poor breeding season. 
We enjoyed seeing lots of Little egrets coming in and out of the heronry near the middle hide, along with a single Spoonbill (extra) that showed well from the screen. 
I saw my first Scarlet Tiger Moth, which was stunning, although I didn't manage to get a shot of it as it wouldn't settle. 
We also had success with a sighting of two beauties at Burton Point. As we approached, Mal thought he heard the familiar yaffle of a green woodpecker. We had both been bemoaning the fact that they are often reported by others yet rarely seen by us, so were excited to hear it, although it stayed stubbornly hidden for ages. We gave up, and headed back over to the railway bridge when I turned to Mal to say something and saw the undulating flight of a quite large bird in the distance, so shouted "what's that?, there there" and sure enough it was a green woodpecker, quickly followed by another one. We were both thrilled, even without a shot, as I've not seen one up there for years, let alone two! 

My main blip today is a small collection of some of the waders seen from the Border hide - 5 Knot, one sleeping Black Tailed Godwit, two young Avocets and two rather smart spotted redshanks in their dark breeding plumage - another bird we were very happy to see.
A good day out.