Wipit on a log.

Fans of Monty Python may recognise reference to 'seagull on a stick'!!

Have had a very tough couple of weeks and felt pretty ropey this weekend so some R&R was called for. A beautiful sunny morning meant that, as so often, the place for that was Minsmere.

It was just lovely to get away from the stresses and strains and out in the fresh air - and it was quite fresh at times! Not a lot about really but was delighted that I was able to spot a flying Bittern for a lady who was convinced she put the hex on them. She has been trying to see a Bittern for nearly 20 years. I met her later on and she had seen 2 others as well so a red letter day for her (but not, sadly, her husband)

Distant views of Kingfisher and Marsh Harriers and, for once, a relatively good view of a Cetti's Warbler. Then there were the wrestling Stoats. What nifty movers these little critters are.

Rounded off my day at the Island Mere Hide in the vague hope that a Bittern would put in a close-up appearance. No joy in the time I was there but this little bird was causing quite a stir. It's a Water Pipit (Wipit in birder lingo), a non-resident in the UK and only ever seen in eastern and southern parts in winter before heading off to breed in the Alps.

Don't have a big enough lens to get a really clear shot but liked the colours and sparkles in this shot.

And yes, a Meadow Pipit is a Mipit and a Rock Pipit is a Ripit!!