Caspian Tern

Good scope views of the Caspian Tern at Rudyard Lake Staffordshire today. Also present was a Whimbrel. Managed a couple of rubbish record shots

Little Bittern

Back from a week in the South West on holiday. Managed to fit in some birding including a visit to Ham Wall where I saw a male Little Bittern in flight after I was about to give up. Incredibly elusive birds showing for a few seconds usually in the morning only, so that was very lucky! Other birds of note were a Great White Egret, Lesser Whitethroat and Marsh Harrier.
Went to Arne later in week and had views of a Dartford Warbler but again no opportunity to get a photo.
Plenty of Stunning butterflies in Somerset and Devon many more than in the North west of England.

                                                                     Peacock

Marbled White

Small Tortoiseshell

Bonaparte's Gull

A successful short twitch to Heysham as we were straight onto the adult Bonaparte's Gull. Also seen were a splendid summer plumage Mediterranean Gull plus the usual common gulls

Bridled Tern

Yesterday it was off to Northumberland where we eventually connected with the mega Bridled Tern at Cresswell. Interestingly we were at the very same sight a couple of years ago to see a Greater Yellowlegs. Other decent birds included an adult Little Gull, close views of Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns. We also saw a Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier, a group of Black tailed Godwit and pair of Stonechat. Looking towards the sea were massive numbers of terns, Puffin, Eider and an adult pale phase Arctic Skua