Not one but two bitterns showed themselves at the same time this afternoon! Extremely lucky watchers in the Bittern Hide enjoyed brilliant views of these two enigmatic birds as they appeared together on the rear bank of the Mere.

Here is the summary of today’s sightings…

First thing this morning, keen-eyed observers saw a red kite sail over the Old Moor Visitor Centre heading south. And yes, those four waxwing are still around and found a little over a mile from the Old Moor car park, along the footpath that parallels Manvers Way.

John Clarkson reported from Edderthorpe that the redheaded smew was still present along with the pintail, seven redshank, two oystercatcher, seven chiffchaff and a willow tit. Later, Paul Dennis added seven little egret and a buzzard to that list. Thanks to both.

Meanwhile at Adwick Washland, Gary Haywood recorded twenty-five avocet, forty-two redshank, four ringed plover, two oystercatcher, seven snipe, a pair of pochard, one barnacle goose and one Egyptian goose. Ta Gary.

And last but not least for the Dearne Valley roundup, at Bolton Ings John Seeviour reported three goldeneye, three goosander, a bittern, four chiffchaff and a kingfisher. His full list can be found here. Thanks John.

That’s about it for this evening. I’ll finish up with a pic of a brambling in the Tree Sparrow Farm taken by Anne Smith and shared with us via our Facebook page. Thanks Anne!