Thanks to volunteer Graham for braving the rain and for his report and photos.
The weather forecast for Sunday was heavy rain, and it turned out to be accurate. As I set out on the wetland trail it had started to spit. On the zig-zag path we met former reserve warden Pete and his partner, and they advised us that the regular white-tailed eagles were on the North Brooks. We therefore headed to Hanger View and quickly spotted one of the eagles at some distance.
The rain was getting heavier so we moved on to Nettley’s Hide. Before we were joined by a regular group of visitors the eagle had disappeared, although we had reasonable views of a couple of red kites and four black-tailed godwits in flight.
We braved the continuous rain to transfer to Winpenny Hide, where we were pleased to see that both of the eagles were on the South Brooks. Although at some distance away I managed to get my first photo of the day through the gloom and rain.
The regular male stonechat made a number of close visits, presenting my second photographic target,
and a more distant red kite provided a colourful flight shot.
Moving on to West Mead Hide provided some close views of various wildfowl species, including numerous wigeon
and a single male pintail.
A sizeable gathering of shovelers provided an impressive sight.
A raft of shovelers!
A few snipe also put in an appearance.
The poor light and continuing rain prompted an early finish on this occasion.