Well, yesterday was quite a day with a 4am start for the early birders to try and see Marianne's cracking Baillon's Crake. Those waiting quietly were rewarded by excellent views in the early morning light. However, it never showed again all day despite the diligence of the waiting crowd. We stayed open till 8pm to no avail but everyone seemed strangely light hearted and as i type this many have already already returned for another go. Not long till there is enough light to see properly so I have my fingers crossed for them.
10am update: The bird has been seen three times today; at 6am for a few brief seconds and to just a handful of people and again a few minutes ago. Many people have already left but I suspect a few will be returning...
Some footage from Friday Evening by Mark Hart ( and yes I know that in the video is looks pale and more Little Crake like but was taken at the same time as his images)
and here are Marianne's original Howard heart-stopper (and no, she did not think it was a Water Rail!)
9-9-12
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer