Purple Swampmonster

An excellent trip to Minsmere today for the Purple Swamphen. We arrived just at the right time to get brief, but tickable views. The pressure was off, but it took another 2 hours before the swampmonster gave a proper show as it strolled out along the edge of the reeds.

Purple Swamphen

While waiting in the rain we were entertained by 'pinging' Bearded Tit and a family party of Cetti's Warbler. No sign of the Cattle Egret, but a selection of waders with Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Avocet, Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwit. My first Stone Curlew since the '80s showed well, but distantly. Also here was my first Muntjac Deer. In the grim weather the only dragon we saw was a Brown Hawker.

Stone Curlew

A long way to go for a day, but a great crack and thanks to Andrew for driving.

Yesterday a lacklustre seawatch was followed by a check of the round-about at Chester-le Street where at least 6 White-letter Hairstreak were feeding on thistle heads.

White-letter Hairstreak