A couple of egrets

Started the morning at Watergate before most of the dog walkers got there. No new water birds, but a Dipper zipped along the pond edge. Spring has sprung with 5 singing Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap and loads of Chiffchaff.

Willow Warbler

 

The first proper arrival of Wheatear at Burdon Moor, with 10 scattered about. 2 Willow Warbler were singing along the bottom path and yesterday's Ring Ouzel eventually showed in the top fields.

 

Ring Ouzel

 

A trip up to Derwent Reservoir was fairly fruitless, but the long staying Long-tailed Duck was still near the dam.

 

After lunch I headed to Teesside with news of a Great White Egret. As I arrived at Dorman's Pool a low flying helicopter had flushed everything, but luckily the bird was just landing as I pulled up. Good, but distant views were had. Also here was a Little Egret and a couple of squealing Water Rail.

 

Great White Egret