One for the ladies?

The only news I received today was from John Seeviour - 2 Waxwings briefly at Old Moor c13.10 and not much change on Bolton Ings. Nobody on channel and despite efforts to find out, I don't even know if the Smew has been seen (not to worry, the main news supplier is back from his much deserved romantic break this evening!). Knowing there must have been some level of coverage at Old Moor I decided to go onto Wombwell Ings after work: Heron 5, Canada Goose 467, Greylag 1, Pink-footed Goose 1, Wigeon c120, Teal c40, Shelduck 2, Goosander 2.

Checked-in at Broomhill Flash where there were a lot of small gulls due to the farmer ploughing: Black-headed c1,100, Common 27. Couldn't find a Med' but it looks likely.

An earlier quick scan at Elsecar Reservoir revealed an increase in Great Crested Grebes (12) as well as 5 Goosanders.

Finally, Kate kindly sent some photos of Bitterns captured on the remote camera at the Reedbeds over the last week or so. At least two birds appear to have been posing.

Male Bittern at the Reedbeds - R.E. Mote. Note the well marked blue-grey lores which indicate a male in good breeding condition. Ladies like that!