Still struggling locally getting bird shots.

Like most local birders I'm struggling to get any decent bird shots in our area and this was demonstrated on Monday with a trip to Brandon Marsh and on Tuesday with a trip to Marsh Lane.

Brandon Marsh was extremely quiet which was a shame as it was a bright day ideal for getting shots.To show how bad it was a friend spent several hours in the Carlton hide and,except for an early visit by some KF's,saw nothing all day and had hardly taken any shots.

All I managed were some shots of some Swallows which were gathering together on some wires obviously discussing routes to Africa.One experienced bird was giving advice to some juveniles and I'm sure I heard him say "Whichever way you go don't go via Malta".

The only bird I saw from the Carton hide was a Green Sandpiper.

It was also pleasant walking round Marsh Lane on Tuesday morning.I found the young Water Rail preening in it's usual spot but as before the reeds in front of the viewing screens spoilt the shots.

Some Reed Warblers showed well from the same screen.I think they were juveniles.

I did miss the Garganey which was in view from the Railway hide which I didn't visit and I also missed a Wheatear that was showing in the car park.