A COUPLE OF VISITS TO MARSH LANE.

Having stayed in Sunday and Monday I was keen to go out on Tuesday so when the rain stopped I headed off to Marsh Lane.It was pretty gloomy and breezy when I got there and I had the place to myself.

Didn't have much success with the camera on my walk round.A couple of Green Sandpipers and what I think was an Osprey were a long way off especially the Osprey.The only fun I had with camera was with a young Sand Martin waiting patiently on the barbed wire fence by the CP hide for mom to bring lunch and I had a go at some feeding shots.

On Wednesday which was a much nicer day I went along again to Marsh Lane but pretty early in the morning this time.I was rewarded when I spotted a Ruff on the CP pool.

From the Oak hide a Common Sandpiper showed pretty well.

To show I can get shots of other things besides birds I got this male Migrant Hawker on the causeway.

After lunch back home when I saw that the weather was still decent I drive the short distance to see if Red (the Netherwood Redstart) was still about.He was.He has been around for well over a month now and including this visit I've been over to see him 15 times.I've  been lucky enough to see him every time.

This time he gave me my best ever views/shots leading me to think he may be off soon.I shall miss him.

Whilst watching Red I spotted this chap but I'm not sure what it is.Must check the books.(Late addition : Hoping it was a Hawfinch but no chance.Have been told it's a Young Bullfinch).

Also miles away on some wires were these chaps (12 in total) which I think are Fieldfares.If so they're pretty early.(Late addition : now know they are Mistle Thrushes)