Water What!

A good day at Top Hill yesterday, we had a bit of everything torrential rain, snow, sleet, brilliant sunshine.

The notices in the visitor centre seemed to suggest that there was not a lot about. A volunteer warden said on arrival that Water Vole were busy under South Lagoon Hide so that's where we made off before lunch.

Peering into the rushes something was seen. Waiting and scanning eventually more movement, name was half right but not Voles, Water Rail. It moved accross in front of me fleetingly into the open and having been spooked took flight a few feet forward into short cut reeds never to be seen again. Only record shots in difficult light (straight at me) but a great sighting as it skulked into the reeds. This bird (or at least a Water Rail at THL) has been seen out in the open but this was a more satisfying traditional type of sighting.

Later in the day, late afternoon and pictured the Little Grebe again in South Lagoon in tremendous late afternoon sun. Distant shots but nice in the lighting. Did you know they smoke cigars (see large version, F11 of first two Grebe shots)!

Distant Gadwell too.

Another highlight was 3 Roe Deer on water pools near to South East Marsh Hide(1) .