First Sight of a Kingfisher!

 First Sight of a Kingfisher!

The first hide we entered was in the reedbed walk. The hide was called the Gordon​ Taylor Hide. A Carrion Crow and a Common Redshank greeted us on the roof of the hide. As we entered, we noticed that the Northern Lapwings were foraging along the bank. Two Pied Avocets were roosting in the muddy banks along the pond as well. Presently, a flock of Black-Headed Gulls got spooked by a Common Raven as it tried to attack their young. The majestic Grey Heron also gave a nice flyover as it landed in the distant pools. We continued our adventure by trekking in the opposite direction to the Ron Barker Hide. When we arrived, I was thrilled to hear that someone had a Common Kingfisher through the scope. I looked through it I couldn't believe my eyes. The blue gem showed brilliantly as it bobbed up and down on a post that was to the right of the bridge that crossed the ditch in front of the hide. Shortly after, it flew off but was then spotted much closer on a concrete slab with a twig, this time to the left of the bridge. Just then, the ever graceful Western Marsh Harrier showed fantastically as it soared through the skies, hunting anything it can in its territory. The bird was soon joined by a male Western Marsh Harrier that appeared around the reeds and gave brilliant close views. They then went closer to the nest and the male performed a food pass to the female. A stunning spectacle to watch. Just as we were leaving the hide, we had a few flyover birds. First up was the elegant Great Cormorant as it flew high up. Second up was the agile Common Tern that gave close views as they fished in the ditch. And last but not least, the charismatic Black-Headed Gulls flew in large quantities towards their breeding ground on the mere. There were also some robins and finches in the trees outside the hide. A trip that left me content.