November 20th 2009

Dave and I met up with Colin at Brandon Marsh this afternoon and greeted with the news that a Great White Egret was seen flying over the reserve this morning. We managed a few Siskin, single Lesser Redpoll and Sparrowhawk on our way to the East Marsh Hide where we had 12 Snipe, close views of a Water Rail and 2 Goldeneye.
After 40 minutes we were treated to a brief but distant flight view of the Great White Egret as it flew a short distance over Newlands. We moved on to the Olive Bench hoping it might appear again giving closer views but alas it was not to be.
Only other bird of note was a Peregrine over Lawford Heath as we traveled to Brandon and later on JJ had 4 Corn Bunting here after recording the GND and GWT at the pond.
Remember my Bay of Biscay trip back in August well Colin has just sent me pics of the Minkie Whale and Curvier's Beaked Whale we saw so just had to share with you.

Curvier's Beaked Whale

Minkie Whale
both by Colin Potter

Richard