Finally, the Red-throated Diver showed but very distantly; later, over afternoon tea, it was quite a bit closer. On the east side two juvenile Marsh Harriers put on a nice display as did two 'spatting' Kingfishers. To the north of Knightsbank six or more Stonechats, a Whinchat and a Whitethroat. Three groups of Brent Geeses totalling 15 arrived from the east.
From the west side hides three Curlew Sandpipers and a juvenile Ruff performed well along with the usual suspects. When the day warmed up the harriers were thermalling up along with two Sparrowhawks and probably a dozen or so Buzzards. Single Bearded Tit and a distantly visible Water Rail were the only other noteworthy species.
A Common Lizard on the log pile was nicely photogenic - if I'd brought the zoom lens! Only Common Darter and this hoverfly, Eupeodes luniger were happy to pose - none of the Migrant Hawkers sat up close. Another Clouded Yellow zipped through.
The weather was superb with only the very lightest of breeze, good visibility and a nice temperature - I'm guessing there won't be many days this good in the remainder of 2016.
