Ooohh - what a jay day

The Safari wonders if anyone else will admit to remembering Larry Grayson...

Today's safari started before the sun came up as we picked up the Young Uns before it was properly light for a trip up the motorway.

The day had dawned cold but bright and mist held in the dips and valleys. An early rising Buzzard broke the birding duck, but better was a brilliant spot by AB as we neared our destination...from the road you can see the trees the Little Egret roosting tree and as we approached he called a bird flying away as the Great White Egret - we ground to a swift stop, condensation strewn windows were wound down and the ID confirmed with binoculars - nice one but we neglected to count the visible Little Egrets!

Our target was the grit trays on the Causeway although it was still a bit too early as the sun hadn't come up over the surrounding hills and it was flamin chilly. Artistically misty though...

A Cetti's Warbler sang loudly and kept the gathering crowd guessing as to it's whereabouts. Eventually it gave itself up with stonking views...well stonking for a Cetti's Warbler...a brief reed-top flypast! The friendly Robin here kept his distance today for some reason, no telescope perching for our amusement this morning.

While we waited a Jay or two or three passed over along with numerous Siskins and Lesser Redpolls and few Redwings. A flock of seven Black Tailed Godwits was amusingly misIDd by one of the Young Uns as Tufted Ducks - oops! A long wait ensued before we heard the ping ping of our intended - the Bearded Tits (183). A longer wait was necessary before we saw any and they weren't in the reeds or on the grit trays but overhead! JS nicely captured this behaviour which has been in short supply in recent years - so if there's any hint of reeds near you check em out for Bearded Tits - not sure if Holland's population is doing the same.

With the Beardies under the belt we headed off to another area of the reserve to see what else we could find. The Young Uns went to the hide while we checked out the feeding station for another year bird...again a wait but eventually it fell...

We've still not got a decent pic of a Bullfinch (184). This one is at ISO about a million and 30 seconds exposure time! Two Rats and a Rabbit had a tiff started the day's mammal list.

We ignored the 1st winter drake Scaup the lads had seen from the hide and went to the further hides in search of more and bigger mammals. Just one was seen hidden deep under the trees - a Red Deer hind. All today's mammals began with 'R'.

This stricking tree on its little island is a popular haunt for stags but not today :-(

Photography was tricky with the light in our faces but what made it worse was the gobbet of what looked like Kangaroo snot on the lens - yuk and no wonder we had focus difficulties and flares.

A Marsh Harrier flew around a few times which we managed to completely miss. Then it was back to the grit trays where we didn't have to wait too long before we had some success. Again apologies for the dismal quality.

All to soon it was time to head back to Base Camp after a grand day out in which 71 species were seen, most notably well into double figures of Jays.

Frank then 'forced' us around Patch 1, he must be feeling better as this was his furthest walk - and he demanded to do it - for three or more months. We were rewarded by excellent views of a Goldcrest but little else.

He's tired now though.

Where to next? More Patch 2 stuff tomorrow, will there be any vis to observe as overnight conditions don't look too bad? Then in the afternoon we have a class out on a site near their school - pots and nets will be wielded!

In the meantime let us know what your excuses are for poor photography in your outback.