Great scot!

Highlight of the last week was found by John Wilkinson this morning; common scoter on O res.  Spending most of the day asleep it was likely tired from losing its hundreds of pals up at Flamborough at the moment - but a nice reserve bird anyway with the last one during Easter 2010:

Waders are still gradually turning up these green sandpipers this afternoon representing a year maxima of three so far:

The distinctive white flash:

The numbers of lapwing are now starting to swell for the first time - several hundred on the marshes today:

Dave Ware has further pictures of some of the greenshanks popping in here too.  As ever kingfishers are proving popular on North Marsh - thanks to Roy Vincent for these:

Apparent rudd/roach seem to be catch of the day at present:

Pics from Mike Day too:

Kingfisher nearly getting in the way of a nice shot of the greater water parsnip here (Mike):

For those after views of the kingfishers further from the barrage of cameras could always try Hempholme Meadows where the birds are also finding good fishing albeit further away:

North Marsh still holds its elusive rails for those who are patient - Roy Vincent:

Snakes too - by Mike Day:

Less than welcomed by this young moorhen - seen off with a few pecks of the tail - photo by Roy Vincent:



Ratty often seen under the hide too at the moment - with youngsters seen today (RV):



A mink was removed last week - but another has since been sighted so we'll do our best to keep them safe. 

There is still plenty to see elsewhere though - many thanks to Don Davis for these outstanding pictures of barn owl sat on the access road:





Sedge warbler carrying a fine caterpillar by Andy Marshall:

But plenty of attention should still be given to the smaller inhabitants of the reserve - the odonata being particularly spectacular at the moment.  Emerald damselfly by Mike Day:


Mating azures:

Check out Martin's new site for a round up of the news.  Kite-tailed robber fly by Doug Fairweather:

And scorpion fly by Mike Day:

Just a reminder we have the monthly reserve walk next Saturday as we do at 10am on the first of every month.  A chance to go on a two hour walk with the warden and seeing some of the best wildlife sights of the moment.