Grey Plover & many more!

Early-ish venture down to BHM with Nick. Turned out to be a rather successful trip with many species of birds and insects found.

Nothing of note seen in the Tower hide so we headed to the Island hide. Again, it looked as if nothing exciting was about. Many shelducks were dotted all around the marshland. Then, looking straight on from the hide on a gravel island was an unfamiliar bird. It took much consultation and a look in the trusty bird book to identify it was a Grey Plover.

Even at 400mm still very distant.

Cropped picture and not pin sharp.

Hundreds of Swallows, Swifts and Martins filled the air. Still trying to get that elusive shot. If only they flew a bit slower (and less erratically!).

Found this little fella in the hide next to the education centre. Some 'birder' had left the window and bottom hatch open allowing this Blue tit to venture in. I managed to catch him and release him back out.

Poor blue tit was finding it hard to exit the hide

On the reed beds we spotted 2 Reed Warblers chatting away. One emerged from the reeds. Unfortunately still quite distant to get a sharp picture. 

On the way back to car spotted a Broad-bodied Blibellula and a Common Blue Damselfly soaking up the sun.

All-in-all a productive morning!