Spotted Crake at Rutland Water in August 2015. I went to see this gem a week after the bird fair a few summers back, Nice to see a showy one for a change.
Spent a couple of days at a site near Peterborough looking for Adders- had 8 one day and 6 the other (same individuals involved in both days). However day two was better for other reptiles with 21 Slow Worms (vs just one on the first day!), 4 Grass Snakes and 8 Common Lizards. We also had a Shrew and a Bank Vole. Many thanks to Mike Weedon on help with this site.
Fantastic encounter with this male wintering in Cambridgeshire in mid March. Incredible close views and at one point it fell asleep just a few feet away from me. A nice PBC grip back after Brian Stone's bird back in the day.
Found this on the way home from work on Deeping High Bank, Lincs on the 2nd April. Was pleased to hear it was still present the next day and showing just as well. Seems like its incredibly loyal to one patch. Not the rarity it was- but a nice bird non the less. Note the slight dark tip on bill and plumes coming through suggesting summer plumage is on it's way...
Black Redstart in Yaxley, Peterborough, late March 2016. A stones through from my Grandparents, it would have been rude not to visit this fine young drake Black Redstart. Only the second I have seen in the Peterborough area- a bird that used to breed regularly in the city.
