Migrant visits the patch

It was an effort dragging my self from under a nice warm duvet at 5am this morning, but I wanted to be on the patch early. And this to catch the early bird you might think, well no, the reason for this and previous unearthly early starts was in the hope of seeing the latest visitor to the patch, an Otter. It has been with us now for the best part of a week, with John the birder having found it, and also having had the best views of it, usually at first light. Although on the occasion I managed a fleeting glance of it , the time was 12-15pm. So far there has been no opportunity for pics. By the time I arrived John was already on station with his trusty spaniel on its lead, and his wife on another (its the only way he could get her there at that hour), needless to say this morning there was a no show. However all was not lost as John and his wife went to look at the rest of the reserve leaving me on Otter watch with instructions on how to attract his attention should said beast pop into view. The next thing it was John attracting my attention, and to get to his position ASAP. and the reason for his excitement, a Little Ringed Plover had just dropped in, and another for the year list. After a while we made our way up to the remains of the flash, and unbelievably John finds another, fantastic. unfortunately both birds were far too distant for any pics.
        Back home for breakfast and a few jobs before heading off to join Les on the Isthmus. The first bird  to be heard as I got out of the car was this

Nuthatch one of the pair that was nest building last week

The Great Spotted Woodpecker was knocking 7 bells out of a branch near-by and the male Chaffinch was also singing close to the nest they were building last week. On various parts of the lake viewed from the Isthmus, there was Canada Geese and Greylags, a few Coots and a surprising number of these

Red-breasted Merganser

This time 1 male 2 female

This time a pair.

Next a Pied Wagtail started feeding on the edge of the lake

And looking very fresh and smart.

Looking over to the West from shore side, Causey Pike, with part of the Isthmus and boat sheds front right.

The remains of last years bull rush on the patch. (Great Reedmace)