19/02/2023-RSPB Titchwell and RSPB Lakenheath Fen 

Photos I took today in this set are of; a view, sumptuous male and female Shoveler a key bird seen today and a stunning scene of a bit of wood carpeted in snowdrops a delight of this time of year at Titchwell, a view, a stunning Whooper Swan we got our best ever views of the species of this bird which was amazing this afternoon and another view of the sun lowering at Lakenheath Fen, some lovely scarlet elf cup a mushroom I always enjoy seeing and a view on Brancaster Beach at Titchwell and another adorable Muntjac Deer to see and another view at Lakenheath Fen there were some stunning scenes of sunlit reedbeads and the lowering sun real golden wintery light scenes in a beautiful and rich habitat which were a sight to behold.

I also loved seeing my first Bar-tailed Godwit of the year, Sanderling, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Spoonbill, Teal, Brent Geese, Linnets, Treecreeper, Avocets and getting cracking views of a fair few Marsh Harriers and Red Kite in the air at Titchwell. Only my second ever Bean Goose with the three that have been around here seen flying which was another fantastic bird to see this weekend, Avocet again, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Rooks and Jackdaws noisily flying to roost the Rooks another nice part of the time of year and lots of Gadwalls were great to see at Lakenheath Fen as well. It was nice and quirky to see Oystercatchers on fields in urban areas today. As I have done across this weekend it was so nice at Titchwell to just take in the sounds of geese and ducks honking and making other noises involving species like Brent Goose and Shoveler, I was peacefully and powerfully gripped by nature.

28/08/2023-Bank Holiday Monday at Fishlake Meadows

Photos taken in this set: 1. Orange balsam. 2, 5, 9 and 10. Beautiful views at this pretty, distinctive and biodiverse wetland spot. 3. Willowherb, I believe broad-leaved. 4. Hogweed with a fly on. 6. Great White Egret, it was an honour to see these striking birds so well today. It was particularly stunning watching two fly, low, jet like over the reedbeds in a tranquil and effortless way, it was so pleasurable and soothing to see. These are birds I love. 7. Another I love, an Osprey. I was glad I took the opportunity to get a visit in here today generally but especially as this Osprey had been about and it was amazing to see it. From both the path and roadside viewpoint I got epic views of this bird as it sat and also seeing it fly and the dramatic splash as it dived. These views were exceptional and it was a heartfelt experience on its own. But when stood at the path with a couple I got talking to watching it I was stunned when a second Osprey flew over. As it did a bit of a circuit it was an honour to watch this enormous bird and I am buzzing that I saw this. What a year it's been for me for Ospreys again with the Scotland and Rutland experiences and I'm glad to add home Hampshire sightings to the story. 8. Bird vetch which looked beautiful.

Other bird highlights on the walk ere Buzzard, Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, an intimate Blackcap view, Cetti's Warbler the fluent sound of the reedbead heard well, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Robin, House Martin, Gadwalls seen very well, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron flying well and Cormorant. I got a nice view of a Grey Squirrel. Either a Red Admiral or a Peacock I couldn't quite see which as it flew on and Small White were good butterflies to see. I had a dalliance with dragonflies on the walk getting phenomenal views of Migrant Hawkers flying high over and beside me and dazzling male Common Darters sparkling ruby gems below. A demoiselle was nice to see too as were a wasp and bees. Other key flowers on the walk around the wetlands were water mint, great willowherb, hemp agrimony, nightshade, beautiful shaped water speedwell possibly a first for me, forget-me-not, burdock, comfrey, meadowsweet, mugwort, gypsywort, purple loosestrife, marsh woundwort, white deadnettle, ragwort, fleabane, herb-Robert, wood avens and giant chickweed. Mistletoe clinging to a distinctive dead tree of the site, beautiful elderberries again and rose hips were good to see. Sunlit Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Starling, Magpie, sedum and fuchsia were highlights at home today.