The Levels

9 Oct - A perfect autumn day, and an early start to be at Westhay for a stunning dawn, the sunlight filtering through the trees and the reedbed coming alive to the sounds of Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers, while Herons and Egrets flew over to commence feeding. After a few minutes waiting on the boardwalk a "pinging" in the reeds presaged the appearance of a pair of Bearded Tits to collect grit - the birds were fairly obliging and perched up in the early morning light. A group flew over calling a few minutes later but didn't land to continue the performance. Next stop Ham Wall, where several Great White Egrets were conspicuous. A vigil in Avalon hide produced a couple of hunting Marsh Harriers but no Bittern flights, however on my return a bit of scanning from the first platform resulted in probably my best ever views of a feeding Bittern - amazing views of the cryptic bird as it moved stealthily and slowly through the reeds, at times very hard to pick out with its camouflage - until it finally emerged and posed briefly in the open. 4 Cattle Egrets at Catcott made it a 5-Heron day, with the expected Grey Herons and Little Egrets also much in evidence. A successful day in stunning weather.