Little Bittern at Ham Wall

9 June - an evening visit after work and rewarded with multiple flight views of the male Little Bittern that has been present for several days - when not in view, the bird was calling frequently from the extensive reedbeds. Seen circling low over the reeds at close quarters at 9pm. Also seen, a brief view of a (Great) Bittern in flight - a unique UK species double - and a hunting Barn Owl. Photo of the Little Bittern - copyright James Packer (somersetbirder.co.uk)

Marsh Harrier at Otmoor!

4 June - an afternoon visit to Otmoor, the highlight being a view of the female Marsh Harrier that has been around for a while - hunting not over the reedbed, but over the field adjacent to the bridleway. Also seen, 3 Hobbies and 2 Red Kites. En route, a Hobby over the Oxford ring road, and 13 Red Kites in the Didcot/Whittenham area.