Ham Wall - amazing place

1 June - A fine, calm sunny morning, and at last a window for a trip to Ham Wall, one of the best RSPB reserves in the UK. A large reedbed with an amazing array of wildlife. Altogether I saw 8 Bitterns, including 3 in the air together - in addition to hearing several booming. This is the only site for breeding Great White Egrets in the UK - apparently at least 16 pairs nesting this year, and birds seemingly all over the place, both fishing and in the air. 3 Little Egrets, 2 Cattle Egrets and several Grey Herons also seen - plus, after 2 vigils totalling several hours, the male Little Bittern at the eastern end - calling on and off, and seen in flight over the reeds. Marsh Harriers were also much in evidence, with 2 nesting pairs - other birds seen included Hobby, Barn Owl and Glossy ibis (on Meare Heath pool) with Bearded Tits heard, in addition to all the usual reedbed species. Several male Cuckoos calling also a female heard. An amazing place especially at the peak of spring.