Shorncote and Blakehill

25 Aug - An excellent, fine late summer early morning at Shorncote, after many attempts I finally added Great White Egret to the patch list - not 1, but 2! Initially seen in flight and then 1 briefly on the waters edge. Distinctive slow wing beats and large span in flight, the bill obvious in the sun. Also 2 active Kingfishers, and calling Water Rails and Cetti's Warblers. Blakehill was also very productive with no less than 5 Whinchats and 7 Wheatears feeding from the fence line, and the usual Redstart in the hedge. An excellent local morning!