Rob Lewis had brief views yesterday morning. It was still there this morning – the wet weather seemed ideal so I headed down there early. After 10 minutes in the hide, at 0840, it flew in from the right (east) and dropped into reeds behind willow-blackthorn scrub due north of the hide, about 300m away. At 0850 it flew, and headed inland, quite high, and I lost track of it. At 0950 it flew back, dropping into reeds NNW of hide. At 1000 it flew a short distance left, again dropping into reeds. It seems quite mobile: the pattern seems to be for it to fly every hour or so, then drop out of sight in the reeds. Unlike the grey heron which was walking about in the open. So the best tactic would be to head for the hide and wait patiently for it to fly – there seems to be no chance of seeing it on the ground. 

Terrible record shots taken at a distance through mist and rain, but at least they show the neck keel, splayed feet etc.. Amazing picture from Caroline on Saturday!