Weather harsh, Warbler................Marsh.

Hoping to get the daily double up on Saturday morning John (Howdon Blogger) and i heard the first Marsh Warbler at Big Waters around 6.45a.m. We were entertained by displaying Great Crested Grebes and feeding Tree Sparrows as we waited in vain for the bird to appear.

Having decided to try again later, off we headed in teeming rain to Hadston. On arrival the bird was heard immediately, performing most of its repertoire but staying low in the Phragmites. The rain had relented slightly initially but it was dark and chilly in a brisk wind. Up popped the Marsh Warbler onto a sycamore into full view for a minute or so then down again. It did this on around 8 occasions while we were there over an area of some 30 metres. While waiting on one occasion something caught my eye further to my right, this time in a line of conifers. Not sure of what i was looking at i said to the guy standing next to me " What colour is that Squirrel ?". "Red" he replied. A very nice surprise.

Meanwhile the birders present were still getting good views of the Warbler with some, i'm sure, getting nice images. I however had forgotten to reset my camera having been messing around the previous day with aperture openings and early images were taken on f 32, that along with high ISO's help to explain what you've seen so far.

A little belter belting it out.

The return to Big Waters brought us improving conditions. More Marsh Warbler song, this fella didn't quite have the same variety as the Hadston Bird, but still no show. While sitting with John and Graeme B. enjoying the song all three of us as one gave up a cheer as one of the Great Crested Grebes presented the other with some weed and both birds lifted out of the water momentarily. With the sun shining more and more we decided to explore a couple of ponds and had lots of Damselflies many in tandem, ovipositing and a few in wheels. Heading back to the  car park we all stopped in our tracks and fell silent. Cameras were raised and images captured.

Belasis Bridge not too far away so John and I headed there to see if any Banded Demoiselles were on the wing but the River Blyth was a raging torrent and water levels high so no surprise that none were seen. Compensation in the form of a flock of Swifts taking the huge numbers of Mayflies that WERE on the wing. The Swifts came in low and close on numerous occasions..............magic.