Booming Bitterns & Hudsonian Godwit revisited

Booming Bittern.

On Saturday the 2nd May i fancied another look at  the Hudsonian Godwit at Meare Heath in Somerset , i had seen it on the previous Thursday but was keen to have another look and try and get some flight shots of it's underwing.

An early start and an uneventful journey saw me arrive on site at 8am with positive news , the bird was still here !!!!  on the footpath i first en counted a group of birders watching a Bittern out in the open "Booming" , i have often heard them Booming but never actually seen one do it , an incredible sight and experience .

Hudsonian Godwit.

I eventually dragged myself away from the Bittern and joined the assembled birders looking for the Godwit ,it had walked out of sight below the nearby bank , eventually the Hudsonian Godwit flew from under the bank out into the open and gave some cracking views , and made alot of birders very happy.

Having a preen.

Reddish flanks.

Eventually the flock of Black Tailed Godwit's got flushed by a Peregrine and they all took to the air including the Hudsonian Godwit and i achieved the flight views i so much wanted to capture on film.

Hudsonian Godwit in flight.

Top view of the Hudsonian Godwit.

Black auxiliaries .

I watched this bird for a good couple of hours plus i had some fantastic views of Great White Egret including a pair displaying , which was another first for me.

Grey Heron spooking a Great White Egret.

Great White Egret.

I also saw the male Garganey which was keeping mostly to the back of the pool , also there were large numbers of Common Swift , Swallow , Sand & House Martins overhead , I also saw at least 3 Hobby and along with the Booming Bittern i saw at least two more Bitterns in flight , Warblers were well represented with numerous birds heard including , Cetti's , Sedge , Reed, Chiffchaff, Blackcap , Willow  & Garden Warbler.

This is a wonderful very well managed site which is full of bird life and one that i will no doubt visit again in the future.