Once Bittern....

Another weekend on my own as Miriam continues to recuperate in hospital. I'd contacted Andy G on Friday evening to see if he was able to join me for a days birding and had contemplated heading down to Sixpenny Handley in Dorset for the over wintering Great Grey Shrike.
I was officiating at the Three Counties Skittle League Jubilee Cup Final and when I received Andy's reply it was the start of an evening of texting and changing plans as he told me that a Pied Billed Grebe had been reported at Ham Wall RSPB Reserve late in the afternoon. I was just about to present the cup to the winning captain of the Partistes when my phone rang, It was Steve C, with impeccable timing ruining my big moment and asking if I could pick him up also on my way to the levels.
Next morning at 7am I picked up Andy in Chard and then Steve at Podimore and we arrived at Ashcott Corner at 8am surprised by how few cars were in the car park. It was a really misty and foggy walk out to the second viewing platform where the bird had last been seen and where a few of the local somerset birders were already assembled, althouth fewer than I'd expected. We had a wait of around thirty minutes before the Grebe moved ethereally out of the mist and then remained on view for the rest of our time there.

Pied Billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)

I took some 'artistic' record shots and then we debated whether to hang around for the sun to burn off the fog and the hordes to arrive or to go back to the original plan and head over to get the Shrike.
The Shrike won the day and so at around 9.15am we went back to the car passing a continual stream of birders making their way along the path.
We arrived at Wyke Down just outside of Sixpenny Handley around 10:45 am and connected with the Great Great Shrike almost immediately and as we were only 13 miles from Blashford Lakes decided to head over there for the rest of the day.
We parked at the Ibsley Water side and because the car park was full expected to find the hide packed but surprisingly it was empty. We scanned over the lake hoping for a Goosander or Grebe but it was very quiet with just the usual common ducks on view. There were a few Goldeneye though to take our interest with the males doing their strange head turning motions.

Goldeneye (Bucephala clanguta)

We then walked over to the main part of the reserve. and went first to the Ivy South Hide where we were informed a female Smew had been seen. No luck there so we made our way back and called into the Woodland hide. This is always good for close up views of feeding finches and the like as the glass is one way and sound proof. There is one open window though and we all crowded around this to take photos of the Lesser Redpoll's that were on the feeders.

Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea)

We then went to the Ivy North Hide where we told that a Bittern was 'showing well'. This proved to be the understatement of the day as it was right in front of the hide at a distance of about 10 feet and quite unconcerned about the clicking of cameras as people jockeyed for good views.

Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)

 This was, without doubt the best views I've ever had of this secretive and skulking bird. We spent at least 30 minutes enjoying this great spectacle and eventually had to drag ourselves away as the day was getting on. We had one more try for the Smew before leaving and were lucky again when Steve spotted it roosting on the far bank. A fly over Buzzard sent a panic through the ducks though and when they settled again I managed to locate her among the birds on the water.

Smew (Mergellus albellus)

Steve also spotted a Common Sandpiper on the far bank to add to our year lists before it was time for us to be on our way on what had been a very memorable and enjoyable few hours birding.