Spotting a rare Crake

I went out after work on Thursday to Blacktoft Sands for a Spotted Crake found there at the start of the week, they used to be a regular Autumn bird but have become rather scarce in recent years, always nice to see, it was showing well this afternoon from First Hide in the company of one or two Water Rails, also a good selection of Waders present although no big numbers as yet, a bit dull this afternoon so the Harriers weren’t particularly active, just a couple of Marsh made brief sorties, no sign of the juv Montagu’s that has been showing recently but the female came in early evening, double figures of Little Egrets around the site now.

a bit distant so just record shots

juv Water Rail

plus Egrets

and a few Waders