Bittern & Waxwing - Leighton Moss

The plan was to try and photograph the Bittern at Leighton Moss and with the pools all frozen over now was going to be our best chance. Parking up by the public hide track we headed down towards the grit trays in search of the Bearded Tits but no such luck on this occasion but we were told that Bittern had been seen by the Lillians Hide so off we went after picking up a Waxwing in the garden of the house by the path.
We didn't have to wait long as Reece saw a Bittern fly across the front of the hide (I was wandering around the paths!) and land in the reeds near a small pool of open water. It was about 5 minutes before it made an appearance but gave good views for at least an hour as it nervously moved around the reed edge.

ABOVE AND BELOW BITTERN @ LEIGHTON MOSS

It was whilst watching the Bittern Reece spotted a Water Rail sculcing amongst the reeds. Reece wasn't the only one watching as the Water Rail broke cover a Carrion Crow flew in. The Rail dashed for cover but there was only ever going to be one winner.

ABOVE AND BELOW A CARRION CROW MAKING A MEAL OF A WATER RAIL 

After a fine early lunch / late breakfast in the cafe we headed back to see if we could catch the Waxwing again. 30+ were on show flying between the garden and the golf course feeding on berries and apples.

ABOVE AND BELOW WAXWING

On the way home we called in at both Heysham where we saw 20 Twite and what I think is a first winter Linnet. Then down to Bradshaw Lane feeding station with Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow with Whooper Swan and Shellduck over.

ABOVE TWITE AND WHAT I THINK IS A 1ST WINTER LINNET

ABOVE TWITE BELOW RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE