Saturday 19th April

Away for the weekend at Kirkby Lonsdale with a girlfriend - trip to Leighton Moss where I have wanted to go for some while.  She saw a male marsh harrier before we even reached the car park.  I was somewhat sceptical but it proved to be correct as we saw it several times and once it flew more or less straight over us.  Also had an excellent view of a reed warbler singing in a bush right next to us and saw a male blackcap as well as numerous ducks including gadwall (a first I believe) and tufted ducks.  Listened for bearded tit but no sign and no avocets.  Did not see bittern.