Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Little Bitterns

An interesting mix of sandgrouse and bitterns this morning at Besor Reservoir this morning. Started off with a glimpse of this Little Bittern through the reeds.

 Saw a second bird by accident as I took a photo of this superb summer plumage Squacco Heron.

I edged round the reeds to try and get a better view and disturbed another one which flew off to the other side of the pool. Two females together.

 Another one (or one of the original three?) in the reeds.

The far pool also held a couple and I found two more as I walked back along the reservoir bank. Seven in total! An impressive number.

A few Little Stints by the pool, showing the red of summer plumage. Interesting apparent size difference.

The Night Herons have returned but instead of a large pool of water and dozens of trees they have a rapidly shrinking 'puddle' and only a couple of roosting trees.

The large and mostly dry bowl of the lake bed held the other surprise of the morning. 14 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse in three small groups. Great birds - it's always a thrill to see them.

A really good morning's birding - lots of colour (Rollers, Bee-eaters,

Hoopoes) and lots of interest with the seven Little Bitterns and 14 sandgrouse, topped off with a Hobby on a roadside plyon.