2/8/17 I haven’t been to Tophill Low NR for a few weeks but with rain forecast it seemed a good place to be. Despite the title the big white heron wasn’t too important as I had seen one there in May, which despite their increasing occurrence was my first for almost three years and even longer at this site. More interesting was the report of Spotted Flycatcher at Hempholme Meadows yesterday. They had bred in O Wood but I hadn’t managed to see them there. However no sign up there but did see a Ruddy Darter on the way up and photographed some Little Gulls on the straight wall walking back [had counted at least 12 earlier from the visitor centre].

Ruddy Darter at Tophill Low NR near “top hide”.

Little Gulls at Tophill Low NR on D res wall.
Also no Kingfishers but had one walking past South Lagoon.

Red Admiral at Tophill Low NR wildlife garden.
Headed to South Marsh East where the big egret had been earlier, as well as a variety of waders. No sign of the Great but several of it’s Little cousins.

Little Egret at Tophill Low on South Marsh East.
Also a couple of Black-tailed Godwit and few Green Sandpiper but no sign of the Wood Sandpiper. The Lapwing regularly got up, as is their habit, taking other waders and some Little Gulls with them.

Green Sandpiper at Tophill Low NR on South Marsh East.
Headed for the back-2-back hide in the hope that the missing two would be seen from there but got diverted to Watton NR where as expected an unidentified ‘stint’ was a Dunlin. Nice to see Common Terns feeding young though.

Common Terns at Tophill Low NR on Watton NR.
Had a look from L-shaped hide where as often moths provided more interest than bird.
Agonopterix alstromeriana, Copper Underwing and Mouse Moth at Tophill Low NR in L-shaped Hide
Back at South Marsh East where I had just missed the Wood Sandpiper but the Great White flew into view.

Great white Egret at Tophill Low on South Marsh East.

Goosander at Tophill Low on South Marsh East.
Back round to the first hide and the Wood Sandpiper was showing but distant. Having opened the visitor centre and with no one else around to past the task on to I went up there with the hope of locking up and going but a had a steady stream of customers. No problem though just made myself a cup of tea and rigged up a ‘scope to show those interested a Little Gull. At least I’ve gone some of my way to paying for my annual permit!
Tags: Agonopterix alstromeriana, Common Tern, Copper Underwing, Goosander, Great White Egret, Green Sandpiper-, Little Egret, Little Gull, Mouse Moth, Red Admiral, Ruddy Darter, Tophill Low NR