17th April - frost last night -2. Sunny, light NE, 14C

Cotesbach Landfill area; this morning three Egyptian Geese again, otherwise nothing new, although 10 Red Kites.  A little while after I had left Carl had Iceland Gull (2) and a Viking Gull so maybe next time.

Middleton Lakes RSPB; I pondered where to go this afternoon and decided on here, one aim to see the Cattle Egrets reported.  Then Egret were together in a Sheep field, busily feeding among the Sheep and lambs, they were showing well.

As soon as I had walked over the canal to the lakes area I immediately could hear a Bittern 'booming', this was a bonus as I don't think they are often heard here. In fact, it was heard from deep in the reed bed frequently during the afternoon.  

Plenty of other birds to see around the lakes, several Cetti's Warblers were heard and Sedge Warblers too.  A single Yellow Wagtail was spotted, A couple of Avocet, three Black-tailed Godwits, several Redshank and Lapwings.  A good selection of Ducks including three Wigeon.  The Black-headed Gulls were very active in their nesting colony.