More in Hope.....

Wednesday January 19
Having perused the weather forecast and planned a long day out on Friday, a shortish trip to-day.
We started at Strumpshaw Fen, our first visit of the year. It didn't look promising as we walked to Reception Hide, there was a lot of shooting going on, Wood Pigeons fleeing by the score. The day warden told us that most of the reserve is privately owned and the RSPB had to agree to 8 days of shooting per year in order to acquire the right to develop the area . Hm. Seems odd but it's reared pheasant rhey're after. A bit like the argument of grouse moor owners that it's their careful husbandry of the land which makes it such prime habitat for other birds.
We sat in the Centre Hide for about half an hour as we'd been warned that the paths were very muddy. Good choice. We had a Bittern stand in front of and then, fly and land out of sight at the back left of the pool, within ten minutes of arriving. About ten minutes later, one flew the length of the pool from the area where it had landed, flew towards us and, again, landed close but out of sight. Shortly afterwards another Bittern rose from the same spot at the back of the pool, flying away from us into the far distance. A definite two birds sighting.
 We were told that a probable 7 were present as it had been a good breeding season.
This reserve isn't specifically managed for Bitterns, unlike Titchwell, Minsmere and others. Why is this one so successful? Naturally correct conditions I suppose.
One more year list addition on the drive down to Buckenham Marshes, a small flock of distant Eurasian Whitefronts. Fancy getting a Lesser first.
No sign of the Hooded Crow, yet we drove home very happy and content with both our additions.