Two Little Egrets were on lower Dean Clough reservoir on 22 October following a single bird on the 13th. These are the first I’ve seen on the ground here although I’ve had them flying over previously and had numerous sightings at Parsonage reservoir – it’s a common bird locally these days, but still scarce at Dean Clough due to the disturbance levels. It’s likely that the – still low – water levels are giving the birds the confidence to stay around as there’s a greater distance from the paths and therefore walkers and dogs than usual when the water level is higher. They were still flighty and moved whenever a walker or dog came near though. I managed a record shot of one of them in flight during one of its frequent moves and grabbed a quick pic of the first one on the 13th.
Also on the 22nd, Raven called from the plantation and as the light fell Tawny Owl called from York Rd wood. Three Wigeon were recent arrivals.