HOW GREEN IS THE VALLEY.

Today was a change of venue with a return to Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh in the hope of viewing the Bitterns which have been seen recently.  An early arrival had me walking down the track to the ramp just after 5.30 a.m. joining Marc and Martyn who had been in place a few minutes previously.  Two Tawny Owls serenaded us and the ubiquituous Cetti's could be heard at the bottom of the ramp.  A single Ruff was feeding with the Lapwings on the main lake and two Corn Bunting and six Yellow Wagtail left their roost.  A Buzzard took flight from the bottom of the ramp and on entering the Feast Hide 6 Green Sandpiper made the notebook along with a single SPOTTED REDSHANK.  We strolled to the Marsh Hide with Marc hiding behind myself and Martyn as the big, nasty cows frightened his tiny stature.  A single Wheatear and Stonechat were added along Middle Drove and as we entered the Marsh Hide a single Bittern was soon sighted.  During our hour stay we saw 4 birds which appeared to consist of 3 juveniles and an adult bird.  Along the newly named 'Marsh Warbler' alley a REDSTART  made a brief appearance and a Whimbrel flew over our heads.  We heard a Wood Sandpiper calling but could not locate it.  Along the river we added 7 BlackTailed Godwits on the water meadows and after Marc's departure we added a single CURLEW SANDPIPER on the main lake and a solitary Whinchat and as Marc's text commented 'Thank God for that!' as it was my first of the year.  Great morning, top company, same again next week?