Little Bittern, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

It's been a few years since I saw my first and only Little Bittern, at Titchwell in north Norfolk, so with one found just 40 minutes away in Hertfordshire, it would have been rude and silly not to go see it. Shaun had never seen one so a life tick was waiting as we headed off after breakfast this morning.

The bird showed well for 15 minutes when we arrived on the far bank of the River Colne, providing good views for the 50+ birders crammed onto the path running along side the river.
    

After 15 minutes or so it crept into cover and stayed partly hidden for the next 30 minutes before we decided to call it a day and head home. It was great to see this very smart bird, in London, a short journey from home.
 

Cinnabar Moth - Rainham Marshes RSPB

Saw this smart Cinnabar Moth at Rainham Marshes yesterday between the west end car park and the Wennington mound. I could get right into mothing, I find it and them very interesting. Hoping for an Elephant Hawk Moth this year, if any one gets one locally please let me know.

Thanks to Dave Mo for correcting my mis-identification of this moth!

Marsh Warbler - Rainham Marshes RSPB

It's in there honest. I spent the best part of 2 hours this afternoon hearing but not seeing a Marsh Warbler. After an hour or so it started to sing but it remained in dense cover, frustratingly just 20 odd yards away. Also seen of note, 1 adult male Marsh Harrier and a heard only Grasshopper Warbler.