Eight of us went a little further than usual to three sites in the Somerset Levels: RSPB Greylake, RSPB Hamwall and Natural England's Shapwick Heath.  

It was a little cold when we were in the hides which probably kept the numbers of birds seen down as it was the wind which was the problem, hence not so many dragonflies about (food of many, especially the Hobby). But we did see all of our target birds; the Bittern (first heard 'booming'), Marsh Harrier, Great White Egret and Hobby.

We did experience the sun coming out for a short period while we were having our picnic lunch but we really had to be thankful that we had a dry day.

Those of us who went onto Shapwick were able to see another two Great Whites whilst listening to a nearby Cuckoo, which we weren't able to locate, and more Bittern booming.

We had an overall bird count of over 30 plus 4 or 5 little tweeters we heard but didn't see.

Janet Fernley