Barn Owl & Bittern

I finished work by two this afternoon, so after a quick cup of coffee and a change of clothes I headed north to Druridge Bay.

Druridge Pool was quiet, although I did bump into a chap who had just seen a bittern fly south along the ditch near the budge screen. Cresswell Pond was more productive, with three whooper swan in fields to the north of the pool, a barn owl hunting over the dunes, water rail on the pool edge and a quick view of bittern dropping into the reeds near to the hide at dusk (how many bittern are in the bay this winter?). Coupled with some chat with AC (essential travel tips) and BB, a very nice afternoon was had.

For the photo-buffs out there, all images of the barn owl were taken at dusk with a Canon 1DIII & 500mm IS, handheld @ ISO1000... Still lovin' that camera...!