Around the patches

Pennington Flash: There was an adult little egret complete with breeding plumes from the Teal hide this morning, also around, two shelduck, two teal, several common terns, singing Cetti's warbler and a female gadwall with eight chicks.

Lightshaw Hall Flash: Two shelduck with two chicks, a pair of shoveler, 10 lapwings and a single oystercatcher. Also here, my first painted lady butterfly of the year.

Houghton Green Flash: Yellow wagtail, 2 oystercatchers, adult little grebe.

Look at the size difference between the grey heron and the little egret. Especially the bill!

Painted lady.