Why Three L's? Well, it began on 13th October at Lemsford Springs Herfordshire where a Jack Snipe had been showing on and off as this species usually does - very secretive.

This small reserve is best known for the wintering Green Sandpipers and there were several there.

a bathing Moorhen added interest

and three or four Snipe showed all day.

Little Egrets flew in and out but as I have many shots of these, I did not bother with more. However, the hide faces West so the sun came round in the afternoon and a Little egret posed for a back-lit shot.

Pleased with that - unusual. But what about the Jack Snipe? It finally revealed itself around 4.25pm, at the bottom of the reeds, into the sun making a shot impossible - and we were to leave at 4.30pm. If it continues to show during the next couple of weeks or so, I may try again.

18th October - a visit to the second 'L' - Linford Arboretum Norfold to see if a Firecrest would play ball - another disappointment as the ones seen and heard were at the tops of the trees and did not come down.

Down at the bridge, the total absence of water in the lake was a real surprise but some food placed on top of the bridge parapet attracted a Chaafinch

and a couple of Marsh Tits.

Surprisingly, no Nuthatches or other common species - very odd.

So after lunch, it was time to visit the third 'L' - Lakenheath RSPB. Nothing out of the ordinary at the main hide. The usual Kingfisher - this time a female.

and a Great White Egret flew in to patrol the margins of the scrape before flying off to try somewhere else.

The was no food in the feeders at the photographic hide so no birds either, not even the usual Water Rail.

Once again, nothing to get excited about.

Persistance is a virtue so it is said!!!!! Keep trying and something of real interest will occur sooner or later.