Not strictly new but I have not visited Summer Leys Nature Reserve in Northamptonshire for several years. Rather surprising really as, many years ago, I used to live just a couple of miles from it but a friend suggested it so off we headed.

First stop was at the feeding station called Charles Tower hide. I was hoping for Bullfinches but a volunteer who was there said that they had almost entirely been killed off by what is commonly called 'Scaly foot'. He had seen one within the last few days but totally absent during our stay. So we had to make the best of the birds that did visit. Blue Tit, Goldfinch and Great Tit.

We then moved on to Pioneer Hide as Water rail, Glossy Ibis and Jack Snipe had all been reported the previous day, the latter being the reason for the visit. The hide was very busy but still space to sit so I concentrated on what was showing. Little Egret

and distant Stonechats.

A Water Pipit put in an appearance and stayed a while feeding amongst the reeds. Never an easy shot but that was only the second time that I have ever photogrpahed one so that was a result.

The Water Rail appeared several time in the reeds.

The Jack Snipe never appeared and one Glossy Ibis flew in but kept to the far side of the mere - too distant for any worthwhile shot.

So after 4 hours in Pioneer Hide, we moved on to the Rotary Hide. A Grey Heron flew in.

and a pair of Shovelers were feeding relatively close in.

Not much else so, late afternoon, we returned to the feeding station but by then, the sun had moved round and the only new species was a Greenfinch but that never posed for a photo worth keeping so that was it for the day.

Overall, the day at Summer Leys was very enjoyable with some photos that I was pleased with. Definitely worth another visit soon.