Druridge Pools

Glossy Ibis in view for most of the time

Some kind of Shield bug?

Spent a pleasurable if chilly morning at Druridge pools today. Enjoyed the crack with a few local birders and the Ibis was pulling in a steady stream of visiting birdwatchers. Roger Forster had seen a Black darter, a good record for here but we couldn't find it again but lots of Common darters on the wing where it was sheltered. The Ibis was showing well but still a bit far off for some half decent digiscoped shots but I managed a few.

The best views was when a Marsh Harrier began to quarter the fields and the Ibis took flight to mob it but quickly returned to feed and didn't seem alarmed by its presence. Other birds were Buzzard and a brief view of a Merlin chasing a pipit like bird. Hundreds of Pink footed and Barnacle Geese were dropping out of the sky and gathering into a large flock in the fields north of the reserve.