Alkborough Flats.....

Hawthorn Shieldbug.

Seven-spot Ladybird's.

Tree Wasp.

A visit to this superb site today to lead a walk to see waders and wildfowl didn't reveal too many surprises,with the best sightings being 2 Whooper Swan which did a brief flyby over the reserve,my first of the winter period.Other sightings included 2 Greenshank,5 Ruff,Grey Wagtail and at least 10 Marsh Harrier which gave superb views as they hunted over the reserve and sorrounding area.We also got some great views of the commoner species which included a single streak of blue as a gorgeous Kingfisher flew past,it was later seen perched along one of the dykes briefly.The 2nd calendar yr. Common Crane was not seen on the reserve today,but was heard calling distantly from the direction of Blacktoft Sands RSPB,from were it was reported later in the day.Several other sightings of note from the non avian world included 1 Common Darter,1 Red Admiral,1 Peacock,3 Tree Wasp and a Hawthorn Shieldbug and a Common Seal which was hauled out on Whitton Sand.A decent day with some cracking views of the resident Marsh Harriers.