Risby Warren and MSQ....

Another trip out today with Dave had us starting at Risby Warren,with us seeing 2 lovely Barn Owls along the approach road as we drove in,a nice start and always a joy to see.
 After a quick drink and getting the gear together,we walked around most of this superb site.The best of the sightings were a couple of male Wheatears our first of the year,and a singing and displaying male Woodlark.
 Non-bird sightings included a couple of Brown Hare and a buck Roe Deer.
So on to Messingham again for more views of the Otter's and after a 30 minute wait we were treated to more superb views of a single animal today which put on a great show and it was watched catching and eating what looked like freshwater snails.The Otter was watched on and off for at least 2 hours before disappearing to no doubt rest after all the feeding and swimming.
 After this everything seemed a disappointment as it is such a treat to watch such a fantastic animal,but we made the best of it and it was a bonus with the great spring weather.
 Bird highlights on the reserve today included a single Green Sandpiper,moulting male Ruff,1 Sedge Warbler,12 Willow Warbler,4 Blackcap,9 Chiffchaff and a single Pink-footed Goose.
 Insect highlights around the reserve included some decent numbers of butterflies with 17 Peacock,7 Small Tort,9 male Brimstone and a single Comma.Another couple of examples of the Micro moth Diurnia fagella where found again by myself today and a new species of Shieldbug for the year a solitary Parent Bug.Amphibians where well represented today with several Common Frogs and Toads and at least 10 Smooth Newt.

 Another excellent day in the sun.