Somerset Levels

It was 5-30am and we were on our way to the Chew Valley Lakes and the Somerset Levels. Four species had been targeted...Great Egret, Smew, Glossy Ibis and Ruddy Duck before they exterminate them.
The first stop (well second...the first was the customary Mc Donalds :-( ) was Herriots Pool on the Chew Valley Lakes complex. Derek Julian soon had us onto a Smew on the water opposite and almost immediately Ruddy Ducks along with Goldeneye and Tufted Ducks. Next stop was Cheddar reservoir where we were surprised with Red-crested Grebes on the far side which were again soon picked up by Derek's scope. Good going.it was just 1045 hrs and with three life ticks in the bag things looked rosy.
Bladon Waters, Burnham on Sea and Catcott Nature Reserve did not add to the tally but we added greatly to the day list.
Next came Shapwick Heath RSPB and again nothing was added to my list but Derek and Angie heard a Cetti's Warbler in the reed beds but there was no chance of that with me.
Derek decided to return to Catcott NR as the Glossy Ibis had been seen daily for some time now and as providence would have it , three of them flew overhead giving all in the hide a good view.
We dipped on the Great Egret but added the Red-crested Pochard , Glossy Ibis , Smew and Ruddy Duck to our Life List thanks to the expert spotting skills of Derek.
Yep....a good days work.