Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Rye Meads, 7th February 2023

There has been a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen at Rye Meads for a few weeks now, but has been very elusive and seems to pop up anywhere. I have had a few visits and failed to see it. The early morning mist eventually cleared and it was a still and sunny day also ideal for trying to see the Bearded Tits. I did get views of four birds but too obscured for any shots. However, the light was perfect for some shots of this beautiful female Reed Bunting.

A quick visit to the Gadwall hide where a Common Snipe was right in front of the hide.

Time then to head for home and it was while walking back, just after the Ashby hide that a chap I was walking with saw movement and called out it was the LSW. It did not stay long, and it was very difficult to get clear shots, but I manged a couple of record shots. It's a female bird and only has one leg, but seems to be doing fine!

A great end to the day!