Bearded Tit

I've had another wonderful day today. This morning (after a little lay in) we went to see my Gran in her care home, and then Mum and Dad and I went on to Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve on the River Ouse where we had a picnic before going for a walk around the reserve.

I'd wanted to go here mainly to try and see the Marsh Harriers, according to the recent sightings there had been upwards of 20 of these magnificent birds and a couple of rarer Hen Harriers coming to roost up on an evening. The reserve is also home to approx 400 Bearded Tits who are quite illusive.

All the lagoons were frozen over so there was little water fowl and wader activity, but we did see about 5 Marsh Harriers, and a Merlin above the reedbeds.  

I also saw a fox who looked amazing when it's coat was caught in the warm afternoon sunlight. 

While I was walking back towards the car park I saw a rat on the path and then a little further on today's Blip subject made an appearance on some reeds near the path. It was busy feeding and was hopping about quite a bit, but I managed to get a couple of shots before he flew off further into the reed beds.

I think I might try for a landscape picture tomorrow, we were treated to quite a nice winters sunset on the way home today, so I'm hoping for something similar tomorrow to round out the year.