The circle of life - Heron #58

On our way to Askrigg we stopped off at Leighton Moss for a few hours as we love it there. Lots of cute fluffiness around with chicks from many species including the avocets, but today's blip is of a hungry heron who managed to steal a duckling and somehow swallow it. 

Back at the main reserve and we went to lower hide to see if the bittern was about and just as we were about to leave it flew in quite close to the hide - a first for my husband so he was really pleased. I wasn't too pleased as I didn't manage to focus in time. The man next to us got three wonderful shots. 

On the way back we dropped into Causeway hide and saw an otter and a marsh harrier so it was a great day. 

Last hide was Grisedale and it was fabulous to watch the Marsh Harriers hunt across the marsh, but none of my shots were very good so we might make a return visit on the way home on Monday. 

A lovely meal in the Kings Arms, which is the pub that was the Drover's Inn in All Creatures Great and Small all those years ago. This is where we are staying. 

Pretty tired now so will attempt to start my catch up tomorrow as it looks to be a bit wet for some of the day. 

Have a great weekend everyone!