Trial Run

Forecast scrutinised, not bad, mist and drizzle early then dull, cloudy and damp, but no rain.  Unfortunately the weather had not consulted the forecast, so we got the mist across Spigot Mere,

the Stone Circle and right across the moor.

This soon turned to heavy rain so instead of doing a trial run for the new CES (Constant Effort Scheme) a net was mended.

This involved lots of pins, thread, scissors and needles.  It also meant that the conversation was interesting.  'Do I put a knot here or there?'  'Do I go under or over or both?'  'Pin here or there?'  'Where is the square?'  Eventually with hard work and the help of YouTube the holes were mended.  

Whilst this net was being mended another was repaired, so the net could easily be strung between the poles.  A change of ringers and the mending continued.  Also the 'Repair Basket' was sorted out.

Before the rain came down heavily a walk across the bridge at the head of the lake spotted something white.  A white Mallard?  No, it was not standing like a Mallard then realisation that it was a Little Egret.  The camera was stretched to its limit to gain this photo.  This species was last seen on 3rd March 2018 and it has not been recorded since then.

Thank you to the bird ringing volunteers for their perseverance with net 'wrangling', all helped by several cups of tea and cake!