Pond Dipping

Lade - 0600hrs - mild, wet, overcast, ssw3 - Another disappointing catch in the moth trap due to overnight wind and rain; however, a tatty Least Carpet was noteworthy.
ARC - 1245hrs - On the way back from Ashford called in at Hanson hide and joined PB notching up my 15th species of wader for the month, a cracking adult Curlew Sandpiper in moult. Also on the islands, 5 each of LRP and Common Sand, plus a single Blackwit.

                                          Least Carpet

                                          Marsh Frog tadpole

                                          Big Al pond dipping

                                          Examining the catch

RSPB  - 1330hrs - What fun we had this afternoon pond dipping at the bird reserve with Big Al. There were kids running around with nets, bowls, spy-glasses and all the pond dipping paraphernalia, it was madness! Best of the catch was a Medicinal Leech and a huge Marsh Frog tadpole. A great time was had by all, and I don't think anyone fell in!
ps: The Eagle Owl remains at large and was roosting on Charter House in Ashford town centre this morning.