Last evening, at least two nightjars were present around 'the clump' on the edge of the heath, and put on a splendid display - churring started at about 21.30 and continued until at least 22.10. Up on the dry heath, they didn't seem to mind that the brooks are almost 100% underwater.
The trail between west mead and winpenny hides is still passable, but wellies are recommended and be aware that things might change over the coming days - more of the wet stuff is due tonight which may push water levels up further. The rest of trail is fine ,and there are whitethroats and garden warblers singing and nightingales have been seen feeding fledged young. On the heath a group of crossbills are well worth trying to track down although they are fairly mobile. On/around the edge of the flood there are two broods of sheldcuck now, ca.40 lapwing, redshank, greenshank, numerous mallards, a few tufted duck, 2 or 3 pochard, at least one great crested grebe and several little egrets. The great egret of tuesday evening has failed to reappear although it may be still present - there is a lot of flood for it be feeding in!