My last couple of visits to Grafham Water have produced zilch but, with a warm sunny day, I was headed there quite early - well early for me that is, arriving before 9.00am. Still Easter holiday time but my first port of call at the dam and no-one in sight.

No birds either except for a lone Herring Gull.

It was only after editing the photo at home, that I noticed that the tongue appeared to be protruding through the lower mandible, a condition that I have only seen once before in a Grey Heron in Romania. It is known as Sublingual Fistula but, not being an expert, I am hopeful that someone can confirm this or otherwise.

Further up the dam, things began to happen. Several Yellow Wagtails showed although flighty so patience was required.

A pair a Grey Wagtails fed on the water line for a time.

and a Pied Wagtail appeared in front of me, staying just long enough for a couple of shots.

A pair of Little Ringed Plovers were not so shy, giving great views.

But by 11.00 am the visitors appeared and the birds disappeared and despite visiting the lagoons, harbour and Mander Hide, I did not take another photo.

And the same for a walk around Stirtloe - nothing showing at all so I went home and cut the grass!!!