No Show Squacco....But What A Day!.

After hearing yesterday evening that a Squacco Heron had been found at Kirkby-On-Bain gravel pits near to Horncastle,this is where i headed at first light this morning.
 After arriving and only one other birder being present along with myself we tried our best to spot this Linc's mega.While searching for the heron,a close encounter with an Otter which swam right in front of where we were stood was special and a Red Kite and 'Purring' Turtle Dove also helped to provide interest.
 As time wore on and more people arrived,we all split up in an attempt to try and relocate the bird in question,but sadly it was not to be....but all was not lost, as a very nice surprise was found.
 After covering some good looking habitat along with Phil Espin and Phil Hyde we returned to the reserve pit to the incredible news that a male Little Bittern had just been found!.
 After a bit of patience it was seen sat at relatively close range in a waterside willow...what a cracking little bird.It was then seen in flight and then perched up a further two times as it moved around the pit,being eventually lost to view as it perched in another willow.
 This is my second male Little Bittern in Linc's after a bird at Messingham on 1st June 2004.
 Other notable sightings during the day included a whopping female Grass Snake while looking for the Squacco and a single female Southern Hawker,my first record of the year.
 A shame about the Squacco Heron not showing,but fine compensation was had with the cracking Little Bittern and Otter.