I went to Leighton Moss today, 08/10/09, on the train, no less. And whilst I was there I saw a bittern, great white egret, coal tit, shoveler and a fleeting glimpse of a water rail. These are all firsts for me, I don't know what birders call firsts. There where other birds there but these I had seen before so I won't name them. I also saw 3 red deer hinds but no sign of the stag although I was informed that he had been seen today.

I tried a pair of £600 bins. Quite nice but way too...