Temminck's, Hen Harrier & Toadlet

On Wednesday 10th May, a Temminck's Stint was found by Gavin on Peto's and with Chris D saying it was still there mid afternoon, I decided to drive over to Carlton Marshes and take the long walk down to try and see it. I saw Maurice B as I walking up there and he said Paul & Jane F and Chris D were still watching it. I reached them and the bird was on the Turnpike Scrape left of a resting Chinese Water Deer, the only problem was it sat down and completely disappeared for a good half hour before Jane picked it out by the edge of the water, with its head sticking up and the the back showing the streaks on the back, Proving it was a Temminck's Stint. Meanwhile Phil D who had just joined us announced there was an interesting bird of prey behind us soaring around, it was clearly a Harrier and specifically, a ringtail Harrier. Its broadish wings looked like more like Hen to me. The belly was streaked, it showed a white rump and as it flew away it appeared pale on the lower belly. Chris D showed us a pic showing 4 protruding primaries, streaky belly and no boa, which confirmed beyond doubt that any lingering hopes of a rarer Ringtail harrier species could be dismissed and it was clearly a ringtail Hen Harrier. It then flew north towards Somerleyton marshes. After this excitement, we saw the fine Temminck's Stint walking slowly left along the waters edge showing its pale legs before A Lapwing forced it to fly right. Followed by 2 Avocets. A fine flock of 21 Ruff flew high and north over Peto's Marsh. As we walked back, 2 Bearded Tits flew up, a fine male perched high up in the reeds and a juvenile bird too. briefly before flying across the path and into the reeds by the river. Jane also spotted a tiny Toadletcrossing the path ahead, hiding underneath some grass and I obtained a few pics before moving it to safety in longer grass. Amazingly, this was the first Toad I have seen in Lowestoft proper (I have seen some at Lound!).