A fantasic new sighting at the Rife is a pair of Water Rails. 

These were first seen and photographed by regular visitor and top contributor to the Facebook group MICK HEALEY.

More of his great photographic work can be seen on that Facebook group.

I returned the next day and was lucky enough to see one after quite a wait in the area they have settled in.

These wondeful birds are not often seen, so it is wonderful to know they are present at the Rife. Their distinctive call which is somewhat quiet sounds like a piglet squeal.

These sightings will be submitted as usual to the national database via iRecord.

Lets hope they settle at the Rife and maybe breed in the future.