Wetland birds

The graceful great crested grebe is a familiar sight on our lakes, and is well-known for its elaborate courtship dance, during which it rises vertically out of the water and shakes its head. Also look out for humbug-striped chicks riding on their mothers back.

The distinctive sight of a spoonbill is becoming increasingly common in the east and southwest of England, with colonies of breeding birds now established, our nearest in Norfolk. Your best chance of seeing them are from Jackson's Marsh bird hide at Gibraltar Point nature reserve.

The shy and retiring bittern is a master of blending in and can be very difficult to spot in its reedbed home. It does sound like a booming foghorn, however, when it calls, so can often be heard if not seen. Listen for them at Far Ings.

Living up to its name, the shoveler has a large and distinctive shovel-like bill which it uses to feed at the surface of the water. Look for these at Whisby Nature Park.

The little egret is a small, white heron that feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Once a very rare visitor from the Mediterranean, little egrets are now a common sight around the coasts of southern England and Wales, but can also be seen in Lincolnshire. Look out for its beautiful neck plumes that herald the breeding season.