It was rather quiet at Bittern Hide when I arrived - I'd just missed the water rail and there was no sign of a bittern, kingfisher, otter or even a trusty marsh harrier. It's just as well, then, that this beautiful mute swan stepped up to the mark - simply by bathing:
Enjoy, as always.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Sheer elegance Clare, what wonderful shots you managed to get.
Lot to learn
Wot this Water Rail? It was well hidden in the undergrowth (and you had to hang out the hide window to see it at all, hence the less than perfect picture!), but great to get a proper sighting of one for a change; they're so elusive normally!
___
Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
The island mere has been good for water rails recently, especially around the boardwalk area, even though the water level is quite high there. It seems they are more likely to be seen now than at any other time, except perhaps when they have young to feed. Not sure why this should be the case, but that is my experience.
Perhaps they're on the pull.
Whistling Joe, that's a lovely photo. I don't think I've ever managed to snap a water rail.
Simply beautiful Swan captures Clare!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Beautiful photos Clare, the Swans are so fabulous and well done spotting the elusive Rail WJ
_________________________________________________________________________
Regards, Hazel