It was a gloriously beautiful day as I arrived at Minsmere yesterday. I arrived early enough to check out Island Mere Hide before heading to the Visitor Centre, and I'm pleased I did:
There's a snipe in there somewhere and it's fleeing!
I thought these swans were going to get seriously fruity in front of me but they limited themselves to a few graceful dance moves.
The bittern wasn't remotely in pesky mood today.
Whistling Joe clearly brings out the best of the peskiness in it!
Seven of the nine tufted ducks lurking at the back of the Island Mere.
The lovely Mrs Mallard looking for breakfast.
A little grebe in between dives.
On the way back to my car I was accosted by two beautiful robins
I'm assuming one of them must be Limpy's little friend, Sweetie.
At the Visitor Centre I grabbed a radio and headed out around the Scrape. For a change I stopped in the North Hide, where I couldn't help but notice this subtle pair:
I love Canada geese!
Off they go.
I took the temporary trail through the North Bushes to get to the North Wall as it will close again in Spring. This chaffinch really seemed to appreciate having an audience.
I love hearing these birds. Undoubtedly part of that is due to the fact I always hear their song as I watch the Loch Garten osprey camera! Perhaps the incubating female enjoys hearing them as well.
A lapwing potters about on the stone curlew field.
These Canada geese on the North Marsh had a distinct look of 'where's the party' about them.
I was pleased to spot this lovely male pintail among the other ducks from the East Hide.
It's impossible to walk around the Scrape without seeing cormorants.
One of two oystercatchers who arrived, making their usual racket.
A glossy shelduck.
One of three barnacle geese which flew across.
I really enjoy snapping shelducks, their colours are beautiful.
This moorhen swam with such determination it created a bow wave!
I was pleased to see this little egret when I moved to the Public Hide.
It was quite nervous and it kept taking to the air.
Happily it didn't go far but it at least enabled me to get some snaps of its beautiful wings.
Incoming!
'What's the scoff like here, then?'
This beautiful curlew appeared as well. I always love seeing their amazing beaks.
After leaving the Public Hide I walked through the sluice and up to the South Hide, where I saw this redshank. I love these, they are so easy to recognise.
A young cormorant takes off and flies over the hide. Lovely.
I'm finishing with the beautiful colours of this male shoveler.
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.
Looks like you had an enjoyable day Clair.
My Flickr. Photos link HERE
What a lovely selection from your day out Clare. The Egrets wings look like paper lace, beautiful robins, the Chaffie looks like some unusual bird with the light shining on it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Looks like you had a good day :-) The Bitterns haven't been that pesky for me lately either - I think it's just that the water levels are still quite high so they're being a bit more elusive. However, spring is definitely on its way for the Bitterns - we heard one booming today!
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Another lovely set of photos Clare and a great sunny day, hope its stays that way as we are planning to visit Tues & Wed next week. I was thinking of coming of the A12 and coming through Eastbridge to try and see the Ibis, is it easy to find, can you give me an idea where it is usually spotted. Thanks
Tony
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wherryman/
If you come in from Eastbridge, just as you leave Eastbridge itself there's a gate next to a footpath sign on the left, immediately before you cross the little bridge. Stand at that gate and scan the flooded field, that's typically where it is. Parking is easiest at the Eels Foot or carry on until the sharp right turn into the reserve where there are a few parking spots. Stopping right near the gate can end up with cars blocking the road. If you stop too long at the Eels Foot, you end up seeing 2, 3, 4 or even more Ibissessesssss <hic!>
:-)
A lovely selection of photos Clare - hard to choose any favourites as they all make for lovely viewing, thanks.
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks WJ, think I know where you mean, I know the Eels Foot well had few in there over the years but will keep away in case we see a flock of Ibisessssssssss ha, ha