I didn't arrive at Minsmere until lunchtime today, which meant I wasn't expecting to see very much as I was due to start my Reception shift at 1.00. However an unexpected sighting at the Bittern Hide meant that I ended up heading off in the hope of bringing back some photos.
My first sighting of the day, though, was Minsmere's answer to vehicle security:
This black-headed gull is a regular feature of the Visitor Centre!
At the Bittern Hide Margaret (one of our guides) was on hand to point out our unusual visitor - my first ever woodcock!
These are bigger than snipes, with different markings, but that inscrutable look is unmistakeable!
It was actually very obliging - staying in view and not scuttling about at warp speed.
It paused to eye me up, curiously. Then it got back to the business of furiously digging for whatever it could find.
What a beauty! I'm delighted to have finally seen one.
A grey heron elegantly flew past.
That's a very clean pair of heels it's showing.
One of two distant marsh harriers. Wish they'd come closer.
Back at the Visitor Centre Phyllis was showing her beautifully marked plumage.
This robin paused to give us a brief song before chasing off yet another rival.
One of a multitude of blue tits!
Finishing with Mr Blackbird.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Lovely photos Clare, and the Woodcock is stunning, beautiful markings, you can see how it would blend in to the undergrowth.
Lot to learn
Great shots again Clare, the woodcock is stunning, I've never seen one that clearly before. Only ever seen one in the woodland along the path from car park to visitor centre at Titchwell.
Tony
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wherryman/
Lovely photo's Clare.
J
a brilliant set Clare and congrats on the Woodcock, although they've been spotted at our local reserve I've also never seen one and it's wonderful to peruse your photos. Love the car park security patrol Gull taking his duty very seriously !
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Regards, Hazel
Unknown said:Love the car park security patrol Gull taking his duty very seriously !
LOL Clare !! that's brilliant
What an exciting find, Clare, and brilliant photos. Not often you see a Woodcock in broad daylight as they normally feed at night. I wonder if the recent freezing weather has forced a change in its feeding habits. Lovely looking bird.
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My Flickr Photostream
Unknown said:I wonder if the recent freezing weather has forced a change in its feeding habits.
Lovely photos Clare.
The woodcock may be one of the lucky ones to have escaped the big freeze on the continent and successfully arrived here to feed. Many others didn't and have been picked up dead on our beach (and other beaches locally). Other lucky ones even arrived in people's gardens. Hopefully this bird will feed up, regain its strength, and migrate back soon.
Ian
Unknown said:Hopefully this bird will feed up, regain its strength, and migrate back soon.