I realised it has been some time since I put up a thread, so here's a little bit of a winter roundup :-)
Bittern hide has been living up to its name recently, with one particular resident fishing in the waters immediately in front of the hide
Bitterns aren't always easy to spot though, even when close, their feathers are the colours of dead reeds and shadow as this pic demonstrates
Something else difficult to spot was this Grass snake - on the 2nd January!
The warm weather didn't bring an Adder to the party, but a Slow-worm was out and about just the other day, so Adders won't be far behind
Marsh Harriers have been floating over the reedbeds
and even skydancing on the nicer days
Out on the scrape, Teal were slip-sliding around on the ice
and Shoveller were showing off their skills
A Great White Egret took to hanging out with its Little friend, very useful for us trying to explain the differences
In the woods, Treecreepers have been regularly showing off their feeding strategies
and Redwing chuck the leaves everywhere looking for small wigglies
Whilst on the seashore, Gulls drift along the coast
Stars of the show for many visitors however, have been the Beardies - is it possible not to love these pretty little birds?
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Wow Joe, what a stunning set of images both moving and still.
I've been to Minsmere many times and never seen the Marsh Harriers sky dancing and although I've seen Beardies quite a few times hardly ever in the open and in sunshine.
I was luck enough to be in Island Mere hide during Autumn 2018 and had a lot of luck with Bitterns but not seen them very often since.
I'll be going to Minsmere very soon and your wonderful images have wet my appetite.
Thank you very much for posting,
Trevor
Lot to learn