Amidst all the foul weather we've been having lately there have been a few of nice days and on a couple of them I've taken the opportunity to visit the Wetlands.The comment I've heard most regularly from casual visitors is "There's nothing about" and whilst I agree that waterfowl numbers seem down compared to last year on the last visit I saw Tufted Ducks, a Pochard and the ubiquitous Mallards sheltering in the lee of the reeds (as seen from the hide).When I looked back over the photos I've taken since my last post I realised that tI've actually seen a lot! Just thought I'd share a few photos here.
The perception that we've seen very little it's just relative to the late Spring and Summer when the place is bursting with life, in reality I've been very lucky to see quite a few species, even if the majority are what many would call "common" species (beautiful nonetheless!) Most of the hedgerow birds were photographed in Perry Lane.
Male Bullfinch
Female Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Moving towards the copse one of a flock of Blue Tits feeding.
Blue Tit on Rose Bay Willow Herb
Great Tit
Moving into the copse Siskins in the canopy feeding on Alder seeds.
Siskins
Whilst photographing the Siskins I also saw this Treecreeper and took a quick (record) shot!
Treecreeper
From the same spot in the copse I also saw this little Goldcrest busily scouring the branches for insect eggs.
Goldcrest
Walking along the coastal path and indeed all over the reserve I have noticed pairs of Stonechats.
Just off the coastal path in the trees beneath I saw a flock of Meadow Pipits.
Meadow Pippit
Seen in the distance further down the path I saw a raptor sitting on a fence post - too far away for a decent shot!
Sparrow hawk
Even further away I saw this Buzzard down on a dead tree.
Common Buzzard
Finally after not seeing one for some time I caught a quick glimpse of this Marsh Harrier and managed a quick "reaction shot" as it flew away.
Marsh Harrier
Looking dow towards the estuary I saw this flock wheeling and turning, guessing they're Dunlin judging by the light colour which shows in the second photo.
Dunlin
As in my last post there were still Wigeon whistling away down on the river but no decent photos and there are still numerous Curlews,
Finally to the read beds themselves. The most common species to see is still the Reed Bunting .
Reed Bunting
And it's reassuring to catch a glimpse of our most charismatic species - the Bearded Tit! Always difficult to see amongst the reeds as their camouflage is so well adapted.
A female is circled but can you see the male below?
Female Bearded Tit
In addition to the birds I managed to capture I have also seen Wren, Cetti's, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Gadwall, Kestrel, Water Rail, Carrion Crow, Rook, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Grey Heron and flock of what may have been Linnets but can't confirm.
Wow!! Fabulous collection JL, thanks for your epic post which has brightened my day!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Great post thanks John, must admit I have not been fortunate to see so much over the last few weeks.
Thanks Wendy and David - it was quite a surprise when I looked through the photos that I did have enough for a post. i'm very grateful for your kind comments - really appreciated.
Beautiful shots, especially the Reed Buntings.
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
Brilliant selection of birds JL I love the siskins feeding upside down and you have captured the goldcrest so well too and the tree creeper. "Not much about" turns out to be WOW look what I've seen. Thanks for posting.
Lot to learn
You've done well to get these photos, John with the weather we've been having. There's always something to see if you take your time and know where to look. A Bullfinch is as fine a bird as any to brighten up a winter's day. Thanks for the post.
Cheers MC and Gaynor - thanks for your really lovely comments! So looking forward to the Spring and being able to record the reserve as it gets up to full speed and hopefully sharing with you all!
Thanks Colin, got to admit I was most pleased with the Bullfinch as they're still a rarity for me. i never saw one when i lived in Manchester and I've only seen them a handful of times down on the reserve.
Hi John, what a wonderful selection of birds you saw and photographed, the Bullfinches are handsome birds and well done also on the Bearded Tits and the fabulous Stonechats which are one of my favourites. Can't pick a favourite as they're all lovely.
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Regards, Hazel
Hi Hazel, thank you so much. I live in hope that i'll see enough of the Bullfinches this year that I can do a video.