A day at Minsmere with a cloudy start and a sunny finish.

Last Sunday I went to Minsmere with my wife and two friends for our first visit to the reserve this year. The day started chilly and cloudy and quite poor light but we were encouraged by reports of the Bearded Tits showing well and close to the path near South Hide. We headed for South Hide and just before we got there my wife heard them, a group of more than 20 moving through the reeds close to the path. It was quite difficult to get clear shots in the poor light but I did manage enough good shots to keep me happy.

A family of Whooper Swans from South Hide.

A friendly Robin.

Looking very perky.

The ever present Stonechats along the Dunes.

After lunch we went to Island Mere Hide, and saw some Marsh Harriers. The sun was coming out but we facing in the wrong direction for good clear shots.

The Whooper Swans from the other side of the water in what was now bright sunshine.

Then a pair of Goosanders from seen East Hide, the sun was getting quite low now.

Then we stayed in the hide as the sun went down.

A group of Lapwings thought my pictures would look better with them flying across the sun.

All in all a very good day out with a lovely sunset to finish.

There is a mostly different selection of photos on my post on the Minsmere Forum.

Best Wishes,

Trevor

Trevor

  • Wow, just stunning, that first photo of the female is delightful.
    It looks like one of those 'special' days out when weather and birds co-operate

    Cin J

  • Spectacular set Trevor, Beardies looking well, the whooper practising it's skating and at 1st glance I thought the marshie had its mouth open...never seen that before!! Well done on getting the Lapwings to fly across in the right direction, I usually find them very fickle lol

    Looked a fab day, thanks for sharing :o)
  • Fabulous set of photos Trevor and wonderful to get such good views of the attractive Bearded Reedlings; your first visit of the year certainly turned out to be a rewarding one and a glorious sunset, Thanks for sharing your amazing day out. Minsmere keeps moving up my places to visit list :)

    _____________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • Absolutely fab Trevor! A wish my days out resulted in such stunning captures..;-)

    (Pardon the Scottish Accent)

  • What a beautiful selection, Trevor. My favourites are the beardies, the stonechats and the lovely robin - but they're all great, with stunning light.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • Thanks so much for posting these fabulous shots, Trevor, especially of the Bearded Tits--always very special to see those. I, too, love the Robins and Stonechats and the sunsets pics are amazing. You could sell prints of those, I imagine. What is that bird in the background just behind the righthand Swan? It seems to be taking off or landing possibly.

    Kind regards, Ann

  • Thanks Ann,
    I'm not sure what the landing bird is, based on what was about at the time and what I can see of it I'd guess a Widgeon.
    Best wishes,
    Trevor
  • I'm inclined to agree with wigeon. The head colour looks right.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.