I had a couple of days down in the southwest visiting some old friends and some old haunts. On the way home I decided to have a day at Leighton Moss and here are the highlights.
I started off at the Causeway hide, round to Lower Hide and then back to Causeway hide. Shortly afterr leaving Causeway hide and wandering up the track a large bird appeared from my left hand side and flew off to my right - a Bittern.
Second highlight was at the Grisedale hide when female Marsh Harrier came in from the coast carrying a food parcel - unfortunately because that was the busiest hide and the pictures were taken from a poor position they aren't the best but its the moment that counts. Prey looked like a juvenile wade or gull. Some people were suggesting an adult Avocet but really not large enough for that, especially in the wing area.
Third highlight of the day was at the Eric Morecambe hide. I had just been watching a male marsh Harrier way off in the distance towards the sea when all of the Black headed Gullets the right lifted off and I quickly turned to wards the commotion and realised that a female Marsh Harrier had just sailed in and was in the process of taking one of the juvenile gulls. It was difficult to get perfect focus but I was lucky enough to capture most of the snatch.
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
PimperneBloke said:Great reactions Bob, I guess that's one of the advantages of mirrorless, me swinging round 5lb of dslr (inc lens) wouldn't have been round quick enough. Superb captures, and the Bittern is a right stunner! Thanks for sharing :o)
I'm using a mirrorless camera though still using the EF 300 f2.8 prime so its still a bit weighty. Although I can see a great weight advantage in the RF 100-500 I am not convinced that I want to give up that much light yet. The jury is still out on that.
Hi Bob,
Great sequence of photos. I've only had a Bittern fly close enough for a flight shot once and I've watched Marsh Harriers hunting many times but never seen one have any luck.
All very well captured, well done,
Trevor
Kind regards, Ann
Some cracking shots Bob, no matter how busy the hide was, you managed to bust the barriers.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Lot to learn