August can be a quiet time for bird watching anywhere in the UK and Minsmere is no exception. However if you are prepared to get up early and arrive between 6 and 7 in the morning (or earlier) there is quite a bit going on.
The following pictures were taken over two days earlier this week, the incentive to get up early was helped by a new lens that just needed testing.
Walking along the dunes by the sea and first up a moulting Stonechat with no tail feathers.
Then a couple of Wheatears being very confiding.
Moulting Reed Bunting.
On to East Hide and lots of birds on the Scrape.
Avocet feeding.
Common Sandpiper on a beautiful calm day, great for reflections.
One of three Spoonbills that have become regular visitors, they are generally a long way off and often sleeping.
Common Sandpipers.
There were a few Ruff about.
This one haunted by Godwits that only exist as reflections!
Green Sandpiper.
Spoonbill again, this one with a damaged wing but it can fly alright.
A very distant view of a Spotted Redshank, right on the far side of the scrape and heat haze not helping.
Back in the Dunes and the two confiding Wheatears are showing well again.
By 9.00am many of the little waders have moved on and things quieten down, there's still plenty to see but it's further off.
Best Wishes,
Trevor
This one is a Common Sandpiper from the same visit.
It's certainly a very good combo! What sort of shutter speeds are you using at that magnification? And are you hand held? (Just asking coz my new lens should be with me soon)