Hi folks
Its been a long time since we got out together but yesterday we decided to forget the forecast and just go for it and we ended up going to Rye Meads. I picked Aiki up on the way and we set off around the M25 ( Londons Orbital Carpark) and for those of you who know the road you may be surprised to find out it was a clear journey all the way except for where a lorries tyre had burst and left debris everywhere. We arrived at around 09.15 and the gates were opened at 09.30 so we could access the hide outside the visitors centre until the main reserve opened at 10.00, I had not been here for a while and it was good to see there was plenty of water. Graham arrived at 10.00 and we set off around the reserve and after a stop off at the first hide we went to the Kingfisher hide to hopefully see some Kingfishers which are due to fledge today anyway here some of my shots, time for a new camera it seems mine is struggling now and the newer Fuji one I have I just cannot get on with.
Now you can see me
Now you cant
OK you didnt get the message kiss my departing behind !!
Even the Common Terns were having none of me and my camera.
Long shot of one of the pair of Kestrels nesting on the pylon overlooking the Kingfishers nesting bank.
One of the pair sitting in a dead tree near the nest box so we could get better photos.
There were lots of young Long Tailed Tots around they were lovely to see.
There were Gadwall all over the reserve.
And plenty of Ahhh moments
I think mum's saying follow me kids I'm fed up with these camera's.
I'm sure Aiki and Graham will be adding their reports and photos soon, but also seen today, were a pair of Bullfinches (real treat for me), Kingfishers (no good photos from me sorry), Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Blackcaps, Common Sandpiper x 2, Reed Warblers, Reed Buntings, Sedge Warbler, heard lots of Cetti Warblers, Orange Tip Butterflies, Swifts and Martins plus lots more. It was a great day out on Grahams local patch so thanks Graham and thanks Aiki for your company on the journey and during the day, oh yes and for the book, I was so busy reading it last night I never got around to doing this report until now.
Regards
Shane
P.S the weather turned out not to bad after all.
Regards Shane
My Photos in Flickr.
Thanks for your report and great photos, the foxes were great shame we missed them and the common sandpiper came out really well. It was a great day with great company and great wildlife looking forward to our next trip out, if anyone else wants to meet up and has ideas of places to visit please let us know.
Missoooed? Shame HTC phones or the site don't let me to edit
Splendid report as ever, Graham.
Alice looks worn out.
Wonderful photos and reports from all three of you. Thank you all for sharing your day. I wish I could take Shane up on his offer to join you all some time, but I'm afraid it's too far.
Cheers, Linda.
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SIX cubs! Wow. Love your photos, G! And thanks for all the comments, everyone :)
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
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Very entertaining report as usual, Graham. Lovely photos of the birds. I assume Alice is something of a local celebrity. She does look careworn but she must be a good mum and her cubs were going to be well fed judging by the size of that rabbit(?).
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
I agree with Caroline, great report, and the LTT are just gorgeous. I am envious of your trip out as its ages since I've had time to get out with the camera. Glad you had a great day:))
Sarah
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...
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I knew I could depend on you Alan to spot my cick ep and rob ut inn, o bigger hare ot toes agaiiiin
Shane said:I knew I could depend on you Alan to spot my cick ep and rob ut inn, o bigger hare ot toes agaiiiin
LOL. Now I know why I switched off predictive texting
What a super day out. Who needs telly eh.
Take care all, Stich.
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Shane, aiki and Graham, I have loved reading your reports and looking at all those beautiful photographs - between you, you have got some corkers! I especially love the LTTs - they are poppets!!!
Aiki, well done on achieving the impossible with those swifts! Sounds like you all had a great day out and were good company for each other.
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