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.
It has been a real treat reading your reports Shane, Aiki and Graham, wonderful photos and narratives, for those of us who maybe can't get out to reserves it opens it all up and show how amazing these places are. Keep it up, can't wait for your next trip.
Lot to learn
Awww!! Graham (the cute one, lol)
Those fox cubs are gorgeous & the LTT is a beauty,
thanks for sharing a great report & photos
Morning all and thanks you all for your kind comments and remarks, that's what I love about this forum,its the place to share days out and experiences with everyone and make new friends.
Yes, I agree with Shane.....thanks for all your kind comments, it's makes the effort of sorting the photos and writing the report worthwhile....
It looks like next week's weather will be quite good! I shall try to get out at least twice....
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Graham,
Thats a stunning report. You had no worries living up to any expectation what with Aiki's and Shanes reports. You too look like you had an amazing day. Fav pic, got to be the Fox cubs. simple beautiful.
I have a week off at the end of the month and guess what, Rye Meads is on the list of places I'll shall be visiting during my holiday. I want my Kingfishers Picture! lol.
Kind regards
Chappers (and the Wife.)
'Educate' me, on the wonders of nature.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chappers360/
Really interesting reports and lovely photos from the three of you. I'm so glad you had a good day. The fox cubs are gorgeous.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Chappers, Let me know when you come over. We can meet up if you like!
Some more Fox cubs....
And one more Common Sandpiper -
Unknown said: Chappers, Let me know when you come over. We can meet up if you like!
Hi Graham,
Meeting up would be absolutely awesome. In fact i'm planning to visit the reserve anytime between the 30th and the 3rd.
So if your serious and able to, please send me a private message of whichever day your free and i'll book that day to go to Rye Meads.
That would be great to finally met up with a fellow member of the community.
Leave it with you Graham
P.S. The Fox clubs are lovely, my wife thinks they are so cute. As for the Common Sandpiper. Never seen one so close!
Liking this reserve before I've even got there yet :)