Images from our latest visit to Titchwell Marsh Bird Reserve.
This was a fortunate moment seeing a Snipe out in the open.
A Wigeon feeding at the waters edge.
A Teal Duck dredging through the low water.
Shovelers shovelling.
A Shoveler showing off.
In this image below you can see the shape of the male Shoveler's bill and a female in the foreground.
A welcome surprise was this Chinese Water Deer observed in the distance making its way across the Marsh.
The Star of the post is the Black-tailed Godwit that showed up really well in the low afternoon sunlight.
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A Redshank treading through the mud.
The story behind the image below. A fellow Birder from the local area where I live advised me about a flock of Snow Bunting on the beach area of the Reserve. So off we went to have a look.
On arrival just short of the location we stopped as there was another Birder with a scope watching the flock on the ground. We stood back while this birder was observing the flock and at the same time trying to locate it in our binoculars. Unfortunately two other persons (purporting to be Birders) were coming from the opposite direction along the beach. They stopped briefly, looked at the flock and just walked on towards the flock and disturbed it. So the only brief and very poor shot I got of the flock was this one below as they were flying quite high. We were not amused, neither was the Birder with the scope. These two persons had binoculars and gave the appearance of being 'Birders' even though they had no idea how to act like one.
So my first sighting of a Snow Bunting wash't that great.
You can see from the image below that the light was failing and I took this shot of one of the Lagoons on the Reserve. The dark strip in the middle is mainly a large flock of Golden Plover. In the foreground are mainly Lapwings.
A few Teal Duck settling down for the night.
I don't often use the preset art filters on my camera, but they can be fun to play around with.
I took two different ones of the sun setting in the West.
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| Romatic Sunset Glow |
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| Vivid Sunset Glow |
This was a good test of the camera and lens. Back at the car park waiting next to the car was this Robin (which could well be the one that feeds from Keith's hand) {:)) http://holdingmoments.blogspot.co.uk
It was dusk by this time and getting dark.
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| Lumix GH3. 35-100mm f2.8 lens. 1/80 at f2.8 - 100mm(200). ISO 3200 |
HI Roy. What a wonderful day out you had and you got great shots. The reflections of the birds in water is great. Pity about your Snow Buntings. Those people were not good birders.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret.
DeleteA fantastic series of images Roy, The first image of the Snipe is a cracker, it posed for you perfectly. Yeh, that's Keith's Robin, I'd recognise it anywhere...lol!
ReplyDeleteTitchwell is a brilliant reserve to visit (when the wind isn't blowing too hard!) and always makes good photo opportunities.
It's a shame, but unfortunately, there will always be some inconsiderate 'so called birders' who once they've got 'their tick' couldn't give a stuff to anyone else. At least you did get to see the Snow Buntings, they've managed to elude me so far this year!...[;o)
Thanks Trevor. Yes its a great place to visit and although cold wasn't blowing a gale at that time.
DeleteLovely, lovely pics Roy, as you know I love Titchwell and you've got some cracking shots here what with that gorgeous golden light :-) The Robin shot also shows just how good your new camera system and the small sensor is considering the high ISO :-)
ReplyDeleteThe post is also quite appropriate as I imagine the reserve must have got quite a hammering during the storms yesterday and last night (I've heard that Cley is flooded !!).
Thanks David.The 12-35 -f2.8 and the 35-100 - f2.8 are really great to use on the GH3 and worth the money I think. It was OK on the day we were there and I think it was a good idea to go that day. It was pretty damp though as they had some rain the previous night. I have not heard much about the flooding in the area since, as yet.
DeleteSome brilliant shots of the water birds, especially those with reflections.
ReplyDeleteThanks John.
DeleteLike the Snipe Roy, Birders did you say ? All the gear no idea. Merry Xmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks Neil and to you. Yes I like that rhyme, it suited them.{:))
Deletegeweldig Roy,de watersnip en de mooie eenden,maar een chinese water hert dat kan ik helemaal niet straks maar even gaan googelen en robin hield toch maar mooi de wacht bij je auto.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nic. De Robin zocht en kreeg voedsel. {:))
DeleteIt's not only novice birders who have this selfish and ignorant attitude either; twitchers who have their heart set on seeing a particular bird seem to have no regard for those who are watching more humble species. From your lovely images of Robin, Teal etc. I can tell that you're not one of that gang.
ReplyDeleteThanks John, my idea normally is to record what I see on a walk or cycle or on a visit, which is more natural than chasing over the country at every report of something unusual. If I hear of something locally that may be different in the Bird World I will go and have a look if its not far. On the subject of Twitchers, there are mainly good ones, but the odd one treads all over everything and generally gets in everyone's way or disturbs the peace in no uncertain terms.
DeleteGood job for having a successful snipe hunt!
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot of nice wildlife captures here.
A favourite reserve of mine Roy.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to see the Snow Buntings, despite the efforts of the pillocks.
Certainly looks like 'my' Robin. lol
All that coast took quite a hammering during the storms. I might give it a few days before I attempt a visit.
Thanks Keith, Yes I think its a bit wet at the moment, but the villages you have to drive through should be OK.
DeleteA beautiful blog Roy and full of beautiful birds. Snipe at you, I'm a little jealous because I never had that hb for my lens. You wigeon, Redshanks and shovelers are also beautiful as you bar-tailed godwit. What a wonderful variation.
ReplyDeleteLooked like a great day to be taking photos Roy. The lighting was gorgeous as are these photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise.
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ReplyDeleteHi Roy
Sorry about the Snow Buntings, but you certainly say a nice variety of wildlife. I was trying to see Snow Buntings for years with no luck then one day I looked out the farm window and there they were in the field outside.
Regards
Guy
Thanks Guy.
DeleteI visited Titchwell last time I was in England. It's a fabulous place; I had my best birding of my whole trip there. I was quite astounded at the number of Little Egrets, a species I am sure was once considered a rarity.
ReplyDeleteIts a great place to visit David, there is always something of interest to look at there.
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