With a day of sunny skies, light winds and the family going out shopping with friends for a few hours, I decided to cycle down to Reculver to see what birds were about and with the nice sunshine, maybe a few photo opportunities. I arrived at 8am and walked down the seawall to Coldharbour before walking inland to Chambers Wall before retracing my steps back to the car park at midday. I saw a good variety of birds which included c120 Brent Geese, 1 Common Scoter, c100 Stock Dove in fields at Coldharbour, 7 Mute Swan, 10 Red throated Diver, 1 Curlew, 27 Ringed Plover, 3 Turnstone, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Great crested Grebe and 2 Meadow Pipit. After having a cup of coffee at Coldharbour, I walked inland where I found 2 Bearded Tit. With the sun still shining nicely, I spent some time with them and after a bit of patience, I was rewarded with superb views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Bearded Tit (male)
The birds seemed quite happy with me sitting down near the reeds and flew quite close on a few occasions. They certainly made my day being so close and it was nice to be able to study them in good detail. Moving on I noted 5 Reed Bunting, 1 Pheasant, c20 Corn Bunting, 2 Stonechat, 1 Kingfisher, c50 Redwing and 1 Cetti's Warbler. As I walked back I noted 1 Shag flying west, 4 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 7 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret and 2 Lapland Bunting flew west calling. A really nice session made all the better by the showy Bearded Tits and the lovely weather.
Bearded Tit (male)
'With a day of sunny skies, light winds and the family going out shopping with friends for a few hours'....Perfect situation Marc, and such excellent results with shots of the Bearded Tits a'plenty. And a bike ride, well that's a first isn't it Marc....Christmas present?
ReplyDeleteBeat Wishes.
Pete.
Cheers Pete. I cycle to work every day so I am used to travelling in this way. Keeps me fit along with the running. Certainly a nice day to be out.
DeleteWhat a treat for 2016,you made good use of the light,these are one of my favourite birds,when I saw your shots my jaw dropped,superb images Marc.
ReplyDeleteJohn
Many thanks John. They are definitely little stunners and provide for a good photo.
DeleteFabulous shots Marc. They are few and far between here and move about over a large area in my best site. Difficult to get extended views!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob. I was lucky that the reedbed was quite small and that with a bit of patience, they showed nicely. A real bonus.
DeleteNice work Marc, expertly done! Never had the chance to photograph Beardies, one day!
ReplyDeleteCheers Warren. You should arrange a trip to Stodmarsh, plenty there at the right time of year.
DeleteGreat pictures! I would like to see this bird sometimes. Happy New Year 2017!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Anne. Best wishes to you too for 2017.
DeleteStunning stuff Marc. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Mike. Happy New Year to you.
DeleteReally stunning work Marc, that is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Bob. They are cracking little birds aren't they.
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