Little Egret
Not quite "pastures new", but only my 3rd ever visit to Tophill Low Nature Reserve and my first visit to the northern marshes! Having recently joined as a member, I wanted to do a reccy with a view to visiting regularly as a change to my local patch of Bempton Cliffs. I was expecting sunny intervals but I was given a rather overcast morning with a few bright intervals for good measure. I was a little concerned that being a hide based reserve, it would be crowded, so I arrived quite early at 0630. I need not have worried as the only hide I went into that had birders in was the members only hide.
I had the northern section to myself! I walked to Hempholme Hide and wished I hadn't as I shared most of it with rather nasty bitey midges, millions of them! And I was rewarded with nothing when I arrived at the hide! I faired much better at North Marsh Hide where a rather obliging Sedge Warbler entertained me
Also here, but in the darker reeds, I had the privilege of observing two Water Rails feeding their chick (only one chick seen). Light was rather challenging!
Numerous Reed Warblers flitted about but were far too fast for me!
I then headed south and eventually managed to cover the whole reserve! Most pools were devoid of anything to point the camera at!
I eventually found the members hide and must say I was well impressed! It was here that I met a few birders / photographers so I elected to a short stay. I was lucky too lock on to a Green Sandpiper here
And watched a very photogenic Little Egret
And that was where my photography ended for the day! I have to say that my walk around the reserve was very rewarding and I shall look forward to regular visits. You can always rely on nature to rejuvenate the mind and at the moment who could ask for more.
"I shall return.........................!"
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