One bird that rarely shows in bright sunshine is the Water Rail. Always hidden; the books use the word crepuscular, and always in the half light of a secluded pool or corner. This one we photographed in Scotland recently. Although he was initially quite wary he succumbed and came out to feed in the open eventually.
The WWT do a good job in maintaining their Winter Swan Feeds at their reserves throughout England, Scotland and Wales. As well as benefiting the Whooper Swans it also means it’s possible to get close. Getting close to wildlife is essential in stirring an interest for the young; the next generation of birdwatchers and environmentalists who will take over from those that have gone before them. These shots were taken on the February Solway Geese Tour in Scotland.
Talking to the warden at Caerlaverock WWT reserve I enquired of the Green winged Teal that had been frequenting Folly Pond. We were on The Solway Geese Tour and the American cousin of our own Eurasian Teal had been on the reserve a number of weeks. He said the bird had taken to sulking amid the course grass and was not been seen frequently, if at all. Our chances of seeing him were slim. We resigned ourselves for a wait.
As we walked into the hide there was a small close flock of male Teal in front of us and guess what … the Green winged was amongst them … showing extremely well.
On our Solway Geese Tour last weekend we had some terrific views of winter wildfowl. Perhaps the highlight however was the vast flocks of Barnacle Geese; already girding their loins to travel back to Svalbard in a few weeks. The noise and sight were truly breath-taking.
Letter From Norfolk 