Monday 9 March 2009

Water What!

















A good day at Top Hill yesterday, we had a bit of everything torrential rain, snow, sleet, brilliant sunshine.

The notices in the visitor centre seemed to suggest that there was not a lot about. A volunteer warden said on arrival that Water Vole were busy under South Lagoon Hide so that's where we made off before lunch.

Peering into the rushes something was seen. Waiting and scanning eventually more movement, name was half right but not Voles, Water Rail. It moved accross in front of me fleetingly into the open and having been spooked took flight a few feet forward into short cut reeds never to be seen again. Only record shots in difficult light (straight at me) but a great sighting as it skulked into the reeds. This bird (or at least a Water Rail at THL) has been seen out in the open but this was a more satisfying traditional type of sighting.

Later in the day, late afternoon and pictured the Little Grebe again in South Lagoon in tremendous late afternoon sun. Distant shots but nice in the lighting. Did you know they smoke cigars (see large version, F11 of first two Grebe shots)!

Distant Gadwell too.
Another highlight was 3 Roe Deer on water pools near to South East Marsh Hide(1) .

7 comments:

Michael Flowers said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michael Flowers said...

Brill, to get a view of a Water Rail in natural habitat at THL! Beats the one at the feeding station last month.

Anonymous said...

A very successful Shoot Mike, very well done on the Water Rail.

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Thanks very much Michael & Roy
Regards
Mike

Anonymous said...

Mike, remiss of me not to mention the great Dabchick shots but I just don't get to see the Rail very often and think that is a bit of a prize.

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Thanks Roy your comments are very much appreciated.
It is the first time I have photographed a Water Rail so that makes it special.
I was pleased with the Dabchicks given the distance and intervening reeds.
Regards
Mike

animtreebird said...

Very beautiful birds. Nice photos. :)))