Took a drive out today to Elmley. (An hour and half, for those of you interested in my driving habits) First time I've visited, but I went along for the "Safari".
Booked for 11.30a.m. I was joined by two other guys and the guide. Climbed into the 4x4 and set off for a 2hr amble around the reserve in the hope of seeing marsh harrier, rough legged buzzard, merlin, peregrine etc.
Unfortunately, (sods law) there weren't many raptors around today, but there were excellent views of a couple of kestrels who seemed to turn up where-ever we went - on the ground, perching in the trees, on the barn roof - and also good views of marsh harriers.
The "safari" takes one to places not accessible to the public, so it was well worth the cost of having a "private guide", with coffee and tea and biscuits provided, especially on a cold day such as today. A good way to get an overall picture of the reserve, with lots of time for questions and answers, etc.
Amongst the birds seen today were:
Kestrel
Marsh harrier
Sparrows
Blackbird
Pheasant
Starlings
Pied wagtail
Lapwings
Skylark
Redshank
Greylag geese
Curlew
Little Egret
Teal
Pintail
Grey heron
Shoveler
Shelduck
Water pipit
Turnstone
I'm sure there were many more, but those listed above are the ones I definitely saw!
It's also helpful being with an experienced guide when trying to i.d. birds! Yes, it's pot luck whether you see a variety of raptors, but it was still worthwhile for me.
Oh yes, As I was making my way to the exit, I spotted a bird flying very very low off the ground, with a large wingspan and slow wingbeats, pale in colour. Another marsh harrier? I really don't know.
All in all, a great day out, and I would recommend the "safari". For me, a tenner well spent. Well done RSPB.
This is about the only pic I managed to get, along with a lapwing too. Very overcast and misty.
Booked for 11.30a.m. I was joined by two other guys and the guide. Climbed into the 4x4 and set off for a 2hr amble around the reserve in the hope of seeing marsh harrier, rough legged buzzard, merlin, peregrine etc.
Unfortunately, (sods law) there weren't many raptors around today, but there were excellent views of a couple of kestrels who seemed to turn up where-ever we went - on the ground, perching in the trees, on the barn roof - and also good views of marsh harriers.
The "safari" takes one to places not accessible to the public, so it was well worth the cost of having a "private guide", with coffee and tea and biscuits provided, especially on a cold day such as today. A good way to get an overall picture of the reserve, with lots of time for questions and answers, etc.
Amongst the birds seen today were:
Kestrel
Marsh harrier
Sparrows
Blackbird
Pheasant
Starlings
Pied wagtail
Lapwings
Skylark
Redshank
Greylag geese
Curlew
Little Egret
Teal
Pintail
Grey heron
Shoveler
Shelduck
Water pipit
Turnstone
I'm sure there were many more, but those listed above are the ones I definitely saw!
It's also helpful being with an experienced guide when trying to i.d. birds! Yes, it's pot luck whether you see a variety of raptors, but it was still worthwhile for me.
Oh yes, As I was making my way to the exit, I spotted a bird flying very very low off the ground, with a large wingspan and slow wingbeats, pale in colour. Another marsh harrier? I really don't know.
All in all, a great day out, and I would recommend the "safari". For me, a tenner well spent. Well done RSPB.
This is about the only pic I managed to get, along with a lapwing too. Very overcast and misty.
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