From Short Eared Owls on a golf course, to Harriers on the marshes and Sea Birds on the coast, the East Kent region, is a fantastic location for wildlife!
My recent trip to this location was primarily for family reasons, but of course, I don't travel anywhere without my camera and i'm always looking for an opportunity to photograph the local wildlife. I was aware that Short Eared Owls were beginning to arrive at their winter roost at a nearby golf course, but sadly 'Storm Bert' had now also arrived and was doing its best to turn the area into a windswept flood plain with snow showers! Add in the fact that these birds don't show themselves until dusk and it was clearly going to be a bit of a challenge! - I know this location quite well and knew that I would be standing in the open, with no protection against the elements, but as I was only going to be able to visit this site over a few days, I dressed as if ready for an arctic expedition, ventured out and told my wife, "that I may be some time".
The following images were all taken in low light, so not the greatest quality, but sometimes a 'noisy' shot of a rare bird, is better than no shot at all.
The following images were taken on a second visit with slightly better light:
The local Beach and seabirds.
The local beach was my next visit and luckily, a small group of Snow Buntings had recently arrived from the Arctic Circle. These rare little birds do not stay around for long, so it was great to capture a few images, even if it did require me to lay on the ground to get down to their level......getting back up, was a challenge!
Whilst at the beach, I took the opportunity to get some images of the regular inhabitants that were around on the day.
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| Mediterranean Gull |
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| Herring Gull |
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| Oyster Catcher |
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| Redshank |
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| Cormorant |
Marshes and Water Birds
It was a few miles inland for my next targets, which were the Marsh Harriers and waders that live in a local wildlife reserve. This time, I was at least afforded the comfort of a purpose built 'hide' to shelter from the cold!
The wind was generally keeping the birds down, but I was able to capture the following images, which include the Dartford Warbler and Stonechat that appear in the first two shots.
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| Dartford Warbler |
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| Stonechat |
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| Little Grebe |
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| Mallards |
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| Pochard |
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| Marsh Harrier |
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| Gadwall |
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| Shoveler |
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| Teal |
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| Female Shoveler |
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| Gadwall |
Whilst the weather conspired against me, I did enjoy the few days amongst these birds and look forward to returning in the Springtime, when the conditions should at least be warmer!
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Every single photo needs a comment but it would take to long. Spectacular set of sea birds, the Warbler and the Snow Bunting are adorable. I just love the owl shots showing the pure white of the under wing, amazing well done Glynn, fabulous. I hope all is well, cheers, Diane
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