My favourite reserve is having a few days off this week – to give the volunteers a break before the Christmas rush. Actually, I’m not so sure about that rush, as I’ve been there over the holiday period before. Everyone is welcomed with a chocolate at the gate, but after the long drive up the track to the car park, it’s only about half-full. That’s probably not bad for an outdoor activity during the winter though. I’m not sure about attendance this year as the weather forecast looks pretty grim. Plenty of rain and really strong winds, but coming from the wrong direction to photograph the lighthouse at Newhaven instead. So… it’s Elmley nature reserve or nothing.
These images were taken on a visit in the middle of September. There wasn’t much to be seen from the entrance track, which is my only option, as I can’t manage the walk from the car park to the bird hides. It’s a shame, but I get a lot of fun using my little car as a mobile hide and with a bean bag over the open window.
I had spotted a deceased mallard on the way in and wondered what it might attract. As there wasn’t much else on show, I decided to turn round, drive back and stake out the dead duck. I seem to remember having more than one session, but in total, I probably sat in this spot for about three hours. The image featured at the top is the harrier on the ground. The photograph below shows it during a fly-past, checking to see if I was a threat.
This is a black and white version of a cattle egret.
Steve
20 Dec 2024The track seems very quiet at the moment, which is such a shame. Like you, I can’t really walk to the hides, so normally stay around the car park area waiting for the owls. Nice shots as per normal.
Zooey
21 Dec 2024I agree, but maybe things will perk up now there is plenty of water on the reserve. I once tried to walk to the hides – got so far and had to turn round, but I still couldn’t even see them in the distance! 😀