I’ve found another reserve. I know… I know – I’ve been to so many in the past few months. You would think I could stick to just a couple, but they all offer different things. One I can almost be guaranteed to see a kingfisher (or two). Another is great for butterflies. Some are ideal for just wandering around on my own and clearing my head, while others have a great community spirit. One thing they all have in common though is that people I got talking to have told me I would love the reserve at Elmley. Situated on the Isle of Sheppey and just an hour from London, it covers a whopping 3,200 acres. It is an internationally important freshwater grazing marsh wetland renowned for significant populations of over-wintering and breeding birds and also hare, water voles, rare invertebrates and flora. I had been told about the two-mile track leading to the reserve, along which you are encouraged to use your car as a hide. Once at the main car park, it is a further one-mile walk to three of the four hides and yet another mile to the last.
Having said all that, nothing could have prepared me for the vast scale of the place when I visited a few days ago. It took a while to get used to driving slowly, while looking around for birds, both on the ground and in the air. Not only that, but stopping frequently, taking off my driving glasses and picking up my camera. By the time I left at the end of the day, I was actually feeling a tad sick and dizzy. I’m sure it will be better next time.
I finally pulled up in the main car park. Having chatted to a few people in a Facebook group, they thought the entrance road provided the best opportunities and I had no plans to go any further. However, it was a lovely day and I needed some fresh air, so I set out on the track to the hides. I never even made it to the first one, but on the way, I spotted skylarks, various waders, herons and a couple of birds of prey. I’m no expert with the latter and they were all too far away to photograph. Then I spotted one hovering ahead and I knew instantly it had to be a kestrel. I grabbed a few shots before moving closer. I doubted the photographs would be much good because it was still a fair way off. Then it suddenly pulled to the right and flew almost directly above. My heart was pounding as I used the “zoom-out” button to find it again. Once located and the button released, the bird almost filled my viewfinder. I couldn’t believe my luck! For maybe a minute it hovered in the clear blue sky before wheeling away to the right yet again. Diving to the ground, it must have spotted prey and I didn’t see it again after that.
Once I got back to my car, I had a leisurely lunch while listening to the radio. On my way out I was lucky enough to photograph this lapwing by the side of the track.
I’m going back tomorrow…
sidilbradipo1
22 Feb 2018I don’t know the Isle of Sheppey but it must be wonderful! A kestrel! Ohhh… it’s magnificent <3
Amazing photos 😀
Ciao
Sid
Zooey
23 Feb 2018Hi Sid! Here is a MAP of Sheppey. The surrounding area is quite heavily populated and rather industrial. From the island you can see large cranes and factory chimneys, but the reserve is a haven for wildlife. I saw even more yesterday, including marsh harriers (I didn’t get any photographs) and hares. I joined up as a friend of the reserve, so I will be going more often (as soon as it warms up a bit) 🙂
sidilbradipo1
23 Feb 2018Thank you so much 😀 <3
Happy Friday!
Sid
Zooey
23 Feb 2018Happy Friday to you too! Spring is only days away and now they are forecasting several days of snow. Take care! 🙂
sidilbradipo1
23 Feb 2018Here, in the South, it is already snowing…