Fantastic Flocks
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| Black-Tailed Godwits and Avocets. |
Last weekend, I was sitting in Hide 2 at Goldcliff Lagoons, excitedly watching a big flock of Black-tailed Godwits. This species of wader is my favourite. They are large waders, and at this time of year moult into an incredibly vibrant coppery-red colour on their heads, neck and chest, and a really distinctive part of their plumage is a thick black band on their feathered tails. I counted at least 900+ birds.
The Godwits had gathered on Monks Lagoon, and the chittering noise they made was quite loud. A smaller flock of approximately 40 Avocets had joined them and were busy feeding and preening. On the edge of Monk's Island was a flock of approximately 190 Knots, which was a nice surprise. The Knots were very jittery and just would not settle down. They frequently took to the air and zoomed around in front of Hide 2, which was exactly what I wanted, as I was able to get some great flight shots.
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| A cluster of Knots |
I have not had such great views of Knots since my visit to RSPB Snettisham in Norfolk last year in September.
I must admit to being able to photograph them flying in formation like this was a real thrill, and it meant a lot to me as it was on my own home patch, which made it feel so much better.
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| The Black-Tailed Godwits looked fantastic |
The Godwit flock was quite settled for a while until something spooked all the feathered denizens of the reserve, and there was an explosion of movement and skies filled with the piping distress calls of panicked waders.
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| The formation flying is awesome |
Wader lock shots are what I would describe as being my signature bird photographs. I just love seeing hundreds of birds putting on aerobatic flying displays that put every best of the RAF Red Arrows pilots to shame.
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| The distinctive black tail of the Godwits |
I was treated to an absolutely fantastic bird air show right in front of me at close range. I could hear the wing beats as they passed and the swoosh of the displaced air.
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| A knot flyby |
The early morning light was fantastic, not being too harsh, and it created some nice warm tones.
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| The coppery-red colours will get more vibrant with every passing day before they migrate North to Iceland. |
I took thousands of pictures, which should keep me busy for weeks while I edit.
Other birds of note were a Whimbrel and a Bar-Tailed Godwit on Becs Lagoon. There were also at least 14 White-Fronted Geese on Priors Lagoon.
A terrific morning that will live long in my memory.
Note: Ringed Avocets Spotted
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