Wednesday, 15 April 2009

Saltholme RSPB 14/4/09

Yesterday, me and my dad decided to go and try out the new reserve - Saltholme. When we got there we found out that there were 3 hides so we went to the first one which had a feeding station. On the feeders there were loads of goldfinches and 3 reed buntings but not much else so we went to the next hide. Unfortunately there wasn't much except a great-crested grebe so we went to the last hide which was the very best. When we went in we noticed a black-tailed godwit next to 4 wigeon. We weren't sure what type it was until it turned it's tail and we saw it was black. Then someone pointed out a wader on the far side which was a ruff. I tried to digiscope it but it didn't turn out very well. Just as we were about to leave the hide, a white-fronted goose flew over too fast for me to get the camera out. Unlucky!
After Saltholme we went to Greatham Creek to see the avocets. We got to the first little bit of metal which was the hide that the avocets were in and sure enough there were 8 avocets - 1 of which was sitting on eggs. We went to the hide that overlooked the sea and we saw 2 seals. Not much else though so we went back to the avocets. My dad noticed a little wader to the right of the avocet nest and after looking hard at it we decided it was a little ringed plover. A lovely end to the day!
Avocet Pair Avocet Nest Little Ringed Plover
Digiscoped Ruff Goldfinch
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5 comments:

  1. Alan Tilmouth15 April 2009 at 13:25

    The Avocets were IN the hide? That makes finding them easy JAck ;)

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  2. Whitley Birder15 April 2009 at 17:59

    Well not quite in the hide but they weren't far away!

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  3. Birding about Northumberland16 April 2009 at 20:04

    What type of camera set up do you use as I was thinking of investing in some equipment
    Michelle

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  4. Whitley Birder16 April 2009 at 20:47

    Hi Michelle

    I use a Nikon D40X with a Nikkor 70-300mm VR lens, although, I do sometimes cheat a little by using photoshop elements on some of my pictures!! It's important to get a lens with VR, vibration reduction otherwise your photos will be blurred when taking handheld shots.

    Jack B

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  5. Birding about Northumberland17 April 2009 at 07:46

    Thanks Jack, I will check it out
    Michelle

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