A couple of hours at Brandon Marsh.

[John]

I haven’t been feeling too good the last couple of days after a bout of food poisoning but so I have had a couple of days off work. Today I decided to just pop down to Brandon Marsh (only 4 miles away) to see if the Garganey was still there and at the same time get some fresh air and a bit of walking to help clear my stomach a bit.

Unfortunately the Garganey had disappeared but I did see (and photograph) a distant Muntjac (about 300 yards away) which was joined by a second one a few minutes later. plus some excellent close ups of both Reed and Sedge Warbler (which were too flighty to photograph) and plenty of Whitethroats (also too flighty to photograph).

Another highlight was spotting a Great crested Grebe on a nest. I could see it through some trees and there was enough room to see it through my scope from the path without disturbing it. As I took one or two photos up to three chicks started to push their way out of the Adults wings. They looked to be possibly only a few days old. Beautiful. Normally I would never even contemplate taking photos of any nests but this one is located not far off the main path and is passed by hundreds of people each day.

I must admit the two hour walk did me a power of good and at the same time it was an enjoyable one as well. Having got back home I was welcomed by the Blackcap song from the side of the garden and about thirty minutes later a surprise Whitethroat made an appearance.

I’m feeling much better now.

Below are a few photos of the two Muntjacs that were about 300 yards away. I must admit they turned out better than I thought considering the distance they were from me. If you look closely enough you can see the different markings on the heads.

John

[Tinkerbell]

A walk in the countryside John and you're guaranteed to feel better - very few 'external' thoughts impose when you are seeing nature. I often wonder if I 'see' the same birds as some of you enthusiasts, but without the ability to identify. Thanks for telling us about your trip.

Sorry to hear you've been unwell, but nice to hear you are on the mend.

Tink

[Wild-Woman]

Great shots of the muntjacs John. You do a brilliant job of your photography even if you're feeling off colour.

Think a walk powers up your immune system, especially if you enjoy where you are. Glad you getting better. ww

[pheonix]

i really like brandon marsh its a really good site with easy access and phacilities, also you can see a big variety of types of birds all in one place. i try to go every now and then, and you can spend just a couple of hours or all day (which i normally end up doing!)
Great site

[henrya]

Quote
If you look closely enough you can see the different markings on the heads.
Endquote

And that one is definitely a male, the other a female.

henrya