Paxton Pits pics

[colincurry]

Cordless Dave and I went to Paxton Pits last Saturday. We arrived very early and it was cold and the light not great for photography. We made our way to the main hide on the edge of the largest lake. There were plenty of cormorants flying around, the occasional heron, greylag geese, BHGs, mallard, tufties and a few goldeneye, amongst others.

It is such a large lake that everything seemed just too far away for worthwhile photography - even with a 1.4 tc. Of course, it may also be down to lack of technique and expertise.

There is an adjacent feeding station that was something of a saving grace. Here is my first worthwhile snap; of a reed bunting



After many tries, I managed this one of a landing cormorant



We then took a stroll around the side of the lake down to the river. On the way, we stopped at the Kingfisher Hide - no kingfishers, of course. I did get this great crested grebe that swam quite close



This was followed by a tufty who also came reasonably close



I was also lucky enough to catch a heron in flight there. Then it was back to the main hide for coffee, cake and a bit of a warm.

This blue tit and chaffinch next to the feeding station obliged - the great tits were too quick - or my patience too small



A robin and dunnock also posed



One of the goldeneye came close enough to try a shot



Finally, I did get a cormorant in flight. We were intrigued by the white thigh patches which we had not seen before and apparently indicate a breeding adult



This is a good spot for nightingales in May - watch this space.

Colin

PS Thanks to the WAB back room team who have really made it so much simpler to upload pictures into threads. Previously, it was, for me, something of a lottery and a bit of a nightmare.

[tameblackbirds]

congratulations on the landing cormorant. Great pictures, great day out

[Ollie]

Some very nice shots Colin. That Reed Bunting is a cracker

It's always frustrating when the birds are there but just out of range to get a decent shot, but it looks like you had a great day anyway.
Roger

[ellen h]

Lovely shots there,looks like you had a good day out
ellen

[Hedge Witch]

They are fantastic shots Colin, looks like you had a wonderful day.