Monday on Wader Lake

Alan Hewitt · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2011, 07:34 PM

Hi folks

I headed down to WWT Washington to see our Avocet chicks on Monday. One pair has three chicks and the other pair are still nesting.

Got a few shots of Coots sparring, a colourful Lapwing and the Avocets going about their vociferous protection of their chicks!

Had a great day with lots of Avocet action!

Blog post with photographs. Monday at Wader Lake Alan Hewitt Photography

Alan

htcdude · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2011, 08:44 PM

Excellent photos Alan thanks for sharing

Nige

wizzo · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 06:21 PM

Great shots Alan! Just shows what can be achieved with a zoom and a converter, albeit a high quality one. Brilliant! Wizzo

Alan Hewitt · #4 (**permalink**) 14-05-2011, 11:44 PM

Thanks

Littlesparrow · #5 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 07:23 AM

I enjoyed looking at your photos this morning Alan, makes me feel like doing some bird watching myself today.

Annie.

galanthophile · #6 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 03:58 PM

Excellent photos. I was considering going to Washington next week and these pictures have tempted me even more. How close can you get to the birds?

Alan Hewitt · #7 (**permalink**) 16-05-2011, 06:44 PM

Thanks.

Across the reserve there are many different habitats which are great for photography. You will find in some parts, namely the more 'captive' enclosures you can get very close and many ducks and geese will feed from the hand.

In the 'wild' part, e.g Wader Lake there is plenty to see but in terms of photography I would recommend at least a 300mm lens. This will give you some good action shots but you will still struggle to get any close ups, unless of course you are lucky!

I did a little write up about photography at Washington WWT and although it is needing a little revision it is still very much relevant, Photography at Washington Wetlands Centre Alan Hewitt Photography

I hope this helps. Please feel free to get in touch about anything. I work closely with the Washington Wetlands Centre as their 'resident photographer' so I am always keen to encourage photographers into the reserve.

I may well be there on Wednesday depending on the weather! I find that while a sunny bright day can be a bit harsh in terms of lighting the subject it does provide some great reflections and colours from the foliage in the ponds which on a dull day can look a bit drab in comparison.

Cheers
Alan

galanthophile · #8 (**permalink**) 17-05-2011, 05:38 AM

That is very helpful Alan, many thanks. It will probably be Thursday when I am there but I will certainly let you know how I get on. Best regards. Ann

Alan Hewitt · #9 (**permalink**) 18-05-2011, 03:08 PM

I'll hopefully be there tomorrow too as I didn't make it today.

galanthophile · #10 (**permalink**) 20-05-2011, 02:55 PM

I had a brilliant day at Washington yesterday, I can't believe I have never been there before and I live in Tyne and Wear! I will definitely be going back - as a member! Thanks so much for the recommendation and the inspiration. I saw so many lovely birds. Spent quite a bit of time in Hawthorn Wood hide watching the bullfinches. Four and a half hours all told wasn't enough - I want to go back asap.