A while ago I posted about a trip to Snettisham RSPB reserve in the UK, and promised more pictures to follow. Well, here they are!
The text below is from my original post, but I think it's worth reposting an edited version to set the context.
Stettisham is a small town on the on the east coast of The Wash in the UK. There is an RSPB reserve there that gives 'views across brackish lagoons, salt marsh and a vast expanse of mudflats'. It's basically wader heaven.
I was there on two days when very high tides coincided with the sunrise. This means that huge flock of Red Knot are pushed off their muddy feeding grounds by the rising tide.
This does two things - firstly it makes the Knot (and other waders) fly around in huge groups over the mud, and secondly, once the birds have been pushed off the mud they roost in there 10's of thousands on a shingle bank just inshore from the high-tide line.
These are some pictures from the shingle bank. The majority of birds are Red Knot, or just Knot, in the UK (Calidris canutus). The black and white birds are Eurasian Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus), there are Greylag Geese (Anser anser) on the water, and in a few places you can pick out a few Godwits.
It really was a remarkable sight.
In case you haven't worked it out, the shingle is the golden coloured material, and the grey blobs are not rocks, they are Knot!
Hope all is well. As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. SM
The sheer scale and movement of those flocks are breathtaking
ReplyDeleteWow What an amazing flock Stewart. Thanks for hosting and commenting. I hope you have a great week ahead
ReplyDeletenever seen the great number of birds in nature..... fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThat was thrilling to see thank you so much for sharing with us Stewart! Aloha
ReplyDeleteSo many birds, what a spectacular sight.
ReplyDeleteOhhoh, so many birds. Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteWith the Oystercatcher's 'wading' through them, these birds resemble wave spume! Fabulous shots. YAM xx
I have no doubt it was a spectacular experience and causes me to have unapologetic envy. Coastlines are magnificent places in every way. Sadly, I have little chance to experience them. The shoreline of the Great Lakes is not quite the same.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)ting experience
ReplyDeleteThe Red Knot flock is the largest number of birds I have ever seen. It must have been an exhilarating experience. My contribution of familiar and common birds pales by comparison Thank you for hosting
Stewart.
All the best
Sonjia.
Remarkable crowds! Rather amazing.
ReplyDelete