Sunday 31 January 2010

All quiet again, then out came the sun and the Bittern

It was all very quiet down at Marazion the morning.  I was just about to head off home when the sun made a prolonged appearance. The herons have started nesting again in front ot the main viewing area. At present the Male heron is flying down collecting sticks for the nest, giving great photo opportunities. Also at this time I saw the Bittern land in the area, and then Rachel spotted him walking below the heron's nest site. I did shoot some video but that didn't come out. (Oh well have to read the instructions on that one) Earlier was pretty fruitless on the marsh, so I headed down to the river on the beach.  Greenfinch, Redwings, Wagtails, Chaffinches and Stonechats all sighted here. Onto todays pictures:

Swan: off down the runway, this take off was aborted.

Moorhen

Greenfinch on the beach

Bittern, notice the long legs utiled to cross the reedbed.
















Bittern stretching that long neck forward

Bittern, processed as black and white just to emphasise it's superb camaflage.


Teal baithing

Oyster catcher bathing

Mr and Mrs Heron on the nest

Heron, swooping down looking for nesting material

4 comments:

JRandSue said...

Looks like you've had a very rewarding day.
We were at Marazion yesterday and had great views of the Bittern.
Sue also saw a second fly in behind mid marsh.
John.
Ps fantastic Images Bob.

Anonymous said...

Great shots Bob I like the courting Herons photo young ones will be following soon.

Scillybirds said...

Great shots of the Bittern I am still trying to find one on Scilly this year.

Rosie said...

Hi Bob

I found your website through NBNetwork and came over to see your photos. You have some great ones here - I can never capture our local grey herron couple on camera - you must have alot of patience waiting for the right shot.