Evening at Elmley

After a day of meetings it was time see some of the wonderful wildlife at this National Nature Reserve.  Last night I managed a Barn Owl but tonight was very exciting with masses of waders gathering on muddy areas. These were mostly Lapwings and Redshanks but also 2 Avocets, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper and a few Snipe.

Common Snipe

We also came across a pair of Ringed Plover with three really cute young ones.

Adult Ringed Plover

Juvenile Ringed Plover

Pressing on we noted lots of Grey Herons and Little Egrets and a good number of Marsh Harriers.  The highlight for me was a wonderful confrontation  with two Brown Hares one of my favourite mammals.

Brown Hare in the evening sunshine

Brown Hare stretching

One of our two meetings today was with three wildlife photographers Keith, Trevor, and Lesley who visit Elmley frequently.  They will be a great asset to the reserve I dedicate this blog to them.