Stodmarsh and Pegwell Bay visit 19/8/2017

Lovely sunny morning arrived at Stodmarsh NNR at 6am and proceeded to the reed bed hide, it was very quite just a few ducks and geese about, a Grey Heron in the distance was soon off on the wing when a large group of Grey Lags noisily arrived.
I set about testing with my 25mm extension tube (see post: Experimenting with 25mm Extension Tube On Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS.
A few fly pasts from a Marsh Harrier but nothing worth pressing the button for, it was that quiet I took a picture of a Wood Pigeon that dropped in for a drink.

Canon 5dmk4 700mm 1/800th f9 iso800

After a lot of nothing going on a Juvenile Female Kingfisher came in and as usual landed on the wrong perch sat there for 20 seconds before flying of over the reeds to look for some better hunting grounds.

Canon 5dmk4 700mm 1/640th f9 iso800

Its typical two perches to choose from one which is in the centre of the hides view is in full sun light, the other which is way off to the right hand side of the hide is in partial sunlight at that time of the morning and is really of no use to man or beast.

Canon 5dmk4 700mm 1/640th f9 iso800

I left Stodmarsh and headed off to Pegwell Bay, there have been reports of a Stone Curlew sighting so I thought I would go along and see what I could see, however knowing the terrain there it was doubtful if there would be an opportunity for a quality shot of it.

On arrival there was lots of activity both from cable laying works and the preparation for some fun run or something, I spotted this Female House Sparrow enjoying a breakfast of blackberries.

 Canon 5dmk4 700mm 1/1000th f9 iso800

I have never seen so much fruit on the trees and brambles, Apples, Pears in abundance, I was surrounded by the aroma of fruit smelled almost like a brewery ! this juvenile Goldfinch will no doubt be taking advantage of this bountiful harvest as autumn approaches.

 Canon 5dmk4 700mm 1/1250th f7iso200

I proceeded to walk up the coastal path, the tide was on the way in which tends to push the birds on to the shoreline, then the runners started, lots of them, to me that was a signal to go home for breakfast.

All in all quite a disappointing morning, but hey ho its always nice to get out in the fresh air.