Feb 16 2015 RSPB Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve, Gwent Wales. Rain and Overcast. 6c
I had hoped to see a Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) but the wind and rain meant the birds were hunkered down and not showing. Not to be outdone I took the trail to the lighthouse to watch the flocks of Dunlin, Shelduck and Mallard plodding about on the muddy Severn Estuary shoreline.
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The Severn Estuary looking toward Somerset from Wales. |
It was muddy underfoot and I was beginning to think about returning to the visitor centre when I noticed three Stonechat feeding on the weather beaten wildflowers.
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Female Stonechat (Saxicola torquatos) in the rain. |
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Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea) ssp cabaret |
Out of the corner of my eye was one of my target birds the Bullfinch. It didn't stay long enough for a photo. In a farmers field a large frock of Fieldfare were feeding, another lifer. The rain began again so it was onward only to come across a flock of Reed Bunting. The light was so low I was shooting at between ISO 1000-1600.
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Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) |
I walked on only to come across the same flock, this time with the birds and grasses bathed in the 'sweet light' of the afternoon sun.
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Reed Bunting |
I had been out for two hours and the weather was improving and as I made my way back to the excellent visitor centre for a cup of tea I came across my favourite UK bird the Goldfinch.
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Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) |
Before I reached the visitor centre I came across Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Pheasant and this Mute Swan carving in the children's playground.
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Mute Swan (Paintus ornamentus) |
More about Newport Wetlands.
I hope to get out and see a few more birds before I leave the UK so until then, good birding!
"It's never too late to start birding"
John Gordon
The Wye Valley near Tintern Abby.
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