August (so far) is proving to be a good month for getting across to the reserve although the nights drawing in is quite apparent and early morning visits certainly require warm clothes to keep off the almost autumnal feeling in the air.
The company has been good too, although I must admit this means on occasion probably more time spent talking than with eyes on the reserve.
Last night the light was rather dull and I was thinking that it would be another visit without taking any images. A large bank of very dark cloud started to approach and the main hide at the flashes emptied apart from two of us with everyone heading off the reserve before the threatened rain. As it turned out the rain did not transpire and instead the two of us left had a spell of glorious evening sunshine which was prefect for getting some snaps.
A circling raptor (probably a buzzard) spent the latter part of the visit stirring things up over the flashes with the 260 plus Black headed Gull and 120 or so Lapwing being constantly stirred into panicked flight while the 30 odd Curlew just carried on about their wading unconcerned. Walking back to the cars we did spot a Common Buzzard over the sailing pool area.
Top & bottom of page Green Sandpiper caught in the early evening sun at the Upton Warren Flashes.
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