SNETTISHAM BIRDS AT HIGH TIDE
The Snettisham RSPB Reserve is located in North Norfolk on the Eastern Side of The Wash. At times of big high tides in the autumn/winter spectacularly large numbers (many thousands) of wading birds are forced to leave their feeding grounds on the mudflats of The Wash. They settle on the lagoons and islands/roost banks of the Snettisham Reserve. Movement from The Wash can be observed from the shore while the RSPB hides provide excellent viewing points of the birds during their temporary relocation.
This gallery contains a selection of photographs taken on visits in September 2011 (when large numbers of Oystercatchers dominated) and September 2012 (when Knots prevailed). As mentioned, some thousands of birds reside on the reserve - both on a temporary basis (a few hours because of the high tides) or for longer. In addition to the Oystercatchers and Knots, the gallery includes photographs of the following birds: Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Dunlin, Greenshank, Redshank, Lapwing, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Cormorant, Little Egret, Starling, Moorhen, Common Shelduck, Greylag Goose, Hybrid Barnacle Goose.
By and large the birds co-exist peacefully. Occasionally, however, they are disturbed/spooked and take to the air before returning to the same or another place hopefully, but not always, without a casualty. Photos included illustrate the impact of the visit (unsuccessful) of a Sparrowhawk in September 2012. No doubt, many other species may be observed at Snettisham at different times of the year. Only photographs taken on these two early morning, but most memorable, September visits are included here.
aa Oystercatchers arriving 1
aa Oystercatchers arriving 2
aa Oystercatchers arriving 3
ab Knots landing 1
ab Knots landing 2
ab Knots landing 3
ab Knots landing 4
Avocet
Barnacle Goose Hybrid
Bar-tailed Godwits
Black-tailed Godwit 1
Black-tailed Godwits 2
Black-tailed Godwits 3
Black-tailed Godwits 4
Black-tailed Godwits 5
Common Shelduck 1
Common Shelduck 2
Cormorant 1
Cormorants 2
Curlews
© David Rayner Photography