Wader Spectacular

This weekend had an early morning outing up to the Wash in North Norfolk. A 3.15am start arriving before 6.ooam in prep to witness the wader spectacular. This was my 4th attempt at getting images of this wonderful event over the years. With only 3 real chances this winter of the high spring tides and daylight hours. I prayed this time it would all come together. Well...this time the weather and the birds did not dissappoint. Walked the 1.5miles out to the beach in the pitch black. Waited & watched the glorious dawn light as the sun rose over the wash. We had purple, pinks and beautiful golden orange skies filled with Greylag & Brent Geese, 10s of 1000s of wading Knots, Dunlin and Oystercatchers. The knot danced giving amazing cloud formations as the the tide progressed. The sound was incredible as they flew and circled over head making their way to roost. Wonderful experience well worth the 2.30am rise, 250 mile round trip and 3 mile walk with a heavy lens to see.

In the afternoon took a drive on to Cley Marshes and spent a few hours blessed with fantastic light capturing Lapwing, Ruff, Godwit, Snipe and Teal. On the way home stopped off at one of my Barn Owl sites hoping to finish the day with a few owls in flight but sadly a no show this time. I suppose with the decent weather in the past few days the could afford a lay-in and didn't need to venture out so early.

Managed some lovely shots and will put some on the flickr in the next few days as I trawl through the RAW files and convert.
Ray.