Mere Sands

Mere Sands Wood is a great reserve not too far from Martin Mere, it has 5 hides and 3 large lakes and a woodland path which takes you right around the reserve.

I decided to go this afternoon following reports of sightings of a Night Heron, which was there today, unfortunately I could only see the back of it mixed amongst thick branches, but the place was busier than I had ever seen, the Heron had caused quite a stir.

Whilst sat in the hide near where the Heron was, I was watching a pair of Great Crested Grebes a stunning bird, here are the shots I got.

I was lucky enough whilst sat there to see both male & female come together and start displaying, nodding and shaking their heads at the same time like the perfect mirror image.
Here they are..You can see more photos of the Grebes HERE.

After sitting in this same hide for over an hour I moved around to another hide behind the reserve centre, I was told when I got there that a Water Rail had been seen, this was a first for me I had never seen one before and managed to photograph it ..

Another couple of birds seen near the centre was a female Reed Bunting and finally a Nuthatch (one of my favourite birds). I am still hoping the Nuthatch will visit my garden again for some better closeup shots.
All photos taken 19/03/2008.

Yarrow Country Park

I was undecided this morning whether to go out or not, the weathers been pretty bleak and really overcast not making for good light.

So rather than sit around doing nothing I went out anyway and as always took my camera with me.

I have added some of the photos I got this morning. Apparently the Kingfisher according to a local guy I got chatting to is possibly the most photographed in Lancashire.

There is also a dipper around Yarrow river and I am hoping in time to post some pictures of that also.

In order top to bottom: Great Crested Grebe, Kingfisher, Kingfisher, Nuthatch.


All photos taken with Nikon D70 + Sigma 170-500mm lense.