A Trip to Wallasea Island

28th January 2022

We often find that wherever we go some of our best shots are taken in the car park, and today was no exception. I had only just opened the boot of the car when a female Stonechat came and sat in a bramble a few yards away waiting for its photo to be taken.

And then just 30 yards up the road a Corn Bunting was sat at the top of a Sallow and not even flying when cars went past and allowed us to approach to within just 15 yards. Other times you can't get within 40 yards.

We had come today in the hope of photographing the ring-tail Hen Harrier that had been present for some time and found it immediately but a bit distant. It then went down so now just a waiting game for it to take to the air once more.

The new ponds were beginning to mature and were attracting birds like Pied Wagtails. This one seemed to be looking at its own reflection.

On the grassland were good numbers of Meadow Pipits, and the Sky Larks were not only numerous but also in full song.

There were also some territorial disputes which led to some impressive acrobatics in the air.

We then made our way to the sea wall, still waiting for the Hen Harrier to show and were entertained by a Brown Hare running for cover.

Well, the harrier never did re-appear and so back to the car. And remember what I said about car park photos? Well we were halfway through our pre-departure coffee when another Corn Bunting came and perched on top of a bramble just eight yards away. How good is that?