Weekend At Elmley.

 In early January Lisa and I had a weekend away at Elmley Nature Reserve in north Kent. Last year, we actually stayed on the reserve in one of their shepherd huts, but this year we stayed in the nearby Premier Inn.

On the drive up the entrance track it was clear that there were less birds around than usual, with no birds of note seen on the drive. However, once at the carpark, we immediately saw some Redwing flying across to get to the berries on the edge of the carpark. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the birds went deeper into the bushes to stay hidden. Only once or twice did they venture out in a better photographic position.

Redwing.

After spending a while with the birds we ventured down to where we often see the bearded Reedling. With the breeze being quite strong we were not really expecting to see any, and that was how it was. 

Even the Brown Hares were not really cooperating, with just a few distant views. However, the Little Owls were showing well in their normal spot on the old school building, as they enjoyed sitting out in the sunshine.

The Little Owl Pair.

We then had a Goldcrest that performed well along the bush-line. These very tiny birds are always a challenge as they flit around at speed as they hunt food.

Goldcrest.

It was then the long walk down to the hides. The temperature was all the time around freezing and most of the ditches had ice on them. Not long after we arrived in the hide Lisa spotted a Brown Hare trying to run across the ditch on the ice, however, it was slip sliding all over the place. I was too slow to get a photo, but Lisa did get a few shots before it made it across. We did get a fly-by from a smart Marsh Harrier and also by a flock of Brent Geese.

Marsh Harrier.

Brent Geese.

On the walk back to the carpark we had a nice encounter with a female Kestrel and an opportunity with a Lapwing, a species that for the first time ever wasn't seen on the drive along the entrance track. It had been so dry that the ditches near the track were much drier than usual. Possibly the freezing conditions hadn't helped either.

Female Kestrel.

Lapwing.

Despite seeing little of interest, we still really enjoyed the weekend, and plan to visit again in the near future. Hopefully next time some Owls will appear for us, and if the wind is calmer, the Bearded Reedling.