Saturday 18 April 2020

On this day (April 18th)... in 2019

Just an average day at Venus Pool on 18th April 2019, seems like only yesterday?

Not before time, a bit of passage going on at Venus Pool. Pulses weren't racing but a GreenshankLRP, 2 Common Sandpipers and two smart Wheatears on the shingle island were a start...

Let's start with a few images of the Greenshank. Initially very distant and always a bit flighty...





But eventually dropping in front of the Memorial hide!


And working around the margin...




Those long legs are handy in deeper water!


The closest approach...






 The Wheatears coming up next!

It wasn't just a bit of wader action at the pool today, a couple of male Wheatears dropped in. Surprisingly, they weren't in the top field or quarry but giving an amazing show on the shingle island in from of the main hide!

This was the smartest male which resolutely stayed rooted to the island


The second one which looked as if he was a 2cy bird, flew over to the grassy area in front of the hide.


Briefly perching on molehills...



Then working its way towards the hide!



Eventually I had to adjust the lens focussing to the sub 10m zone...


The pool came to the rescue too giving a nice soft background.




Yep, it was this close!


A 'one off' if ever I saw one...