Light and Water at RSPB Minsmere

We reached RSPB Minsmere yesterday afternoon just as most folk were packing up their birding gear and heading for the cafe or the car park. There were a lot of ducks about, but all at distance from our hide. However, on this occasion it was the quality of autumnal light that particularly delighted us, though we were concerned to see just how much of the site was underwater.

More winter than autumn perhaps?

Massive areas underwater

A splash of bright colour (and, yes, there had been a Waxwing sighting earlier).

 

Hemley and Kirton Creek on the River Deben

 

Kirton Creek

Last time we visited the village of Hemley, the footpath down to Kirton Creek was closed for maintenance. Last weekend we managed to get a little closer, but were forced to turn back by a waterlogged marsh, almost certainly on account of the combination of a particularly high tide and the storm winds. But we will try again, probably in the summer when the path should be more passable. 

I failed to get a photograph, but it was good to see a Marsh Harrier. These birds were so rare during my teenage years in Norfolk, but are not an uncommon site in this part of the world - if you are in the right habitat.

Across the Deben to the church of St Margaret of Antioch, Shottisham

Looking towards Ramsholt

Curlew overhead

 

All Saint's, Hemley, Suffolk