Its a bit of a toss up, but these are arguably the best images of a Redshank that I have achieved to date.
Time of year ?, Light quality and direction ?, plumage ?, I'm really not quite sure other than to say that this bird was in stunning condition.
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A quick visit today to TLNR, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warblers, Willow Warblers, Reed warblers and Blackcap are all now arriving back on the reserve .... Nightingales and Cuckoo this week ?.
As you can see from its footprints this Redshank had been wandering around probing the soft mud in search of food, mainly ragworms, marine snails and shellfish.
I marvel at the way the bird just melts into its surroundings.
One of our more recognisable waders, Redshank numbers are sadly in decline as a result of the effects of global warming and intensive agricultural practices on their coastal and inland habitats.
On the coast rising water levels are reducing the area of mudflats exposed at low tide on which the species feed, Inland drainage of boggy areas to maximise agricultural output is increasing '' dry '' land that the probing beaks of the birds can not penetrate, and even if they could, the invertebrate life no longer exists.
To be fair, some inland landowners do try and mitigate their drive for efficiency with conservation measures, but not enough of them.
That's progress folks ............
OK, OK, I am the first to hold up my hands and admit that waders are not my forte, the more common ones I will post without consulting the ID Q&A section of Birdforum but otherwise I use their services.
The above situation probably reflects two facts, one - I have never really birded in areas with immediate access to reservoirs or the coast and two - I suppose my main interest is photographing small birds of woodland and the countryside.
But I am trying to widen my horizons ....... I promise ! ...... if I have got this one wrong let me know, constructive criticism works for me !!!.
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