Subtle Changes

One of the many joys of watching a Patch regularly are the subtle changes that occur throughout the Year. They can be slow, especially in late Winter...but they ARE there.

I arrived at NDC at 8 and had 45 minutes out by the Platform while I waited for Haydn. Very quiet in the trees and bushes but a few groups of magnificent Whooper Swans powered over low, heading for the Farm across the road. I'm always fully aware of how special this experience is...or I like to think so!

A sight to brighten up yet another extremely dull and cold Winter's Day. We moved on to the Geoff Smith Hide...to warm up...slightly! The Swans were still heading South along the River from Ellerton Ings in groups of various sizes...

A few groups came in low over the water before rising over the Hide...

The deceptive power this Species exudes is remarkable and is illustrated well when trying to follow them with the camera. A few more...

Pintails were well represented and a conservative estimate would be 120. Fortunately a few had ventured closer due to the welcome drop in water level...

Clouds of Lapwings were present at the far end with a sprinkling of Dunlin....

A young chap called Ed entered the Hide. He was understandably a tad apprehensive of Bud initially but after some reassurance he moved up the Hide to sit nearer. The next hour or so was a great pleasure as we chatted about various aspects of our wonderful hobby. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and candid outlook. He also found me my FOY Great White Egret...

The Bird worked its way towards us before flying South...

Always nice to get a surprise sighting.

The "Bund" was now exposed allowing Waders to congregate and rest on it. The "fresh" habitat paid off as 3 Ruff were attracted for another Year addition. Curlew numbers rose to 8 and we were treated to some song. I'd seen a couple of Oystercatchers on arrival, this increased to 3 around Noon. As I was leaving...

Subtle changes. I can't remember seeing 4 together here before. 

I left at 1. On the way home I detoured via Welwick hoping for a SEO or HH. No luck there but I did enjoy a superb performance by this beauty...

At one point it landed on a post right by my car...but I was too slow! Still, it showed well until I left at Dusk...

A cold, dark yet heartwarming day...