First of all, lunch! As it was a Sunday, we had first pickings from the specials board, and being noon, the cafe was reasonably quiet before the stampede of hungry visitors.
It was delicious!
After a large lunch and a large scone (with jam and cream of course!), washed down with a large cup of tea, we ventured to the first hide. The first hide was next to the buzzing garden.
Here, we saw a multitude of wildlife, from bumblebees to a flock of bull finches.
I must say, it was magical; an area made by man, dedicated to wildlife.
Moving on towards the next hide, which overlooks the main reed beds, was a peaceful landscape.
But the hides and the viewing screens at that end of the reserve were not of interest. the walk back to the visitor centre revealed so much more!
Whilst in the first hide, we saw a Bittern. Yes, we saw it being mobbed by black headed gulls! We saw it a second time flying in the opposite direction just before we moved on.
On the path parallel to the Hare field, either the same Bittern or a second individual, flew right over us! It was INCREDIBLE!
To relieve my excitement just a little bit, I had a go at the leap frog!
At the family hide are some fantastic views. Just like the sky tower at Leighton moss, you can see the majority of the reserve from that one hide.
There was a family of Canada geese too. The goslings are hiding in the long grass unfortunately but they were yellow!
Just before leaving, we saw the Bittern for a fourth time!
At the other end of the reserve, were some very active hides.
Buzzing with life...
and thriving with young!
As it had already gone 5, we were into the 'out of hours' time of the day. Heading back to the car around 7, we gave ourselves plenty of time to have a cup of tea before the reserve closed at 8.
As there was no one around, I went through a grass hopper tunnel!
What a day!
After a large lunch and a large scone (with jam and cream of course!), washed down with a large cup of tea, we ventured to the first hide. The first hide was next to the buzzing garden.
Here, we saw a multitude of wildlife, from bumblebees to a flock of bull finches.
I must say, it was magical; an area made by man, dedicated to wildlife.
Moving on towards the next hide, which overlooks the main reed beds, was a peaceful landscape.
But the hides and the viewing screens at that end of the reserve were not of interest. the walk back to the visitor centre revealed so much more!
Whilst in the first hide, we saw a Bittern. Yes, we saw it being mobbed by black headed gulls! We saw it a second time flying in the opposite direction just before we moved on.
On the path parallel to the Hare field, either the same Bittern or a second individual, flew right over us! It was INCREDIBLE!
To relieve my excitement just a little bit, I had a go at the leap frog!
At the family hide are some fantastic views. Just like the sky tower at Leighton moss, you can see the majority of the reserve from that one hide.
There was a family of Canada geese too. The goslings are hiding in the long grass unfortunately but they were yellow!
Just before leaving, we saw the Bittern for a fourth time!
At the other end of the reserve, were some very active hides.
Buzzing with life...
and thriving with young!
As it had already gone 5, we were into the 'out of hours' time of the day. Heading back to the car around 7, we gave ourselves plenty of time to have a cup of tea before the reserve closed at 8.
As there was no one around, I went through a grass hopper tunnel!
What a day!
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