Psilos Bird Journal
Wednesday February 6th 2008
     
"Shelduck fest "
 
having left the birds firmly grounded at Marshside I came to Martinmere hopeful of better things. It would soon be time for the swans to return to the mere but before they did I had time to see what was going on elsewhere in the park. There is now a definate feel of spring in the air. Ducks are busy displaying and pairing up. At the back of the park wild Shelducks can be found in large numbers.
     
Shelducks are very difficult to photograph. The contrast in their plumage makes it difficult to get a good expsoure. Coupled with dark coloured water and it can make a very dull photo indeed. To get the best images look for water with more neutral, paler colours to show the birds up at their best.
     


Lots of Shelduck flying around on the mere too.

 
I could have stayed longer in the park but the sounds of incoming Whooper swans is always a huge draw for me. They seem to be here for so short a time that I cannot resist watching them especially when the light continues to be so good. Alot of the swans are feeding in the fields very close by and come in close when landing. photographing them flyby in such superb light is always a thrilling experience. The dots in the photo below are Lapwings. I could have edited them out but actually I think they work quite well in this particular photograph. All told a really good day today!