St Aidan’s Outing 2021

The best time of day for birds and photography seems to be “as early as possible”. The light is good and the birds are active. At least that is the story that Keith Allen told to encourage five club mumbers to get themselves along to St Aidan’s RSPB reserve near Swillington bright and early on 9 May. The experience proved very worthwhile, with some good sightings and the great benefit of having Keith’s watchful eye and extensive ornithological knowledge.

Members were particularly on the lookout for the Black-necked Grebe and it did not disappoint with a fine display and its habit of carrying the young on its back. Harder to spot were the warblers which announced their presence with their characteristic song but had a habit of hiding amongst reeds and bushes. A cheeky wren also put in an appearance but demonstrated a knack of hopping round the other side of a gorse bush when the photographers were making lens adjustments.

Here is a selection of the many images taken on the day.