Inner Marsh Farm RSPB - 26th September 2009

A trip down to Inner Marsh Farm RSPB to see the Long-billed Dorwicher was the plan for the afternoon once Reece had returned from rugby training. We had missed out on it at Marshside the day before as well as the Great White Egret down at Brockholes. The thought was even if it wasn't there when we arrived at least we were going to have a good day as we've heard nothing but great things about the place. As it was it was still there and showed well for the 2 hours we watched from the hide. Reece took full control of photography today and I'm sure you will agree he hasn't done a bad job considering the overcast conditions.

ABOVE AND BELOW THE LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER

And it wasn't the only lifer of the day for both of us as I sighted 3 Golden Plover amongst some grounded Lapwing and someone in the hide pointed out a Mediteranean Gull (Reeces 3rd lifer).

ABOVE 2 GOLDEN PLOVER AN LAPWING

ABOVE MED GULL BELOW WITH BH GULL AND BLACK TAILED GODWIT

There were raptors a plenty with Hobby, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine taking their chances with the waders as well as 5 Buzzard above the woods in the distance. Waders included a single Dunlin, Black Tailed Godwit, Ruff and Greenshank and Black-headed and Common Gull can be added to the Med we saw.

ABOVE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT AND TEAL

ABOVE AND BELOW GREENSHANK

ABOVE A LONE DUNLIN WITH LAPWING AND BELOW ONE OF A FEW RUFF

One of the best sights of the day was of a Water Rail right in front of the hide. Thanks goes out to the guy sat next to us who said when and where it would be seen next and it turned up right on time enabling Reece to get off some good shots.

ABOVE AND BELOW A WATER RAIL AS IT PASSED BETWEEN REED BEDS IN FRONT OF THE HIDE

Inner Marsh Farm is a great site to visit and I would recomend it to anyone. It is what I hope Brockholes Wetland to be in coming years being a similar habitat. I take my hat off to the RSPB and its staff there, they have done a great job and I'm sure it will only improve with time.