Posted by szekiat chan on September 5, 2007 at 6:31 PM
I've been given the idea that its the almost perfect spot for raptor photography in the south west. I'll probably try and pay it a visit this weekend or next, weather and time permitting. Any input from u guys would be useful though.....
I guess I live the closest Although I would say that it is south east!
IMO it is good for watching but not great for Photography, as a rule sightings are distant.... well they are when I go there. It is probably worth a visit, you may be lucky... If your car has good ground clearance a trip to the Swale NNR and down to the beach at Shellness could be productive.
HTH
Phil
Posted by Mike Smith on September 6, 2007 at 4:29 AM
I would agree with Phil it is good for birdwatching with a telescope, but not easy photographically. Also It is a winter location for wintering waders and raptors - there will be very little of interest at present, the hen and marsh harriers will still be on territory at present and will not have moved down to winter roost sites (that said a juvenile Monty's was present nr Wokingham last week)
It depends upon what you are after, if owls and harriers then to be honest I would rate the the road to Harty Ferry better than than Capel Fleet Shellness marshes, but you have be in luck to get anywhere near close to the birds. For common waders ducks and grey geese it has to be Elmley and that reserve is definately recommended in winter, not so much the hides but the road to the reserve centre - take your time along this track, it is well worth it
The main attraction for Swale NR is the occassional snow bunting flock on the shingle or the occassional flying Bittern and distant harrier over the reedbed marshes - your chances are less than 10% seeing either, never mind photographing them. The high tide wader roost there is beyond public access
Discussion
2 repliesIMO it is good for watching but not great for Photography, as a rule sightings are distant.... well they are when I go there. It is probably worth a visit, you may be lucky... If your car has good ground clearance a trip to the Swale NNR and down to the beach at Shellness could be productive.
HTH
Phil
It depends upon what you are after, if owls and harriers then to be honest I would rate the the road to Harty Ferry better than than Capel Fleet Shellness marshes, but you have be in luck to get anywhere near close to the birds. For common waders ducks and grey geese it has to be Elmley and that reserve is definately recommended in winter, not so much the hides but the road to the reserve centre - take your time along this track, it is well worth it
The main attraction for Swale NR is the occassional snow bunting flock on the shingle or the occassional flying Bittern and distant harrier over the reedbed marshes - your chances are less than 10% seeing either, never mind photographing them. The high tide wader roost there is beyond public access