20th December - Titchfield Haven NNR, Hampshire

Having walked back from Brownwich, Ian and I decided to drop into the Meon Shore hide for the afternoon.  The sun was still shining and the low aspect was sending some lovely golden light and with it some great reflections on the still water of the scrape.

Despite the high water levels the Snipe were still able to roost on what was still above water.

There wasn't an island in front of the hide, but for some reason the Lapwing were aware that the water wasn't too deep where it should be and one individual flew into this to bathe.  A combination of the afternoon sunshine, the lovely blue water and the Lapwing's stunning plumage made for some interesting images.

Stunning crest.

I love the way the water runs off the feathers.

Followed by some glorious wing flaps.

A shake.

Down deep into the water.

Finally reflection time.

An adult Common Gull had found the water to be shallow enough to stand.

This one female Marsh Harrier repeatedly came over the reeds on the right hand side of the hide and then out over the scrape.

Hovering over the reeds.

Then out across the scrape in front of the hide.

There was about two hours before low tide and the Oystercatcher were slowly leaving the roost, flying out over the scrape.

A drake Teal took over the shallow water above the island in front of the hide.

A male Shoveler flying out to the bay.

Egyptian Geese leaving the Frying Pan and heading in the direction of the fields at Brownwich.  Say what you will about the rise of these geese but they do look smart in flight.

With the light fading, the Snipe were getting feisty on the island, almost as if they were "sword fighting".

The end of a day that turned out to be far better than I envisaged when I set out this morning.