Pensthorpe Water park (Norfolk)
If you have ever visited a reedbed in Norfolk, you stood a reasonable chance of hearing the Bell-like "Ching-Ching-Ching" of a flock of Bearded Reedlings as they move through the reedbed- Did you see them?? No, well don't worry you just need to pay Pensthorpe a visit near Fakenham in Norfolk where they have a large walk in aviary. There you can watch around 20 of these superb birds going about their daily business oblivious to the people who walk through....they behave as if you are invisible. For a bird photographer this is the closest you will ever get to these flighty birds, but you must be prepared to spend some time observing them and watch where they perch. Ive been going to Pensthorpe for over 10years and hadn't got any real decent pictures, but my visit during 2010 was to focus on these alone. Im pretty happy with the results but i wanted the classic shot of the male high in the reeds with a clear view and tidy backdrop and a catch light in his eye. Yep you guessed it i never got it! Oh well i guess another visit must be on the cards...
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Pensthorpe Water park is a wildlife photographers heaven, Its the only place i know of where you come into close contact with native waders and other birds within 2 large walk in avairies. Of special interest are the Avocets, Godwits & Ruffs, the stock has changed over the last 10 years which makes each annual visit as exciting as the previous...You never know what might be there. This year has seen the introduction of a little Grebe & the Curlews are becoming easier to shoot. The complex also has several large lakes (old gravel pits) and many paths to explore the nature reserve. Theres plenty of hides for the twichers to with cranes & spoonbills seen on a regular basis.
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