Last Friday, a friend asked if I would like to join him to go to Lemsford Springs, Hertfordshire to photograph Green Sandpipers. So off we went to find that it was closed for some repairs to be done. So where to go?

We settled on the RSPB  site Rye Meads, somewhere that I have never visited.

Quite frankly, it is a nice site but there was no bird life out-of-the-ordinary so it was a case of trying to make decent photos that were, in some way, different. The weather was gloriously sunny and calm - ideal.

There was a number of Egyptian Geese from the first hide - I am getting used to seeing them after large flocks in Tanzania - but, with patience, something different occured.

and a Muntjac on the other side of the scrape with a reflection - most unusual for the breed.

We then moved on to other hides, the Kingfisher hide was impressive - with no Kingfishers - but a Moorhen gave an unusual shot

I can see why this hide becomes very popular for Kingfisher Photography during the breeding season

and a Gadwall preening in the shadows added further interest.

Back to the first hide where a couple of Little Egrets were showing off.

a Gadwall flew in

and one of the Egyptian Geese decided to take to the water.

So not altogether a disappointing day although a visit to RSPB Sandy on the way home was a total disappointment. If the RSPB want to attract visitors here, this is not the way to go about it!!!!