Every now and again you find a place that just feels like you want to immerse yourself into. A place of big sky and at the same time secret little places offering exploration.
Nestling in a valley near the quaint village of Noke and accessed via a narrow track lies a gem of a reserve, Otmoor RSPB.
Greeting our arrival in the car park was the sweet songs of Robin and Hedge Sparrow
Taking our time we gradually made our way toward the wetland watch lookout hide.
On route we looked for any raptors as Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh and Hen Harrier had all been seen recently. Distant Marsh Harrier and Red Kites were available.
The wetland held almost invisible Brown Hares hiding then chasing across the vista, a prelude to a little bit of boxing.
Red Kites investigated us coming very close at times.
A welcome sit down in the hide provided views of numerous Reed Buntings and others hungrily feeding on the grain put out for them.
Our ever vigilant spotter Mark found a distant perched Buzzard later put to flight by the local crow.
Moving on a Marsh Harrier quartered the wetland
putting rise to large flocks of wintering Lapwings and Golden Plover.
Moving ever on toward the screen hides.
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| Roy and the Stig |
To be fair we didn't see an awful lot more but expectancy was always in the air.
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Ever quarrelsome Coots
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That expectancy paid dividends with a sturdy Peregrine located again by Mark (I knew there was a reason we took him along).
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| Peregrine and Marsh Harrier |
I was first introduced to this reserve by my good friend Graham and will be ever grateful, it's a beautiful place, tranquil and exciting, I only wish he could still be here to enjoy it.
Cheerz Rob.
Shots courtesy of Dave J and Robin (RDG Wild Images)
