Jacks on the border

Out of the county by less than ten metres on occasions and showing as well as I have ever seen them, the Jacks at East Hyde were taking advantage of the flowing water of the side stream next to the River Lea this afternoon in superb sunlight. The birds were continuously active and feeding. Attached are a couple of my digiscoped efforts which can only hint at the images that could be obtained here by somebody with some decent camera gear.

Jack Snipe

Jack being watched over by his larger cousin

East Hyde water meadow; view SE from Thrales End Road. The road marks the Beds border as does the river beyond. The nearside bank and this side stream are Herts territory. On view this afternoon from this spot were three Jack Snipe, eight Common Snipe, Little Egret, two Green Sandpipers, two male Goosander, Kingfisher and a Water Rail as well as good numbers of Gadwall, Little Grebe and Teal. Can you see the Jack Snipe in the near foreground ?

Another typical view

Jack Snipe

This bird arrived on the scrape just before midday, the first bird to take advantage of the thaw. Dunstable SW, 5th Dec 2010

East Hyde Jack Snipe

As no-one else seems to have put an image on of the East Hyde Jack Snipe on the Blog I am doing so even though they are not terribly good. The position of the bird and light were less than ideal for photography. The only one I saw woke up briefly whilst I was there but did not show a lot of activity otherwise!

Jack Snipe Octagon Farm

This shot was hand held without scope using flash.

Jack Snipe Octagon Farm

Nice drops of dew on the bird's head.

Jack Snipe 22 December Octagon Farm

Not a bad effort for an old point and shoot compact camera. Mind you, anyone can get a good shot of a Jack Snipe - the trick is seeing them before they fly - only my second time ever I've managed this.