A warm bright September day, combined with a low tide gave us opportunity for some bird watching at Titchwell Marshes. Condition like these could provide the chance of getting some closeups of birds on the low tide line. Plus the possibility of catching some early winter visitors.

The hides at Titchwell in the morning are not best suited to photography, as the sun shines  directly into the hides. On the shore however, with the sun behind, it’s almost perfect conditions.

Down to the low tide line

With the conditions right I tried to get the camera as near the ground as possible by hiding in one of the hollows that appear at low tide. As the tide turned it began to drive the birds back up the beach, straight towards me. As the sun was directly behind me it provided an ideal opportunities to work on some close ups of Turnstone, Brent Geese and Sanderling. (Make a note next time that waterproof boots are required and a plastic sheet to kneel on).

Photographing Sanderlings has proven to be quite a challenge. These birds seem to remain still only for a brief moment when they have their beaks buried in the sand, engrossed in feeding. In contrast, Knots appear to be more cooperative subjects.. However, I’ve come to the realization that my approach to photographing Oystercatchers needs adjustment. Being very wary of humans I failed to get any good close shots of them, hopefully there will be another opportunity.