As the year changes season and we move swiftly into April, the evenings start to stretch out more noticeably, creating opportunities to capture subjects bathed in soft light from the still present, lowering sun. Only in the last week have we seen more of the stonechat pair that occupy a nearby hedgerow. On Thursday after work I set out for a quick walk slightly later than usual and was fortunate enough to encounter both of them atop their 'usual' hedge, with a newly ploughed field behind as well as a steadily falling sun. The male even allowed me time to re-position so that he was wonderfully outlined in soft white.
Following my own trend into this weekend I ventured out later in the day to two different locations on Friday and Saturday. The former visit to Exminster Marshes on the hope of seeing the 'still showing' spotted crake, and in equal measure a desire to see again the spoonbill, perhaps closer. As the cold set in shortly after sunset, poised watching two very specific clumps of sedge with a friendly and far more knowledgeable birdwatcher, I was on the cusp of leaving when out strolled a very small speckled bird. This wasn't the water rail that had been teasing us with its occasional sprints in and out of view, this was a beautiful little spotted crake. In such low light and from such a distance I was barely able to capture it at all but was thoroughly pleased to see it all the same.
Yesterday's late visit to Bowling Green Marsh revealed a good many little egrets, a well hidden snipe and a stunningly lit heron fishing quite close to the road. From the viewing platform at the far end, I saw even more little egrets accompanied by redshanks, curlews and shelducks. The view from here at this time of day towards the estuary is a real treat, with any birds present well highlighted. These three successive early evening strolls have certainly brought me much joy this week.
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