Back out for another session on the Levels but, this time, I carried the long lens set-up as well as the usual kit. Arriving around 18.00 hrs, I was able to spend a while preparing my spots and ensuring the rigs were placed exactly as I wanted. Not one carp was seen during my entire stay! I remained on the bank until 22.30 hrs, packing up after a one toner caused by my marshland nemesis - a beaver swimming straight through my left-hand line. This project is hard enough without this sideshow. Time for a rethink I feel.
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| Plenty of juvenile Sedge, & Reed, Warblers around the waterside reeds. |
I had already spent quite a while getting some images of these creatures with my Canon gear, two of which I am happy to share. I had to resort to ISO 1600/ 1/400th sec with the resultant grainy effect but they're certainly better than anything I've previously managed.
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| Two of the youngsters, seen this evening, so close that I couldn't get the whole creature in the frame - even with the lens reduced to 170 mm! |
I rather suspect that many people will say how lucky you are to have these lovely animals on your patch, I have to admit that I also lean towards that school of thought myself. I presume your sites are private or else the long lens brigade would be out in force trying to snap them.
ReplyDeleteMany of the drains that I have access to are, indeed, by consent from the landowners (farmers!) and well off the beaten track. Beavers are present in many of them but there are several sites besides public footpaths and, even the National Cycle Route, where these creatures are also in residence. The way that they are spreading, it won't be long before Chris Hindle is reporting them out at Reculver. Once they reach the Seasalter marshes, then Sheppey will be next on the invasion plan, the Swale won't be a barrier to these enterprising escape artists. You might then consider the lack of water, in your drains, a good thing, as you won't have to put up with these creatures under-cutting banks and the resultant subsidence due to their lodge making requirements. Don't get me wrong, I feel very privileged to be spending time with these animals; my recent photos are extremely pleasing. (If) When I catch that carp, I might have a complete change of heart but, due to their presence, and nocturnal habits, they are a pain in the arse at present!
DeleteLong lens brigade? All of my venues involve a lot of leg work. Modern, camera wielding, wildlife types don't know how to walk - if they can't drive there, they ain't going! As for me ever disclosing where I'm fishing is as unlikely as me blogging where the Kent Red Kites or Honey Buzzards breed or, even, writing a description for a rare bird sighting.
It's great being on the outside, with no rules to govern my enjoyment of the wildlife experiences I have, I'm free to do as I wish. Lucky? Some might think, but I'm a great believer in "you make your own luck!"
I accept and agree with all that, except the fact that beavers won't exist on Sheppey, we have no rivers and only the odd fleet. I agree re. the long lens brigade, you can normally spot them along the Harty Road because their cars look like mini galleons with their cannons out. Thinking about them, they would of been a nightmare in my old fyke netting days for eels, where we stretched the nets across the dykes at regular intervals.
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