{"id":2140419,"date":"2021-03-12T14:15:30","date_gmt":"2021-03-12T13:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/?p=2140419"},"modified":"2021-09-26T08:13:19","modified_gmt":"2021-09-26T07:13:19","slug":"snettisham-spectacular","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/snettisham-spectacular\/","title":{"rendered":"Snettisham Spectacular on the Wash"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the UK, throughout the autumn and winter, very high tides in the Wash give rise to one of natures’ wildlife spectacles. The Wash is a large rectangular bay on the East coast of England. Sometimes it’s referred to as the \u2018Snettisham Spectacular\u2019 or ‘ Wader Spectacular’.\u00a0 Undoubtable the best place to witness this is at the RSPB reserve at Snettisham. The reserve is always a good site for watching waders with a number of hides.\u00a0 In 2020 a new hide was opened, providing\u00a0 great views of the spectacle. The new hide even provides specially designed viewing for the growing number of photographers. More images including\u00a0 an amazing short video<\/a> of the Red Knot\u00a0 and information about the event at\u00a0 https:\/\/adwimages.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

On certain days the exceptionally high tides cover the normal feeding grounds and huge numbers of birds are forced to find somewhere to roost. This provides a world class birdwatching event as they mass over the mudflats and finally come to rest in the reserves lagoons.<\/p>\n

\"Thousands<\/a>
Thousands of Knot gathering on the banks of the lagoon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Close<\/a>
Close up of some of the Knot roosting in the Lagoon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Record Year for Red Knot<\/h2>\n

During this time of year the numbers of warders feeding on the rich mudflats is mind boggling. This year there was an estimated 140,000 Red Knot making it a record year. There were also thousands of Oystercatchers, not to mention Grey Plovers, Golden Plovers, Dunlin, Bar Tailed Godwits and Curlew. All who try to find space in the shelter of the reserve and wait for the tide to retreat.<\/p>\n

\"Oystercatcher<\/a>
Oystercatcher and Knot at RSPB Snettisham<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The RSPB reserve at Snettisham\u00a0 is renowned for its flocks of whirling waders. They publish information and a timetable of the best times to see the event. At the time of writing\u00a0 the next Snettisham Spectacular in 2021 is due to take place from Sun 28th March at\u00a0 5.15pm for three days. More details of dates and times can be found here\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Red<\/a>
Red Knot in Flight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Oystercatcher<\/a>
Oystercatcher in flight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Rising Tide Forces More Birds Towards The Pits<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To make the most out of the event its best to arrive an hour or so before high tide. You are then in place as the birds are forced off the mudflats, to fly over head. They appear very similar to the Starling murmurations that gather just before they settle down for the night.\u00a0 The most noticeable difference\u00a0 with these flocks of Knot are the amazing colour changes from grey to white\u00a0 as they swirl through the air. Before they rest around the edges of the pits and on of the small islands in the lagoon. When the tide is fully in its possible to move to one of the hides and view the roosting waders at close quarters.<\/p>\n

\"Oystercatcher<\/a>
Oystercatcher in flight at RSPB Snettisham<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The whole spectacle is visually stunning and\u00a0 provides superb opportunities for photographers to capture some truly remarkable images.<\/p>\n

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What you can do<\/h2>\n

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