Shadows and sounds.

                                                                    Herring Gulls crossing a setting Sun
I managed another dusk visit to Goldcliff and with clear skies and a strong low Sun I knew I would be in for some interesting photos. I made my way straight to the seawall, and the intention was twofold - to watch the Sun set and to look for the Glossy Ibis coming in to roost.
Avocet were in higher numbers, with 8 on the lagoon and a further 81 out feeding on the mudflats. Their shapes were silhouetted in the strong light of the Sun, but the distinctive feeding actions enabled them to stand out from the nearby Black-headed Gulls. A pair of Mallards passing by the reeds looked amazing as the bottle-green heads of the males stood out with the reflection of the light.
Lapwing taking flight.
Suddenly a large group of Lapwing took flight from the lagoon and circled around for several minutes. It was not obvious what had spooked them, but they were unsettled for some time, flying right past me before eventually settling back down again. The Canada Geese as usual were squeaking and squabbling, and a large number of ducks on the third lagoon included the usual Wigeon, Teal Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard and Coot.
Canada Geese

The Sun was now low over the Severn and the birds feeding on the mudflats became mere silhouettes and the distant cries of Curlew and Oystercatchers added a nice touch to the landscape. Just before the last of the light faded, the five White-fronted Geese made an appearance, and right on cue - the Ibis came in to roost in the usual patch of reeds.  With lovely skies, plenty of bird calls, shapes and sounds on the mudflats and clean air, it was a few hours at dusk that made my rush journey to the Gwent Levels well worth it.  And to finish off the evening - a lone Pipistrelle Bat flew over my head.
All photos copyright Neville Davies.





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