Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reseve

[Rose]

Finally got out with my camera today and headed down to the Wildfowl Reserve at Sevenoaks. Spent some time experimenting with AF settings. I also wanted to really see how the 100-400 and 1.4x would perform together at 560mm. I've put a few shots in an album on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rose_atkinson/sets/72157650513820857/

I did find it a bit of a struggle with my wrist still being very weak but not bad for a first outing. I was really impressed with the way the new AF system focusses when panning, even when the lens is at full stretch.

[davidb]

A nice bunch of shots - the lens has worked well for you.

I've been meaning to visit this site - perhaps this year I'll get to explore the reserve.

[Mike Farley]

It's also on my list. Hopefully it is better than the WWT site at Barnes, which I do not think anyone has found has produced good shots for them.

I am happy to drive over there at some point and give you a lift, which means that there will be two spare places in the car. It will probably mean setting a date and then keeping an eye on the weather forecast and confirming at the last moment.

Is there a particular time of year when it is a good time to go?

[Rose]

It's the first time I've been for a few years. I haven't really explored it properly either, perhaps a club outing there might be nice ?

[Mike Farley]

It's the first time I've been for a few years. I haven't really explored it properly either, perhaps a club outing there might be nice ?

Are you offering to organise it?

[Ronald Barker]

I would be happy to fill a space, if just four of are going perhaps a mid week visit???

[davidb]

I would like to join any safari to the Sevenoaks Reserve and would appreciate a lift there. Midweek or weekend would suit me fine.

If the trip is arranged before 2nd April the reserve is only open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday; from 2nd April its Saturday to Wednesday. I believe its free to enter but a small donation is suggested (unable to confirm this from the website).

The website is:
http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/res ... tor-centre

The point with WWT Barnes is that it has a large area set aside for captive birds from around the world but for the last few visits these have been lacking (although not totally absent). Nevertheless, I am a member and do try to get there as often as I can (which for this year has been zero times - I'm overdue a visit methinks!).

[Rose]

Yes, I'd be happy to organise it... at the moment a weekend trip is easiest for me, although I do have a few days annual leave to use up before I retire

There are a number of hides around the site which is based around a couple of lakes (former gravel pits) and the paths can get very muddy so good footwear is essential. A chap told me yesterday that there is an Ibis in residence at the moment - it flew in a couple of months ago and twitchers are coming in from all over the UK to see it apparently. How much longer it will remain there is anyone's guess of course. The visitor centre does snacks and hot drinks which are very welcome when you feel you've had your insides blown out on a chilly day by the lake ! LOL

If people are interested in a two-centre outing on the same day we could have a pub lunch then do Bough Beech Reservoir http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/bough-beech-visitor-centre in the afternoon ? It's only about 15 minutes drive away.

[davidb]

Sounds like a plan! Although Bough Beech Reservoir does have a limited calendar.

[Rose]

BoughBeech is right on the road so you can stop there any time of year