Just before 10 am, I met another course member and we turned out to be the only attendees. Andy arrived spot on the hour and we moved to quiet corner of the Centre to receive an hour-long instruction about our cameras. I learned a great deal! Then we ventured out to take a few photos of the birds. Shortly thereafter we had to retire back into the Centre to avoid a heavy shower, took some photos through the windows and took a break for lunch.

Afterwards, we ventured out to walk around the site taking photos of birds and plants as subjects presented themselves and tried to put into practice what we had learned at the start of the day. We had to dodge some heavy showers, but took refuge in several hides.

This presented the opportunity of the day with the sighting of a Spoonbill on the far side of one of the lakes: a new species in the UK for me. We returned back to the Centre by 4 pm. I sat in the car park to download the RAW photos on to my laptop and view my efforts!

I learned much during the day and have had helpful advice since then by e-mail so that my knowledge has advance significantly.

Tony Wassell