One of our favourite outings, as a family, is to head down the Somerset Levels to one of the nature reserves. Binoculars at the ready. Last weekend, we visited two: Shapwick and Grey Lake. 
At Shapwick, we saw king fishers, bitterns, great egrets, black winged stilts, lapwings……the list goes on. All of which would not stay still or venture close enough for a photo. The mini-beasts were far more co-operative. A speckled wood butterfly landed on a leaf for me. As did froghoppers and damselflies.
Next day, we headed out to Greylake reserve. Apart from the fabulous willow snake, I love spotting the reed buntings. I love the way that they land right at the top of the reed and bounce gently. Often a small flock will land together. Moments like that they really do look like bunting.
A marsh harrier swooped above the reserve. Beyond my humble camera lens.
Fortunately, a four spotted chaser dragonfly was more obliging. The children stood for quite some time watching this dragonfly. Fascinated by its wings and translucent abdomen.
As we walked, the foliage was alive with damsel and dragonflies. The banded demoiselle damselfly was particularly eye catching as it looks almost like a black and blue feather fluttering and bobbing along beside us.
It really is a beautiful place to while away an afternoon. We must have spent a couple of hours pottering around the paths.
We stopped in one of the hides, which includes a children’s display board area with magnets to arrange. As I watched out of the hide windows, I could hear the children listing all the wildlife they had spotted. Their knowledge has grown so much. From behind me, I heard my six year old pipe up, ” That was a four spotted chaser we were watching.” It certainly was.
Joining in with the as-always inspiring Fiona over at Coombe Mill Farm. On a mission to get us all outside and enjoying the outdoor world.
How wonderful to watch your children learn so much from such a lovely place to explore. They really are very lucky. Beautiful photos too, thanks for letting us take a look at your outing x
It is a beautiful place.
Gorgeous photo of the dragonfly! It sounds like a lovely afternoon, your children are so engaged by these adventures, it’s wonderful.
The dragonfly was amazing. It really didn’t seem to mind us watching or getting close. In fact, we walked off and it was still there when we returned. Experiences like that are a wonderful way for children to connect with nature.
Wonderful outing and just beautiful photos. There’s something magical when kids start looking out for and identifying wild life and fauna around them. #countrykids
Isn’t there just!! Eldest can out-identify me on most birds. Job done!
Beautiful photos of what looks like a lovely afternoon
Lovely photos. I don’t know much about birds and insects but I’m intereseted in finding out more from my dad who bird watches a lot so I can pass on info to the kids – they love watching through the ‘noculars’ with Grandad 🙂 #countrykids
It does look like an idyllic afternoon and I love all your photos, the close up ones are stunning. I feel quite rested and peaceful just reading this post. Thank you for sharing on Country Kids.
Amazing photo of the dragonfly. I used to love nature walks (I belonged to WATCH group, part of the local Nature Trust) and knew so much, but I’ve lost so much of that knowledge. Would love to get N interested in it when he’s a bit older.
Looks like a lovely relaxing and informative walk.
As always your photos are the best. Looking for birds and insect is a nice way to add to the excitement of the trip and yours looks like its a really really nice one =) #countrykids
This reserve is turning into one of my favourites. It’s only been open a few years. Really worth a visit.
Oh my God I have never seen anything as good or as DETAILED as your photography. It’s like looking through a microscope. WOW.
Thank you! Like Merlinda says above your photos are the best! Wow!
Liska xxxxx
You and Merlinda are both very kind! Easy to photograph the subjects that I find interesting. Its the mundane stuff that I fail to photograph!
Love the photo of the dragonfly and speckled wood. I’ve attempted photos of both of these this week – unsuccessful – so am very envious of yours!
Sometimes I think it is the luck on the day. I suspect the dragonfly was either at the beginning or end of its time. Buzzed around us and then headed for the leaf. Almost like it was saying, “Come and look at me!”
what wonderful spots for outings!
that third photo from the top is stunning, and ooooooh! baby swans!! eeeee!!!!!
It is a wonderful place. Almost don’t want to advertise its existence. 😉
Great pictures and closeups! #countrykids
Thanks! 🙂