SashaQ writes: Recently I saw some superb photos of Bearded Reedlings on social media. The birds had been seen at RSPB Leighton Moss. I went on a trip there, hoping to get some decent photographs, but not expecting anything spectacular as my camera doesn't have a very long lens like the professional photographers have.

When I arrived, the person at the reception desk didn't seem hopeful that I would see any Bearded Reedlings, as it was 11am and the birds had been active at 10am. However, I made my way down to the viewing point anyway, to see what I could see. A fellow disabled person kindly made space for me at the wheelchair-accessible viewing section - she had been there the day before and the birds had arrived at 11.30am so she was confident we would see a good display. Right on cue, the birds arrived and I got some good photos, as I had hoped. Not spectacular photos, as the birds were somewhat hidden among the reeds, but still very recognisable so I was pleased.

I then went to explore more of the reserve and spent some time in a hide looking at ducks. I retraced my steps at 12.30pm, just as the sun came out. A few seconds after I got back into position at the viewing point, the Bearded Reedlings emerged from the reeds and sat on wooden grit trays that had been installed especially for them - to enable them to live on seeds in winter (as there aren't many insects for them to eat) they swallow grit to break up the seeds and release the nutrients. As the grit trays were only 3-4 metres away from us at the viewing point, I was able to take my own superb photographs!

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