The 1st February 2014 at Parkgate, Cheshire on the Wirral. High tide at midday was a spectacular event as the tidal water coming up the Dee Estuary never gets anywhere near to the walled front at Parkgate unless it's the rare occurrence of a high tide.
During seasonal high tides the water reaches the sea wall, and visitors arrive at the village to witness the unusual sight. The tides flush out birds and animals from the marsh and suddenly everything seems to be on the move as the tide rushes in.
It's an interesting setting with a heavy industrial background across parts of the estuary and large numbers of birds on the move makes for some interesting shots of their shapes against the water and the background of the North Wales coast. It was bitterly cold (and it took me all day to recover from it) and threatening rain which you could see in the distance. Luckily this added some background drama and some spectacular rainbows in the distance.
An enjoyable experience and photographic opportunity which was well worth a visit for the high tide spectacle. Next time though the thermals will be on and extra clothes in the car.
The marshlands of Parkgate are currently managed by The RSPB as part of the Dee Estuary Nature Reserve
