Waders and sea birds take flight for the 'Snettisham Spectacular' (14pics)

 Snettisham Bird Reserve lies on the edge of The Wash, one of the most important bird estuaries in the UK, supporting over 300,000 birds. A few times every year higher than average tides force thousands of waders including knot, oystercatchers, sanderlings, black and bar tailed godwit and plover to take flight, and advance up the mud flats in search of food. The event is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the UK.

 Waders flock together seeking new feeding grounds during the incoming tide at the RSPB's Snettisham Nature reserve

 Pink-footed Geese fly over the reserve at sunrise

 Oystercatchers, knot and other waders shuffle across the mud flats during the incoming tide

 Birdwatchers gather as waders flock together seeking new feeding grounds during the incoming tide at the RSPB's Snettisham Nature reserve

 Waders flock together seeking new feeding grounds

 Godwits and other waders gather on the mudflats

 A view over the Wash after high tide at the RSPB's Snettisham Nature reserve

 Pink-footed geese

 Oystercatchers