Flock of Gold

At sunrise in September 2024, tens of thousands of Red Knots (Calidris canutus) huddled together at Snettisham, Norfolk, England. This dense formation, bathed in golden light, is a survival strategy during high tide, offering protection from predators and conserving energy. One bird momentarily broke from the group, its wings catching the light in a fleeting moment of individuality. No baiting or attraction was used; this image reflects their natural behavior. Red Knots are long-distance migrants, traveling up to 15,000 km annually, relying on vital habitats like these for roosting and feeding during their journey.