(Image: Pat Blewitt/CAMERA CLUB)
Birdwatchers have been treated to impressive views of a bird of prey at a popular North East nature reserve.
A marsh harrier has been captured on camera at RSPB Saltholme, near Stockton, by talented photographer and Northern Echo Camera Club member Pat Blewitt.
Pat has photographed the striking bird during visits to the nature reserve over the past few months, capturing it soaring above the wetlands.
The photographs offer a close-up look at one of Britain's most distinctive birds of prey, which can often be recognised in flight by its long wings held in a shallow V-shape.
RSPB Saltholme, which sits among the wetlands of the Tees Valley, is renowned for the variety of birdlife attracted to its pools, reedbeds and grasslands.
A Marsh Harrier at RSPB Saltholme (Image: Pat Blewitt/CAMERA CLUB)
Marsh harriers are closely associated with wetland habitats and can be seen flying low over reedbeds and marshes as they hunt.
The species has also been the subject of one of British conservation's notable recovery stories.
Marsh harriers came perilously close to disappearing as a breeding bird in the UK during the 20th century, before recovering as a result of conservation work and protection of important habitats.
The birds feed on a range of prey, including small mammals and birds, and their distinctive hunting flights can provide a spectacular sight for wildlife watchers.
Once largely associated with areas such as East Anglia, the species has expanded its range as its population has recovered.
The Tees Valley's extensive wetland habitats provide opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife, with RSPB Saltholme becoming a particularly popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers.
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Pat's pictures are the latest wildlife images to be shared through The Northern Echo Camera Club, where photographers from across the region showcase their work.
From birds of prey and other wildlife to landscapes and landmarks, members regularly capture striking scenes from across the North East and North Yorkshire.
And Pat's photographs show that visitors to Saltholme who keep their eyes on the skies could be rewarded with an impressive sight.