Back In Birdland

'Mr Banks Birdland'. 30th January 2012.

2012-01-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

With the weather not great, cold and grey, I decide to just take my scope and my digi camera. I had not used the camera for years and realising I couldnt remember any settings I opted to try a short video clip, hopefully the links will take you to the footage. The first new addition for the year was a single Shelduck on the main lake, it didnt hang around for long mind you. My second attempt to video was of a snipe, I was hoping it was a Jack Snipe considering the bobbing up and down whilst feeding the video clip shows this and not noticed snipe moving like this before, but the crown stripe and long bill put a stop to those thoughts. The temperature did not rise at all and after logging all I could see I made my way to the car and home for a cuppa.

http://vimeo.com/36020275

http://vimeo.com/36019893

Bird Species seen: Shelduck,Shoveler,Teal,Coot,Pochard,Tufted duck,Black headed gull,Little grebe,Mute Swan,Gadwall,Common gull,Greylag geese,Mallard,Lapwing,Pheasant,Stock Dove,Woodpigeon,Blue tit,Great tit,Blackbird,Chaffinch,Dunnock,Carrion crow,Jackdaw,Wren,Snipe,Song thrush,Moorhen,Wigeon,Green woodpecker,Yellowhammer,Pied wagtail.

'Mr Banks Birdland' January.

2012-01-18T02:51:00.000-08:00

Took a walk around with Sarah, noting what was about. Only took my scope and bins this time though, looking at a spot for Kingfisher fingers crossed. The first sight that was noticeable were the 150 or so Greylags in the grass field adjacent to the A1, in the same field a 100 or so flock of Skylarks were feeding too. There were quite a few Teal around, noticeably vacant last time, and there was no sign of the green Sandpiper on this visit. Species seen: Greylag&Canada geese,Mute swan,Shoveler,Black headed gull,Common gull,Little grebe,Jackdaw,Mallard,Coot,Pochard,Tufted duck,Teal,Gadwall,Green woodpecker,Magpie,Song thrush,Long tailed tit,Blackbird,Moorhen,Carrion crow,Pied wagtail,Dunnock,Lapwing,Muntjac deer.

Calshot. Hampshire. January 2012.

2012-01-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

Spanish Sparrow

After my last night shift I travelled straight down to Hampshire for the Spanish Sparrow. With quite a number of birders there it wasn't long before the bird was picked out in a back garden and just viewable from the road. It was fairly mobile then moving from one side of the road to the other but gave itself up on a few occasions, albeit hidden behind branches. Every now and again it would return to the same garden to feed before returning to the nearby bushes to preen and rest. A great morning chatting to other birders and photographers and I for one did not expect to get any shots so I left well happy.

"Mr Banks Birdland".Biggleswade.January 2012.

2012-01-09T02:37:00.000-08:00

My first visit for 2012 and great weather too, the wind had finally dropped off and I was able to put the hide up. A couple of new additions, albeit not great species but birds none the less!, and a wader to boot too. Coots and Mallards were mating and the Coots very stroppy with neighbouring interlopers. The Black headed gulls were in good numbers with perhaps one or two more Common gulls than last time.

Some Canada geese were joined by a small group of Greylags, which didn't have anything else mixed in with them, they later departed leaving the Canada's to graze the grass. But the best showed itself some time later. I glimpsed a small bird fly from a hidden bay which I immediately thought wader and probably a Green Sandpiper, unfortunately I could not pick it up from my hide. But it was to show a few more times confirming it as a Green Sandpiper, and happily came close enough for a record snap.

Birds seen;Lapwing,Gadwall,Mallard,Canada geese,Greylag geese,Starling,Pied wagtail,Coot,Skylark,Black headed gull,Common gull,Mute swan,Little grebe,Moorhen,Pochard,Tufted duck,Green sandpiper,Carrion crow,Magpie,Cormorant,Shoveler,Green woodpecker,Sparrowhawk,Jackdaw,Yellowhammer.

New Beginnings in Bedfordshire.

2012-01-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Mid December 2011 I was invited to take a look around a potential site along the A1 between Sandy and Biggleswade, with views to setting up for photography. I knew the place from reports amongst the Bedfordshire Bird Club, but being a private site never thought I would gain access. But with thanks to Bev for letting me have access to his site the year ahead was looking most inviting. I would be recording all species from common to hopefully scarcer. My early visits would be to make the regular birds familiar with my hide and 'suss out potential spots.

The flock of Lapwing were quite confident to venture close by and there were a number of Black headed gulls present with a few Common gulls mixed in. A Snipe was flushed whilst walking around and a Little egret flew over on its way towards the fishery lakes. Duck species numbered 7; Gadwall,Mallard,Tufted,Shoveler,Teal,Pochard and Wigeon. Hopefully I will clock up a varied list as 2012 progresses.

Birds seen;Gadwall,Mallard,Shoveler,Teal,Pochard,Wigeon,Tufted duck,Coot,Moorhen,Mute swan,Little grebe,Black headed gull,Common gull,Common Snipe,Grey Partridge,Skylark,Cormorant,Pied wagtail,White wagtail,Starling,Lapwing,Green Woodpecker,Little Egret,Carrion crow,Jackdaw,Sparrowhawk,Common buzzard(distant).

MEGACley NWT. December 2011.MEGA

2011-12-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

Western Sandpiper. Cley Norfolk.

Luckily for me the morning after the pager rang out with this little mega, was the first of my night shifts and so I had the morning to try and connect. I picked my dad up at 04:15 and headed off for Cley Marshes. Arriving before first light the thought of continuing my run of dips was certainly in my mind, and with one birder from Hertfordshire already in the hide, we settled down with a birding couple and awaited the sunrise.

The hide soon started to fill up and unlike in Kent the birders here were all scanning for the bird. So it was no surprise that it was picked up on Simmonds scrape after flying in. A very fast moving bird and quite mobile when mixed in with the Dunlin, especially when the bloody Wigeon kept flying in to land after being spooked, probably by one of the many Harriers quartering about. We were to get good views of the Western and I was happy with this set of images considering the size of the wader and distance even for the big lens!

! And best of all....we didn't dip !

DOUBLE BO****KS !

2011-11-22T02:26:00.000-08:00

In the space of 4 days I had dipped on 2 wanted birds. So bloody frustrating. I hadn't been well and after suffering through two night shifts I thought I deserved to go for the Eastern Black Redstart at Margate....well bloody beano to Margate it wasn't, the bird had disappeared overnight (Thur 17th). Still slightly peeved late on Saturday afternoon news of a Blackpoll Warbler in Kent again, being a 1 3/4hr journey I couldn't resist going for it the next day and so on Sunday, picked up my dad on the way through and set off for 1st light. Well that's about as good as it gets....another bloody no show (although a single report the following day done nothing but aggravate the fires!). It was a cold damp foggy morning and with about 100 birders present it was not to be found. As every party of tits came through they were scrutinised but to no avail only Blue's, Great's and Long tailed were seen. Mind you it makes me laugh that so many twitchers turned up and for some instead of putting in some work scanning and looking for the bird they were more content to stand around chatting away gossiping, greeting one recognisable face after the other,chatting again, some 'birders' near me didnt even lift their bins once....top class for sure.

A small bit of Asian spice to warm my day !.

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I arrived at Holme before first light and set off along the dunes up to the area where I thought, opposite Gore Point, the Pallas's Warbler had been showing the day before. There was plenty of bird movement with Dunnocks,Redwing,Starlings galore and up till then the best being a female Blackcap. Searching around I met up with a couple of birders who the day before had connected with the Pallas's and sure enough I was in the right place. It was then just a matter of being patient and waiting, and the 3 of us were rewarded after some time with good views of this stunning little waif. Even if not frame filling images I was happy to record this beauty, the first time for me to photograph too. And with now more birders turning up the bird became more elusive and eventually moved to a nearby area where it was seen a few times flitting around the tree canopy but a lot more elusive than earlier. At least with the thought of this Asian Babe' in my head the realisation of back to work tomorrow was put on the back burners for a while.

"If you go down in the woods today"

2011-10-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I took a stroll through Potton Woods, close to where we live. I specifically went to look for some nice leaves to photograph. With the weather a tad dull I decided to collect the leaf litter and photograph them at home. We were not to be disappointed either, the array of colours and patterning when viewed in the hand are stunning to say the least on most. Regardless of whether the leaf was decaying,diseased or torn they were all a picture in their own right. I used a black back drop to bring out the colours more and for them to look different than just laid down and snapped.

The Lodge.Bedfordshire.Oct 21st 2011.

2011-10-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

I arrived mid-morning at the Lodge to look for the 6 Woodlark frequenting there. On arrival at the hill fort I was shown the birds by some birders already in place. They were to show reasonably well although most of the time along the distant ridge, they would at times stop and sun themselves before giving their position up again as they moved. They then flew to the new heath and were unviewable unless seen in flight. Whilst waiting for the return of the Woodlarks the nearby pines held Siskins and Lesser Redpoll. News on the pager of a Osprey at Brogborough had me stating to another birder how nice it would be to have that fly over! Unbelievably a short time later as I was scanning for the Woodlarks on my own, I turned around and surprisingly stared at a Osprey circling complete with fish in talons, it circled just the once they moved away. I only saw the Woodlarks once more in flight landing on the new heath but the Osprey certainly made my day.

Early start and early return home.

2011-10-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

After an early start to Minsmere for first light with my dad, the day was to end in disappointment. I had refrained from joining the melee at Warham Greens for the "RTR", and should of known my luck would be the same with both the Shirke and Bluetail moving on as well. We watched the highlight of the trip, a Short eared owl flew in off the sea(2 Reported) and flew a couple of circuits before downing in the vegetation. Oh shit, maybe something great before I return to work later this month.

A grey Grafham but a lovely white arse later !.

2011-10-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

I took Sarah for a walk along the dam end at Grafham Water hoping to get some pipit images. The weather was dull but we were graced with good numbers of Meadow Pipits. Although quite flighty due to squabbling a lot of the time, I was able to grab some nice images. Across from the dam Sarah picked out 2 pure white Pheasants amongst a few almost black ones, they really stood out in the field.

After getting back from Grafham I decided to go to one of my local spots where I had seen a lone Wheatear the day before. On arrival the the lone Wheatear was still present albeit further out in the crop field. It soon moved closer mind you and after a patient wait (something that some prats seem unable to do these days) I was able to work alongside this lovely bird for some time. It seemed content on posing for me and would alter its head position from side to side as if at a fashion shoot....what a marvelous model.

A gem of a new Damselfly.

2011-10-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Couple of images of one of the Willow Emerald Damselflies seen after the Sandhill Crane twitch, another great addition.

MEGA* Sandhill Crane *MEGA. Boyton Marshes,Suffolk. 03 Oct 2011.

2011-10-04T05:45:00.001-07:00

A 3:15am start to go and pick up my dad and then head off to Boyton Marshes in Suffolk for first light. On arrival the village hall car park was already getting busy, so with gear ready we headed off to hopefully await the sight of the Sandhill Crane. With plenty of birders scanning the adjacent fields especially the maize field where apparently it had roosted the night before. After a time the shout went up and there flying in from the east, not where we were looking, was the Sandhill Crane still present to everyones delight. It landed in a crop field a few hundred yards away and so viewing was from the scope and not the camera yet.

It continued to actively feed at this distance, always seemingly wary with regular pausing to scan the area. After a while it moved further towards the sea wall and continued feeding there, a few birders started to move along the track leading to the wall and so my dad and I ventured along too. It was then to give closer views and close enough for me to grab some record images of this great rarity, the views through the scope at this time were very good and it continued to show for some time before flying low south out of view. With a few birders still arriving they headed off to relocate it and the happy masses headed back to the cars. A few of us on the way back stopped to look for the Willow Emerald Damselflies, a recently added species to the British Isles. We all got good views of 2 of the WED's and so adding another new tick for the day.

Mini Dragons Up Close.

2011-10-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Whilst at Fowlmere in Cambridgeshire, I came across a large group of Common Lizards basking in the sun. They were quite mobile especially on approach, but I counted 15 on one occasion. Eventually with careful stalking I was able to get a lot closer and they became more reluctant to move away.

They were virtually all young except for two larger adults seen sunning. The colours were a mixture of browns but some had a deeper blue/grey from the back legs down to the tail. The size was no more than a couple of inches and when a Ladybird came into view it really put their size into perspective.

With careful movements and patience I was able to get just inches away whilst they dozed on and off, before moving to shade, only to return minutes later and resume basking. These will continue through to the end of autumn sunning themselves before getting ready to hibernate till the spring.

I had never had the chance to see Common Lizards so well before let alone photograph them, I had seen the odd sighting of lizards at Sandy before but never so intimate as this, I was chuffed to say the least.

Look how small they are against a Ladybird.

Stewartby Lake. Friday 23rd September 2011.

2011-09-27T02:41:00.000-07:00

I had been planning on going for the AZOREAN-TYPE YELLOW-LEGGED GULL at the Stewartby gull roost, but news in the afternoon of it in fields adjacent to the new by-pass had me venturing out earlier. I spent the next few hours alongside Robin Edwards trying to find it. After some time looking for where to park up a small group of gulls were located, which later joined a larger flock nearby. RE and I picked out a dark hooded gull, which unlike any other LBBG was indeed just one of these. We moved onto the roost site and there alongside 14 other birders, along with the finder Steve Blain, we duly started scanning. As the light began to disappear fast and the seemingly last flock of large gulls flew in, one of the birders called up the gull, and with all eyes fixing on it Steve shouted up next to me 'that was it', a particularly large individual with a very distinctive hood, with good views and through Steve's scope too, thanks for that, I left with the last glimmer of light left.

Grey Day at Grafham water. September 2011.

2011-09-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I was able to get out and do some bird photography, but I finally got the chance and headed off to Grafham water. There were 2 Grey Phalarope and a Sabine's Gull, both of which I needed some images of. I headed off early and immediately stumbled, for a few years whenever visiting here I arrived for 7am as the car parks opened, but now (except for the main car park miles away) a new sign greeted me with the opening time of 9am.

Bloody great I thought, what plonker changed this, this sort of organising does not help the photographer or birdwatcher wanting to get there before the bird or birds may depart, its the same with some reserves not allowing access until its too late, I shake my head in disbelief at the dumb stupidity of some people/places. Anyhow not to be put off I noticed a car pulled up on a verge totally off the road and with space for me to slot in behind, and being close to the dam end it was not long before I was viewing the first Grey Phalarope.

The weather was good and the water was nice and calm, lovely birds, the phalaropes, and so small too. Then as that bird flew further out the Sabine's was not far along the waters edge. Busily feeding along the waterline it was not perturbed in the slightest, walking under the fishermens rods as they stood on the waters edge, unbelievable. And so for the next couple of hours I happily snapped away at both gull and phalaropes getting some more than welcome images. It was a good feeling to be out again and luckily for me the birds had remained, the previous days reports also added "only view from the path and not the waters edge", theres always some prat that risks the chance of ruining it for others and sadly theres more of them turning up these days, but luckily for them not this day.

Fields of Gold. August 2011.

2011-08-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

What a lovely start to the month of August. I hadn't come across a field so packed with Sunflowers before, and with Sarah getting on my case to photograph them I finally entered the field. Gobsmacked was a great way to put it. From then on apart from mothing in the garden I was to be stuck for getting out. I desperately wanted to get some bird photography in but what with car repair bills, ongoing vet bills for the Bully' and what seems to be ever increasing weekly bills I was grounded. I hope September will be the turn for me to get out and get some new stuff, my fingers are crossed as I type. I also partaked in some cigar photography, cigar are a real passion and hobby of mine, and with a competition on a forum I am a member of, the cigar images gave me an escape from being stuck inside. Some of these images can be viewed on my Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike-lawrence-photos/

Yellow-barred Brindle & Red Twin-spot Carpet

Garden Carpet

Red Twin-spot Carpet

Yellow-barred Brindles

Marbled Beauty

Turnip Moth

Visitors in the Night ! July 2011

2011-08-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

.Small Rivulet.

July provided a few new visiotrs for me over the month, I was able to trap a few times and although the last effort was very low in numbers it still provided the goods as it were. I dont know whether the sudden drop in temperature on the last session had anything to do with the amount on the wing, but it certainly felt colder especially at 2am! Im now looking forward to August and as the year will start to quiet down the chance of something new for me must remain above average (still got a lot of species to see).

.Clay.

.Purple Bar.

.Common Carpet.

.Red Twin-spot Carpet.

.Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing.

.Ruby Tigers.

.Dusky Sallow.

.Old Lady.

.Early Thorn.

.Brown Line Bright-Eye.

.Straw Underwings.

.Small Waved Umber.

Graceful Gliders.

2011-08-02T03:37:00.000-07:00

Months ago at the start of spring I was able to travel to view Marsh Harriers, on a few occasions they glided withing range of a public area enabling me to grab some shots. Such graceful beautiful birds and a pleasure to watch.

Hop' to it, in time to catch the Cricket!

2011-07-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

.Lesser Marsh Grasshopper.

Knowing from past visits, Sandy Quarry is a good place to find Grasshoppers and Crickets. I decided to try for some up to date images. Indentifying them was a challenge for me as Im not up on my id skills for hoppers, but I think I have got this lot correct. With a lot of younger individuals around I was glad to find an attractive pink grasshopper.

.Lesser Marsh Grasshopper.

.Field Grasshopper.

.Roesel's Bush-Cricket.

.Dark Bush-Cricket.

Glowing Sunrise with no hint of Red.

2011-07-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

I finally got round to looking for the Common Rosefinch at Melbourn in Cambridgeshire. Thankfully it was still around and on my arrival at 05:30 was in full song already. Unmistakable call as soon as I was out of the car. It was still favouring the gardens of Foxfield House and 'the barns', but giving limited views but it did alight the tops of the bushes lining the road. On occasions it ventured out into the crop fields opposite but would soon return unnoticed and once again give itself up by calling. None of the resplendent colours of a adult male but as I had only ever seen a bright male years ago this was a welcome addition regardless of how plain looking. Getting there so early I missed the morning traffic, that built up soon enough, and also the sunrise gave the bird a lovely glow, too orange at times, but it seemed to rejoice singing and sunning itself never stooping for more than a minute. I called it a day a few hours in as the sun moved round and the bird favoured the gardens more, a good local jaunt for me.

Great............I mean Greenshank.

2011-07-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Couldnt believe my luck when after finishing my last nightshift and having 3 hours kip that the Mega alert went off on the pager... Greater Yellowlegs and only an hour and twenty minutes away. I was off. Views were distant and through the camera only posed as record shots. Someone did mention Greenshank but there were no other debates as too anything but the wanted bird, I certainly did not have any knowledge about Greater's but the legs stood out for sure. Sadly it was not to be, as quoted in BWP by Snow & Perrins: "[Serious confusion likely only with the latter(Greater Yellowlegs),but even if particular individual of Greenshank is one of the rare yellow-legged type,]"

I'll leave it at that, sounds more wishful than chasing after just a Greenshank.

Buzzing Around the Garden. July 2011.

2011-07-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

This is the Wool Carder Bee, at the moment I have one male and at least 3 females in the garden. What makes them stand out from the other bees is the size first and foremost. The male is just over 10mm and the females are smaller. They have a distinctive yellow markings on the sides of the abdomen and notable hairy bodies especially noticeable on the legs. Something I noticed that it is known for is how territorial it is, picking a clump of flowers and patrolling it consistently. It keeps an eye on his females too and regularly pounces on their backs to mate with them. The male was also seen harassing any larger bumblebee that ventured onto his feeding patch, it would briefly buzz the back of the much larger bee moving it on and away. The females obviously smaller also looked more orange, whether due to pollen or not I couldn't say. Also due to its size, you wouldn't think it could buzz so loud, if you couldn't pick it out at first the loud buzzing would give its position up. I had to put up with quite a breeze so I was glad to get some half decent pictures.

The Vapourer Moth....and finally the female.

2011-07-08T05:53:00.000-07:00

I knew that I had larva of The Vapourer moth in good numbers in the garden but up till now I had not seen, ever come to that, the female. The females are flightless and in no way resemble the males. During the day whilst in my cigar den Sarah noticed a moth alight the underside of a plant close by. What a surprise we were to both get as on inspection I immediately recognised the flying moth as a Vapourer, and in the process of mating with a female, I could not believe my luck. Throughout the day I kept an eye on the female, she did not venture from the cocoon but began to lay eggs. Fantastic new wildlife encounter.

Garden Mothing gets Productive. June 2011.

2011-07-03T04:18:00.000-07:00

Buff Ermine

I ended June with another couple of mothing sessions in the garden, both going till 1am and lasting a few hours each. The 1st session turned out 12 species and the 2nd a huge jump up to 27 species with the possibility of more not being trapped. I obtained a few new species to photograph and list too was a real bonus, so I am looking forward to July's sessions. The rose bush is still turning out Vapourer caterpillars ranging in size from near fully grown down to less than 10mm.

List of species at end of images below.

Barred Straw

Mottled Beauty

Dark Arches & Light Arches

Least Carpet

Buff Arches

Brown Tail

Dwarf Cream Wave

Dot Moth

Light Arches. Mottled Beauty. Willow Beauty. Buff ermine. Uncertain. Rustic. Barred Straw. Bright line Brown Eye. Rustic shoulder Knot. Marbled Minor. Dark Arches. Heart and Dart. Common Footman. Elephant Hawkmoth. Small Elephant Hawkmoth. Peppered Moth. Dot Moth. Large Nutmeg. White Satin. Common Pug. Riband Wave. Flame. Snout. Dwarf Cream Wave. Least Carpet. Fan Foot. Brown Tail. Buff Arches. Green Pug. Swallowtail. Mottled Rustic. Spectacle. Smoky Wainscot.

WHITE THROATED ROBIN. Hartlepool June 2011.

2011-06-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

White-throated Robin backlit amongst the poppy spread early morning.

Still trying to catch up on sleep since returning from Hartlepool, but it was worth it. My Dad joined me at my house on wednesday night at 10pm, I had gotten home from work at 7pm and got my kit together ready, and so at 10:20pm we headed off for Hartlepool. We arrived at 02:45am after a lengthy detour off the A19, I set about getting some rest before sunrise but unfortunately my Dads fidgetting and moaning put a stop to any zzzz'. Next time he can walk around outside the car!

I wanted to try and connect with the bird early on as I had to get back to go into work that night. And as a car load of blokes turned up whilst getting kitted out we got in place to await the 'Robin'. Well, as my luck usually goes, I missed the bird when it first showed! Thankfully one of the blokes from Ipswich came and informed my dad and I, at least it was still here... all eyes wide open now. But as I repositioned myself on the other side of the bowling green, sure enough a few people got good views and photographs .... you guessed it exactly where I had been standing a short while ago, but at least I had now seen the bird and could relax a tad.

Over the next couple of hours the bird was to give close views around the inner bowling green, I just had to wait till it ventured into a shadow to give some detail rather than just a silhoulette with the harsh sun backlighting it so much. It was actively feeding and would sometimes venture through the fence onto the road adjoining. When it moved off it disappeared for some time before showing well to the back of the other bowling green along the front. What a great bird to get and on viewing some images the plumage appeared to have quite a lot of blue tones to it. It then flew behind the bowling green building and I decided the time was right to leave, it was going to be a long drive home and the thought of a 12hr shift looming was not a welcoming thought but I didnt care I was WELL HAPPY.

MEGA White-throated Robin.

2011-06-09T05:42:00.000-07:00

Full account and images to follow soon.

Hare today gone tommorow.

2011-06-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

Myself and Nigel are still working the dump but the birds are definitely quieting down, the first juveniles have been showing with 2 Pied wagtails in tow of their mother, a couple of juv' Goldfinches following the parents and loads of Leverets, although they have eluded me with a picture, I even had 2 in front of the car staring at me as if they knew I couldn't photograph them, they showed so well one evening when myself and Sarah took a drive down. One laid up 20ft away whilst another fed just as close, the next challenge it seems, unfortunately no camera just binoculars... the next day and ....well no picture says it all.

Garden Mothing. June 2011.

2011-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Marbled Minors.

Well I finally made the effort to put the moth light out for a couple of hours. Sarah joined me in the garden and was quite taken by the amount coming to light in just that short amount of time. I recorded 14 species and a total of 26 moths with some keeping out of reach. I must say that I have missed staying out mothing and if the wind will drop,finally, then I will out there again lighting up a bit fat cigar watching em' fall from the sky.

Figure of Eighty

Common Wainscot

Large Nutmeg

Vapourer Caterpillar

This Vapourer caterpillar was on a rose bush in the garden, bit of a nightmare trying to photograph it with the wind. Ive found a total of 5 over the last 2 days but cannot locate the female which looks more like a furry bug than a moth, being flightless it stays with the young until they grow and move off. Below is a list of the moths trapped:

Common Wainscot x2

Riband Wave x1

Heart and Dart x3

Pale Prominent x1

Dark Arches x3

Willow Beauty x3

Fan Foot x1

Large Nutmeg x2

Flame Shoulder x2

Rustic Shoulder Knot x1

Figure of Eighty x1

Flame x3

Marbled Minor x3

Angle Shades x1

Manure Matters. May 2011.

2011-05-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

The Yellow Wagtails continue to delight, they are still quite active and maybe two female birds look like they have not got nests as they continue to be followed everywhere. The Yellow headed' bird was happy to perch up just three feet from me, content with my company.

There are good numbers of Swallows around and at least three House Martins mixed in. The Swallows have been resting up sleeping on the mud peaks, the wind is definitely hampering their usual willingness to land. What a contrast from my village where there are only a few Swifts so far this year and no sign of House Martins at all !, even Swallows are lower in number.

A Jewel of a Moth...

2011-05-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

With the high winds we had been getting lately I decided not to put the moth light out, the wind whips around in the corner where I normally place it so I thought it would be less than productive. but whilst on a nightshift the wind dropped and I witnessed a few moths on the wing. Two of these were warming themselves on a wall and made for easy trapping. The Light Emerald (above) is a lovely pale moth very delicate indeed, and the accompanying moth is a Marbled Minor and by far the most helpful whilst photographing. Hopefully the wind will keep at ease over the next few nights whilst off work and enable me to put the trap out, its well overdue.

"Flycatchers in Gods Acre". May 2011.

2011-05-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

I ventured further afield to look for Spotted Flycatchers. The setting was a churchyard with plenty of grave stones, launch pads for them to chase flies from. The ivy and lichen clad stone lends a lovely touch. By the end of the venture they were moving higher to the trees as the heat moved the flies skyward. I look forward to returning for more images, hopefully closer.

Mud Mud...Glorious Mud.

2011-05-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

What a sight to see these birds back again. For a few days I estimated around 50 perched on wires after feeding frenziedly over the crop fields, now it was time to start nest building, and for Swallows that means wet mud.

First they pick up some hay, grass or any other binding material they choose and then gorge on the wet mud to bind it, and when placed to dry the nest becomes a welded mesh of materials. As they gather the mud the long wings and tail almost seem to topple them into the ground before they regain their poise. Every five to ten minutes they would return circling around close then landing for the next mouthful.

Splish Splash Taking A Bath.

2011-05-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Bath time.

The male Yellow Wagtails still like to keep in pristine condition whilst keeping their females and territory.

Shake off that water.

And finally preen.

Shy becomes not so Shy.

2011-05-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Well there is definitely no way the title depicts the Yellow wagtails behaviour for sure, but the shy Linnets and Corn Buntings were now becoming more familiarised with myself and Nigel Blakes presence. Usually one click of the shutter and they are gone, but now we were able to capture some images. The Linnets are always flitting back and forth sounding off their chirpy little calls, and when judging the size of the Wagtails and Linnets to the Corn Bunting when it lands there is no

comparison to this lump, dowdy in colour and plumage but a beauty in its own right and what a bill!.

Standing in St, Clearing St, But happy as a pig in S**t....May 2011.

2011-05-14T02:52:00.000-07:00

Myself and Nigel Blake decided to clean out the pool due to it getting stagnated with dung. We were truly up to our ankles in S**T ! But the hard work payed off and with cleaner water the birds soon came in. As usual the main birds were the Yellow Wagtails, I will never tire of photographing these, and I like the challenge of capturing the right moment when they are bathing and then the preening shot with the feather still in bill, not easy to capture, and I dont just fire off the shutter and hope for the best that Ive got an image in focus, I like to know that I controlled the timing and captured it just right. And new additions are becoming bolder with Linnets and Corn Bunting. Hopefully you are not bored with wagtail images so here are some new additions.

DIPPED ! DAMN! SOUND FAMILIAR.

2011-05-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

Yet again another bird missed. I picked up Nigel Blake and headed off before sunrise to Milton keynes for the Spotted Sandpiper. I still havent connected with this species, and still things are no bloody different. We arrived just after 5am and stayed till almost 9 and the bird did not show. DIPPED! Totally frustrating when the images from the day before depicted it so close. DAMN! I think I will have to make a template like this entry just for the fact that it would get so much usage!.

DIPPED ! DAMN ! DREARY EYED !

2011-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

When I received the MEGA alert for the Collared Fly' at Holme it was 45 minutes before having to go to work for my first night shift.....DAMN

I decided I would go straight from work the next morning and travel up hoping that the bird would by some remote chance stay.

So I headed off for Holme and on arrival the news was not good, the bird had not been seen at all. I decided to stay and do some searching anyway, it would relieve some of the traffic on the roads before I headed home.....DAMN DIPPED

So I arrived home at midday with only a couple of hours sleep under my belt since Sunday morning, half a tank of petrol less, in need of a shower and trying to perk myself up for the next night shift. Birding eh!... DAMN..DIPPED..and DREARY EYED...

Wagtails - Wire - & - Water. May 2011.

2011-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

A selection of Yellow Wagtail images from the last few days, I had been concentrating on just the Yellows'. The image above portrays a very yellow headed bird,probably at the extreme yellowness of flavissima rather than 'Lutea'. It showed on a few ocassions normally in a submissive stance due to the dominant male flavissima.

The resident female posturing a readyness to mate when a male appeared. And preening after a welcome bath.

Walking the high wire !

This bird has a such a yellow head lacking the green tones, a real beauty.

My attempt to get some hovering shots bagged me a few half decent images.

Cat crisis... but I bagged the female ! 25th April 2011.

2011-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Luckily I was able to get down late afternoon to try and get some more Yellow Wagtail images. I had wanted to get down first thing in the morning but unfortunately the day before I had accidentally driven over the cat on the driveway !. The cat had been lazing on the driveway and so I approached very slowly, it usually is aware of the car and moves away, but this time I had stopped to talk to Sarah at the kitchen window stopping short of the cat so I can only presume it thought I wasn't going any further..... but when I moved on the cat got caught. To cut it short, the cat is fine and only muscle swelling to one leg was incurred.

With cat okay I could concentrate on the wagtails, and the female today decided to venture closer albeit cautiously. The male definitely had his work cut out though, now that the female Yellow' was venturing more into the open the other male Yellows' obviously had an interest in courting her. On a few occasions a new male would appear, sometimes without the resident male noticing, and then try wooing her with its puffed up plumage. On one occasion the visiting male obviously knew the resident male was around and it flattened itself on the ground then when the time was right made a move on the female, she remonstrated to this and a scrap ensued only for the paired male to join in and all three disappeared over the fields.

The colour of the male Yellow wagtails is so vibrant on some that images look like they have been saturated in photoshop,especially with the sun setting, but this has not been the case. Most of the time I set my camera manually because the vibrancy of the yellow plumage causes the camera to misread and underexpose, a stunner of a bird for sure. So with a few more new images I decided to go and start my chores at home.

Down at the Dump. 24th April 2011.

2011-04-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

I managed to spend a few hours down at the dump, Sarah has a trapped nerve which is restricting her from the simplest of tasks so she has had to endure me moping around doing chores. So on this occasion I visited a couple of hours in the morning and then a couple in the late afternoon. Myself and Nigel Blake had been filling up a water hole to attract stuff in. There were plenty of Hares around, mostly single males tracking their way around the crop fields nose to the ground presumably following the scent of a female, if they weren't tracking then they were sat there static sunning themselves.

The stunning Yellow Wagtails were as stunning as ever. A pair in residence at one heap were active enough and posing every now and again. The male ventured to the pool on a couple of occasions but the female kept her distance. I had probably 2+ different males try to come to the water pool but the resident male was having none of it,especially with the female close by.

Its always nice and challenging to try and capture some bathing shots, and with good light enabling a higher shutter speed,the chance of a few half decent images are obtainable. The resident male Pied Wagtail was always close by, also defending its territory, sometimes having a go at the Yellow'. I noticed that the male Yellow' would also get into a scrap with the local Linnets too, never letting them settle too close for too long. The Linnets though are always jittery, they tentatively approach the pool but if not comfortable they flee immediately, and If they do stay then as soon as the shutter clicks they are gone....a real challenge.

I had noticed that there were a few pairs of Grey Partridge around. They seemed to outnumber the Red legged', at least in this vicinity. Always lovely to see and a joy when able to photograph which is not always easy. Skulking amongst the crops their presence was given away by them peering above to check out the call of another Grey' nearby. Luckily for me one pair stayed loyal to an area close by and after careful maneuvering I obtained great views and some much appreciated images. I captured them dust bathing and calling without any concern for me being there....lovely. I had hoped for some images of the female Yellow Wagtail but hoped I would be able to return the next day for a couple of hours and get some success.

Moths April 2011.

2011-04-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

Brimstone Moth.

For once whilst on nightshift I was able to get not the usual 1 but 3 moths, mind you the next night I didnt find any. The lovely Brimstone moth will brighten up any wall. The other two were a nice conditioned Small wave umber and what turned out to be a Common pug. The Common pug was by far the hardest to get to pose and I had to be quick to get the image before it decided enough was enough.

Small Waved Umber.

Common Pug.

Daubentons Bat. 22nd April 2011.

2011-04-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight I took my Bat detector and powerful torch to work in the hope of seeing a Daubenton's bat. The River Lee runs along the back of my workplace and I have seen one a few years ago along this stretch. Just after 10pm myself an a work colleague, Stuart, headed off to the river whilst on patrol. Stuart had not seen a Daubenton's before and it was not a long wait to see one either, within minutes we were watching a "water bat". The brown colouring contrasting with the creamy white underside as it flew back and forth skimming the water like a nocturnal sand martin. We located another further along, this one flying around willow trees on the waters edge and over our heads. A great experience that definitely out done my last sighting.

It's that time of year again.

2011-04-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

If upon leaving my house you were to smell 'Dung heaps' then that can only mean I'm back down the dumps again. Its amazing how long the smell lingers for when I have driven through slurry draining off the heaps. But its something Ive gotten used to. And the rewards of returning Wheatears are too tempting to resist. And they put on a show for sure, sometimes they were too close to focus so I just watched as they dived on insects. I really love visiting these places, its been some years now and it still drags me back for just a few more hundred images. Unfortunately the Yellow wagtails were too busy chasing one another but to be honest once my eye was on the Wheatears I might of missed the wags'. There were a few Hares running around the crop fields but I was not able to stop and try for a image. Hopefully I will have a lot more terrific encounters in the next few months to come. And it was nice to meet up with good friend Nigel Blake whom I hadn't seen for some time, and as in previous years I knew I would probably be seeing more of him than my wife on some days now these dumps had come to life... sorry Sarah.

Willington.Bedfordshire.April 2011.

2011-04-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

I spent a few hours around the pits from first light. It was bloody cold first thing and a mist hanging around, but I picked up new bird song for the year notably Cuckoo,Sedge warbler,Willow warbler and Turtle Dove. Blackcaps were very vocal and showing well. My first Sand martins of the year despite them being around for some weeks now. I didn't pick up any Yellow wags' in the fields but I knew I would connect with them at the dumps for some images. Nice to be out at this time of year, and I love first light birding.

Sandy RSPB. April 2011.

2011-04-11T09:14:00.001-07:00

.Green Tiger Beetle.

With my Mum and Dad staying with me and Sarah, we all decided to go for a walk around The Lodge RSPB on Sunday morning (10th). I was particularly keen on trying to get an image of a Common Lizard, especially after Sarah had photographed one with her mobile just the other day. the weather was nice and warm, Buzzards calling, plenty of butterflies on the wing along with large numbers of Bumble Bees, mostly Red-tailed. On the first stop and search I located 3 Lizards moving through the leaf litter but unfortunately a picture was out of the question, as they kept hidden.

.Green Shield Bug.

Whilst looking for Lizards my Dad and I noticed what we thought was a spider attacking some sort of fly, but as we watched more it turned out to be the other way around. We did not no what the species was so we would have to look that up later, but we looked on as it attacked the spider and either kill it or paralyse it. It then dragged the spider around obviously taking it to home or a safe place to devour. Considering the size of the spider to the attacker the ground it covered dragging it was phenomenal, and when it left it on a few occasions and disappeared it would return and trace its steps back to where it lay and drag it off again. We actually located 2 close by and the other one was busily excavating out a small hole on the sandy path. When we returned to the Lodge shop I went straight to the insect books and found what this predator was, and find it I did, a spider hunting wasp 'Anoplius Viaticus'. I was glad I had gotten a few shots and will definitely keep an eye out for them again.

.Anoplius Viaticus.

Spider - Hunting Wasp

Wagtails - April 2011.

2011-04-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I went for a drive to see if we could locate some Wheatear and Yellow Wags'. Just outside our village was the first stop where I had spotted a male Wheatear previously. The Wheatear was still present although the location was not safe for me to try for an image. Luckily close by we saw 3 Yellow Wagtails and one posed long enough for a couple of shots.

We then ventured into Hertfordshire and counted 4+ Yellow Wagtails feeding on a manure heap along with Pied Wagtail,Chaffinch,Yellowhammer and a Dunnock. Unfortunately no Wheatear were seen.

April's underway.

2011-04-09T02:02:00.000-07:00

Just an update and no images unfortunately. The wildlife is well and truly picking up now, Ive seen a few Swallows recently but no Sand Martins, considering theyve been around for a couple of weeks already. Buzzards are in such good numbers I see them everywhere, over the next few days I hope to get some new stuff, including maybe some Lizards. Sarah took a couple of shots on her mobile whilst at work the other day so I may get lucky, also a lot of reports of Grass snake are coming from her workplace (Sandy RSPB) too. I have Robins in the garden now feeding at least 1 chick and the moth trap will definately stay out all night soon too, I saw a Brindled Beauty at work the other night so there should be something nice to photograph Im sure when the traps put out. Whilst driving around checking areas yesterday(Friday 8th)I saw my first Yellow Wagtail of the year(another bird elsewhere too) and a male Wheatear close to home was a welcoming sight.

The Lodge RSPB, Sandy. March 2011.

2011-03-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

With a couple of hours to spare I went to the hide at the Lodge to see what would come down to drink. Despite being very busy,people wise, the birds were not put off at all. A nice little selection of Siskin,Mealy and Lesser Redpoll and a couple of unexpected Stock Doves. The resident male Sparrowhawk put on 2 spectacular quick entrances, twisting and turning on a 'ten pence' right in front of the hide. Way too quick for a shot, then again if I'd tried I would haved missed this 'Top Gun' spectacle. And down below in the water the newts were active alongside a mating pair of Toads coming up for air !!!.

March 2011.

2011-03-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

Over the last week the temperatures dropped at night, down to -6 here on occasion, but the days have been improving, which is the norm' as I had gone back to work. I decided to have a go taking an image of the moon what with it being a unique viewing time. The closest in 18 years, called a Super moon or 'Perigee' in Greek terminology.

There were small numbers coming to seed down at the farm, mostly Reed Buntings and Chaffinches, but I did notice a Brambling mixed in with them. The Hares had been showing a couple more times, I should be going to view a good place for them midweek so hope to get some images, the crops are just at the right height for them to hunker down and disappear in.

Due to the cold evenings I had not seen many moths whilst at work, but was happy to find this Early Grey sat up near a light. During the days I had seen a couple of butterflies, namely Comma and Brimstone, but the newts had not been showing at home in the pond.

Beeston Wildlife Group.Bedfordshire.March 2011.

2011-03-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Derek proudly showing the 2000th ringed bird at Beeston.

The 2000th bird ringed turned out to be this Goldfinch. Although it was fairly quiet in regards to the birds trapped, it didn't spoil the occasion in reaching this grand figure. Sods Law that I didn't get there earlier as I would of been treated to a cracking Siskin, I will have to get up earlier in future.

This lovely Reed Bunting turned out to be a grand ringing too. This was Denise's 400th bird ringed and a species she is most familiar with, they are very nice birds indeed when viewed in the hand. So double celebrations and a slice of cake to top it off.

And remarkably the moth trap was a huge success, for this time of year the catch was to dumbfound John. A catch more akin to nearer summer months, yet the 13th March turned up no less than 11 different species and a total of 85 moths !.

There were a couple of new species for Beeston recorded, and for me a new moth and undoubtedly the star of the day.. a Pine Beauty. Hopefully next month will bring more birds and hopefully a warbler, and fingers crossed the moth trap proves to be a winner again.

Clouded Drab.

Common Quaker.

Lead - coloured Drabs.

Pine Beauty.

The Brecklands. March 2011.

2011-03-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

I was joined on this visit by Sarah and my Dad. This was a site I had not visited before but by the amount of birders turning up I thought this had to be good for our target bird 'the Goshawk'.

Sarah and my Dad had never seen one before and with lovely clear blue skies it looked very promising, and with an earlier report of one just before arriving we began to scan the horizon. It turned out to be a long wait though and after a few hours the only shouts of 'Hawk' from some birders turned out to be Sparrowhawks and a Buzzard. But whilst we were all watching a Sparowhawk flying at tree top level some distance away, every ones long wait turned to joy as a Goshawk suddenly appeared and mobbed the Sparrowhawk. It proceeded to give distant views flying around the tree tops and perching up before soaring higher and further away. The heat haze at that distance played havoc with the scope view and camera but we had all connected, the sheer size against the Sparrowhawk stood out so well and the dark grey back and stark white undertail coverts/ rump and long tail showing extremely well. My dad later read that it has a large white rump appearance due to fluffing up of the undertail coverts during displaying. Most of us were content to leave after our sighting, but all the while there we were graced by singing Woodlark high overhead and accompanied by Crossbills,Siskin and Yellowhammers it made for a great visit.

The Farm and a Moth.March 2011.

2011-03-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

As the title says just one moth for the start of March. I actually found two but the Bee Moth was not photographed and being a 'Micro' moth I usually dont worry with them, its hard enough trying to identify macros a lot of the time. This moth photographed here is the Satellite Moth, the unmistakeable markings on the wings does not lend to confusion with this one. Having not trawled through all my moth images, this moth does not ring any bells so I think this is the first one for me or at least to photograph. We had a cold snap over a few nights with temperatures going down to -4 and so Im not surprised I didnt find anymore, nice sunny days but too cold for stuff to be active at night.

Down at the farm I was attracting a few buntings in to the scaterred seed, and using my hide for the first time was surprised that a few birds took to it and came to feed, so a few more times should do the trick before introducing some perches. Apart from the visiting Yellowhammer,Reed Bunting,Chaffinch and Dunnock in the vacinity I watched a couple of Hares and an overflying flock of around 1000 Golden Plover, just a few more there than the 30 or so from last month around the nearby fields.

February 2011.

2011-03-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

As February came to an end I added one more photographed moth to the list, this is the Engrailed, I also saw a Hebrew Character but left that as it looked newly emerged and the wings seemed curled under on the tips. March should bring a few more to face the camera so I will have to look at getting my moth light dusted off.

February 27th 2011. Rainham.

2011-03-02T01:23:00.000-08:00

After completing my last night shift I picked up my dad and headed off to Rainham. As my workplace was closer to there than going home it seemed right to give it a go. The 'Slaty' had been reported there a few times the day before so you never know we might get lucky. Due to the time I headed for Coldharbour lane and then started the search from there. There was a gathering of larger gulls distant on Wennington Marsh, but no joy there. There were plenty of gulls flying and loafing around in front of the Shooters Hide' but mostly all Black headed. A view of the tip produced no gulls whatsoever, they all seemed to be heading north. After nearly 6 hours I called it a day as a lot more birders did, just as the weather was turning and rain approaching. I was a bit peeved but not so much as some of the others trying to connect with this gull, for some it was anywhere between their 5 to 8 visit for the 'Slaty'.

The mothing has begun.February 2011.

2011-02-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

Over the winter spell I had seen a few moths, as in Pale Brindled Beauty,Winter moth etc, but I hadn't had the opportunity to photograph so this Dotted Border was the first of the year and hopefully a lot more to follow. I also noticed the first Smooth Newt of the year in my pond along with a Frog, presumably the one from last year. Things are definitely emerging so more images to come soon with a bit of luck. A local farm I am visiting for the first time is providing Yellowhammers and a couple of Reed Buntings alongside around 10 House Sparrows, didn't expect to find them around the area. A, hopefully, resident Little Owl which would be good to get images of and good numbers of Skylark which are now very vocal and active, with some luck the area will be productive for me.

Oriental Turtle Dove. Chipping Norton. February 2011.

2011-02-21T06:59:00.001-08:00

Oriental Turtle Dove

.Chipping Norton.

(All images taken through glass window)

Well as my dad and I set off for Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, I couldn't help but feel like this was not going to be my day, with dull misty skies and constant rain I thought the OTD would be a case of 'Dove - not form above' instead sat up somewhere keeping dry. But alas I was wrong and with a warm and hospitable greeting from Steve we were watching the OTD on the bird table. The bird fed for a very brief moment then moved into thicker bushes, almost invisible to the eye, where it preened before alighting to another garden. What a great garden watch it turned out to be and with some lovely birds on show myself and Steve's son Rory we sorted our way through a cast of:Brambling,Chaffinch,Bullfinch,Goldfinch,Greenfinch,Siskin,Blackcap,Blackbird,Robin,Great spotted woodpecker,Blue tit,Coal tit and a new garden tick for Rory - a pair of Reed Buntings.

A very different twitch - but a most enjoyable one at '41.

Bramfield Village Hertfordshire. February 2011.

2011-02-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

My dad and I headed off to try and connect with the Hawfinches at Bramfield. On arrival the news that a couple had been seen around an hour before, so they were still visiting the churchyard. The day turned out to be a raptor day rather than finch. With numerous,6+, Common Buzzards, a Red Kite, 2 Sparrowhawks. A couple of Hawfinches put in a brief appearance for about 20 seconds, just to coincide with the cloudiest dullest part of the morning so far, then a single bird a couple of hours later. A couple of Goldcrests and Treecreepers were seen around the churchyard but no sign of a Firecrest.

Bird Ringing at Beeston. February 2011.

2011-02-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately the weather was not good for netting, with strong winds and a cold feel to it. Just a few birds were trapped mostly Chaffinch with a couple of Great Tits and a Robin and Greenfinch, roll on the spring and the hope of some warblers.

The Lodge RSPB. Thursday 3rd February 2011.

2011-02-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

Despite the forecast being clear and sunny it took till midday for the cloud to clear, but it was not going to be as fruitful as the previous visit. The highlight of the 7+ hours sat in the hide was a Weasel seen hunting around in the undergrowth nearby, first thing in the morning. The first time I had been able to get an image of one of these little sprites. A stoat is hard enough to keep track of but the smaller Weasel is more difficult so I was pleased to get anything. The Redpolls did put on a show but not in the numbers or frequency as before. Below are a few from the previous visit and from this one.

Finally! Waxwings and Redpolls on the same day.

2011-01-29T03:36:00.000-08:00

After missing out Waxwings at Shefford,2 locations in Sandy,2x at Clifton,and a couple of hours in Potton I finally nailed a group of 20 in Potton. Viewing was hampered by a wire fence but being so close to these as they fed was great. They were feeding on whatever berries they could find and before taking flight finished up on some conifer crop.

I then moved onto the Lodge RSPB for Redpolls which were showing better than normal, and with a few Siskin thrown in the next 3 hours were most pleasing. Mind you I wasn't exactly dressed for the occasion and spent all 3 hours shaking, if Sarah had brought me a cup of tea I think I would off poured it over my feet!

Below is a large selection of the Redpoll flock that came down a few times to drink, amongst the Lessers were some Mealies too. I was in the company of some nice people and one photographer from Northampton, I believe, was with me when at least 30+ landed all at once. We did not know where to aim first, you don't realise how small they are when close up but they were quite flighty and when one got up they tended to all follow. But a great experience and some new Redpoll images to boot.

Thornham and Titchwell. Norfolk. January 2011.

2011-01-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

After my last nightshift I picked my dad up and we headed off to Norfolk. I wanted to get some images of the Northern Harrier so we headed off to Thornham first. And as this year was proving already, my luck was not going to change. We saw the Northern Harrier again but I did not get even a glimmer of a chance to get a shot. Mind you there was not much else for me to photograph, lovely weather albeit cold, the highlight was watching a Kestrel hunting voles, two Chinese water deer and feeding a Robin by hand.

2011-01-15T03:03:00.000-08:00

Well the New Year is well under way and I'm still awaiting to get out and get some images,the weather and days off are not colliding. I took a trip with Sarah the other day for a hour or so, to look for the waxwings at Shefford, but they were not to be seen so we stopped at Sandy on the way back home and didn't connect with them either ! Not a taste of things to come I hope, but perhaps it is... on going to the farm to top up the feeders, my car became stuck in the mud due to the under sill coming away and wedging me tight in and keep me wheel spinning. So I had to clamber in the mud to eventually free myself.

Yesterday whilst at work I saw my first butterfly of the year, a Red Admiral. Not unusual, I've seen one in January in years previous, but it didn't stay on the wing for long before disappearing into roof space but nice to see after all the harsh weather.

"Some Snow at Last".Feeding Station. December 2010.

2010-12-23T07:41:00.001-08:00

After missing out on the previous snow falls, I now got the chance for some wintry images.

Everywhere was either covered in snow or had a real hard Hoar frost on it. And there was not a shortage of birds coming to feed either.

I tried to keep everything plain and show the birds colouring. The delicate pink flush came out more so on the long tailed tits against a white backdrop, and the blues and yellows on the great and blue tits looked so vivid.

And for once the skulking tree sparrow could not blend in so well, showing off those lovely browns.

Even the song thrushes ventured off the ground to feast on the berries, mind you these were truly frozen and some were dropped, either to try and soften on the ground or because they were too damn solid!.

The stunning greens and yellow of this male greenfinch really stood proud against the snow.

And the typical 'Xmas shot' of the robin, mind you it was still behaving more shy and elusively than most robins, so posing images were few and far between.

And the marsh tit was still around and feeding actively, even whilst topping up the feeders it was normally the closest waiting, that's if it wasn't at the feeders with the long tailed tit gang next to me whilst filling. Even the reed buntings had finally decided to take advantage of the food laid out and were showing.

After a few hours and painfully cold feet with the car reading -9.5 outside I had bagged a few hundred shots to peruse through and so time to battle it home to the warmth.

Feeders. December 2010.

2010-12-12T06:29:00.001-08:00

A few more images from the farm feeders, the cold snap was still drawing in the birds with a pair of Bullfinches foraging among the bushes behind, but always too obscured for a photo unfortunately. The Long tailed tits were still as one huge gang but there was no sign of the Marsh tit on the last couple of visits, hope its still around. The Tree sparrows all appeared as a group of 5 but only 2 at a time would feed on the seed, but becoming more showy. One of the landowners informed me of a Little owl one morning, so I will have to keep an eye out for that.

Feeding Station. Nov', Dec' 2010.

2010-12-04T04:24:00.000-08:00

Over the last week or so I have just gone down to the farm to spend some time on the feeders. What with the cold snap hitting everywhere at least I didn't have to battle the elements trying to drive too far. There were very good numbers of birds there too. All eagerly tucking in and I'm now having to check them around 3 days apart as the seed is disappearing fast.

The Marsh Tit was still there which was great to see, and most species were hitting double numbers. Greenfinches were mostly younger birds but there were a couple of bright males putting on a show. I had just one Yellowhammer put in a brief appearance before departing, hopefully if the cold snap continues I may get some in along with Reed Buntings. These two buntings are normally hanging around but not so this year, as of yet!

The Long tailed tits are a joy to watch. A lone bird arriving calling signals the onslaught of 'the gang'. I have 16+ visiting at the moment, the air is full of their calls and then after a matter of minutes, if that, they move on and silence reigns once again.

There are double figures of Blue tits and Great tits which do not venture far whilst I am refilling or moving perches. Normally the Marsh tit still comes to feed whilst I'm present followed by a couple of brave Blue tits. The Marsh tit is still tricky to photograph, normally taking a direct route into the food and definitely not bothered by the more bolshy bigger birds.

But the best new species of the moment has to be the Tree Sparrow, ( well 5 to be correct ). I had seen one bird lingering around in the background but not venturing to the front or the feeders, but on this occasion I had at least two at one time feeding alongside everything else and normally one not too far away watching. What a great sight seeing these birds around the feeding station for the first time, hopefully they will stay knowing there is a food supply here for them. They blend in so well amongst the bushes and branches despite their richly coloured heads, giving themselves up only when they move in closer. So another fantastic addition alongside all the usual suspects, maybe another one will be along soon.

Norfolk. 24th November 2010.

2010-11-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

My Dad and I headed off to Norfolk for first light. We started at Wells Wood first and hoped for a glimpse of a Northern Bullfinch. But despite seeing 2 male of the British race there were no female Northerners to be seen. There were plenty of Coal tits and Goldcrests around though but after two and a half hours we decided to move on along the coast. Next stop was Burnham Overy Marshes, on arrival a Merlin flew over the road and then a Barn Owl was still hunting the fields adjacent to where we parked. The light was not perfect by any means, surprise surprise, and the day was emerging into a non photographic day and more akin to a good old day out in Norfolk birdwatching. The next sight to grace us was a flock of around 12 Waxwings, that I picked up flying across the marshes. They landed in bushes along the track leading to the dunes giving us some brief but welcoming views. There were skeins of geese flying inland continuously, we had no sightings of any Harriers or Buzzards and so moved onto Burnham Norton and further along, always hoping to glimpse the 'possible Northern Harrier'. News came through of a Rough legged Buzzard where we hadn't long departed from and so we about turned and headed back in time for my dad to connect before it sat up out of sight. News of the 'Northern Harrier' came through on the pager, seen at Titchwell then flew inland. Frustratingly the sighting was an hour and a half ago, which would of given a chance to search around the fields nearby if it had come out when seen. We headed off towards Titchwell as the light was already beginning to fade and it was definitely getting colder. We drove around the surrounding farmland sighting a couple of Common Buzzards, I then parked up overlooking the marshland west of the main footpath at Titchwell. Three Marsh Harriers were getting up every now and again and then in from the east a 'Harrier' appeared and proceeded further out over the marsh. With its orange breast and dark upperparts it hunted over the marsh for a few minutes before going to ground, with a line of watchers viewing from the main footpath and a few joining us by the roadside it wasn't long before the pager was showing ' probable Northern Harrier' at Titchwell, the bird then flew around the marsh before moving east over the pathway ( if only I had been standing there I thought ) and further along the coast. But we were both happy to of connected with this Harrier, it was my second attempt, and if it hangs around, which it should do for a while longer, then I may try to connect again and hopefully get a photo. Time to go home....

Pied-Billed Grebe. Hollingworth Lake. Gtr. Manchester. Nov 2010

2010-11-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

After working my last night shift I decided I had to go for the Pied-billed grebe in Gtr Manchester. From leaving work I picked my Dad up on the way and headed home to change and collect my gear. The journey was not too bad and I was feeling awake with glorious sunshine warming the car all the way.... that is till we reached Hollingworth Lake only to see fog!

I drove along the approach road only to miss the car park entrance, and so I had to turn around. But as I came back towards the car park I paused next to a small congregation of birders and there it was ... the Pied billed grebe close in to the edge. Well we had both connected at least, and so now went and parked up.

Once we had returned to the gathering we found the grebe had moved away into the fog, presumably around to the bay where the hide was located. The sun looked as though it was starting to win the battle of breaking through and so decided to stay where I was and not join everyone in moving to the hide, the viewing would surely be as hampered as it was here. As the minutes passed by the opposite vegetation started to become visible and then out of the fog came the shape of the grebe, steaming towards us as if it was a duck coming to bread, fantastic, and as luck would have it the sun suddenly conquered the fog and broke through.

The grebe then stayed around our position busily diving for fish, and catching a few, as if it enjoyed our company. It certainly didnt take long to dispatch the small perch it surfaced with either. By now a few of the birders had returned to join us along with some new arrivals, and we watched for some time before it moved out to the opposite reeds and around to the bay. We eventually moved around to the bay, but it stayed on the far side, and although harassed by the black headed gulls there did not venture closer. Preferring to feed and rest under the low hanging branches, watched by the perched Kingfisher above it.

On one occasion when it was feeding I saw a group small fish leap from the water before it, hurrying out of its way before it submerged once again. And after nearly three hours there we decided to head back to the car and start the long trek home, but very bloody happy indeed.

Titchwell.Norfolk. 9th November 2010.

2010-11-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

I headed to Titchwell knowing that the weather was bound to be a bit 'iffy', but I just had to get out and practice my photography. The wind was stronger than I had expected and predicted, with a few heavy showers mixed in. On arrival the tide was in and raining so I hunkered down in the dune ridge. This sheltering and then photographing continued but I still enjoyed being out.

As I set off along the path to the front my first sighting was a ring tailed Hen Harrier leaving the marsh and heading inland, and as usual before it was light. The Brent geese were actively feeding and moving around once it was light enough, this flock above had a Pale bellied type mixed in (second from the rear).

There were quite a few Grey Plovers around and indeed a lot more waders than on my last visit.

Bar tailed Godwits were numerous and quite approachable after careful stalking.

There were frequent 'fly by's' of waders, even flying into the strong winds did not seem to slow these birds down, and still proved a challenge to pan with.

And low above the water amongst the incoming waves just seemed to be a walk in the park as it were for the small waders.

The Grey Plovers never really feed as busily as the other waders, always more alert and aware of their surroundings.

The Bar tailed Godwits being bigger than the other waders tended to pass slightly slower into the wind and so were easier to grab a few passing shots, as they moved from one feeding patch to another.

This female Red Breasted Merganser ventured close along the shoreline, a couple of males were seen further out.

The Sanderlings proved most obliging as always, and definitely had a job running in a straight line whilst hampered by the strong winds.

I finished up after nearly six hours out and now wet and cold but glad I had ventured out. It was time for a cuppa and something to eat.

Norfolk. October 2010.

2010-10-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

I took a trip to Titchwell along with Sarah and my Dad to get some images of waders. For once the weather forecasters got it right .... only joking bloody wrong as usual, I cant believe they are still employed after so many cock ups. It was very dark and the sun hardly ventured out from a veil of thin cloud. To top it off, there were very little waders around, by far one of the lesser showings Ive encountered here. Still head up and venture on, and capture what I can. As always there were Sanderling to play with and most of the time walking up to Thornham point end was taken up with these.

From the selection of images below I wanted to try and at least capture some of the conditions these little birds have to encounter. The wind had picked up a tad and still they keep feeding, with eyes closed to avoid the grains of sand blown into them they tirelessly probed around feeding, always moving onward, click on the images to see the grains of sand harassing their feeding routine.

On the way back we watched the group of Twite, numbering 20+, feeding on some mud flats. Usually my dad and I encounter these in flight groups passing by so it was nice to actually study them better, and a new species for Sarah brightened the day somewhat. They had some lovely deep red/brown tones to a lot of the birds and quite a few were adorning coloured rings as can be seen in some of the images. I wonder where they were put on? and the distance they had travelled?. A lovely little bird and one that disappeared amongst the vegetation so easily. Not one of the most packed of days, bird wise, but with the Twite to finish on we didn't feel so bad.

More Feeder Action. October 2010.

2010-10-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images from another visit to my feeding station at a local farm. I wanted to try something different and so I used a few reed mace stems to use as perches. Whether it was because it was something new or out of the ordinary, the birds seemed to be apprehensive for quite some time before starting to use the mace. It was a brief visit too, so I had to be quick, and sods law said that the one reed mace I was focused on would not be the one they all landed on !, until I had moved to that one and then they changed back.... surely its not just me?

The Marsh Tit was still hanging around and even made an appearance on one of the mace, I also came close to capturing one of the Great spotted woodpeckers on the mace too but it was too flighty, I shall be looking at getting a nice upright branch to lure them in soon. But the best candidate of the day was this Sparrowhawk, which alighted one of the mace for a few seconds. The alarm call went up and everything disappeared before this beauty flew in. I was amazed it landed where it did. It continued to hound the birds and stayed perched nearby for some time, a nice post will have to be put up in the hope it returns.

Feeding Station. October 2010.

2010-10-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

It had been a long time since I had photographed at my local feeding station, spring I think. I had been keeping the feeders topped up, but what with the nesting season and lots of natural food and tatty adult birds I had laid off the photography. So I parked up with Sarah to check on the food levels and as usual, as of late, they were empty. After filling them up we sat in the car to see what would appear. The birds were now taking an avid interest in the food supplied and I was getting good numbers of around a dozen different species. I couldn't wait to get back down with my camera, especially with the prospect of 2 new additions to my feeder list and one of those a real gem.

Moving ahead to the next day and I arrived with birds already on the feeders, and selecting a few perches and positioning them settled back into my car as a hide. The Goldfinches were still very vocal and with a few fighting over position on the Niger feeder they for once moved to the other seed laid out, this time using different perches enabling me to photograph them.

As always the most numerous were the Blue tits and Great tits, and then one of the new additions turned up... no make that a pair at least. Coal tits, a lovely sprightly little bird that proved hard to focus on due their busy nature. Just as I focused they would move so I had to wait on one spot and hope for the best. I grabbed a few images, but they were a welcome newbie to the list and one I hoped would stay.

A troop of Long tailed tits turned up on the scene, and are always a favourite with the wife so I had to get a few shots of these, just to keep her happy, and you never know what may be mixed up in their group at this time of year too.

Now to the remaining newbie and the best of all to grace the feeders so far.... a Marsh Tit.

I cant remember the last time I saw one of these little gems, let alone have them on my feeders. Sarah and I had watched it actively come and go feeding the day before, I had hoped it would stay around for a photograph opportunity and sure enough it stayed. It would happily feed for a matter of seconds then take some seed off to eat in a tree nearby, but returned every so often. I would watch for a small bird to approach from a certain direction and line up waiting, sometimes it was a coal tit but I would be rewarded with the Marsh tit eventually. A fantastic new bird and one I will be pleased to inform Matthew and Clive, the landowners, of its presence when I see them.

Sandy. Mon 18th October. 2010

2010-10-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I took a stroll around the reserve at Sandy, and although there was still a lot of fungi around I did not find what I was looking for. On a wooden fence we found a large number of Ladybirds all nestled together in the gap between the panel and post. On further inspection most of the posts had a large gathering of Ladybirds tucked away. Why this was I'm not sure, the sun was out, no real adverse weather conditions, maybe looking for a wintering hole is the most likely although not as tucked away as I would like. Perhaps they know of worsening and colder weather on the way!

We noticed a few very large Hornets flying around and tracked them to a hole in a big old tree. I made my way carefully closer until I was a few feet from the hole. If you stay calm and quiet they do not pose a threat and within minutes I was watching them coming and going, some were as long as my thumb, looking huge up close. They were busily arranging their winter hideout no doubt, I only had a macro lens with me so I was limited to close ups, you would get a few seemingly waiting at the hole edge watching out before flying off only once another had returned and a new front line appeared from within. Amazing to watch at such close quarters.

Semipalmated Sandpiper. Abberton Reservoir.Essex.Oct 2010.

2010-10-08T02:22:00.000-07:00

It had been a while since I last went to Abberton, and it looked totally different when I arrived at the main gates before first light. There were plenty of waders in the adjacent bay busily feeding and moving around. Once the sun had risen and the birds were starting to show better it was time to start scanning. It wasn't long before I was joined by a Essex birder, and after scanning through the waders I picked out one that looked decidedly "plump" and was not associating with the Little Stints but rather preferring to feed alone. On quite a few occasions the whole flock of waders would take to the air before landing and then the process of picking the bird out the bird ensued.

Once the reserve was open everybody moved around to the boardwalk behind the centre, from here the light was a lot better now and the smaller waders could be picked out better. Once again the Little Stints were picked out and not far from them was the "plump" bird again. Most of the time views were distant, but you could always pick this bird out. Its feeding behaviour was not as erratic as the Stints and the shape was obviously stockier. As stated in identification literature the Semi-P' can "show a diffuse pale mantle V at a distance", which this bird certainly did but nowhere to the extent of the stints along with darker upper scapulars helping to accentuate this V. Now that the Semi-P' had been found and everyone was happy, it was a case of keeping your eye on it, it frequented the mud flats further out once away from the bay area and would often be lost amongst the roosting numbers of dunlin and godwits, or lost in flight when they all took to the air. Another new addition for me and another without the use of the camera, back to the old ways.

Empidonax Flycatcher. Blakeney Point, Norfolk. Sept 2010.

2010-09-27T11:41:00.001-07:00

A early start at 3am had me setting off for Cley and the daunting thought of a hike to Blakeney Point for the Empidonax Flycatcher there (hopefully). I arrived at 05:15 and after a brief rest got my act together and set off. How many bloody times will I end up partaking in this 3 mile shingle walk, this time in the dark too. By the time I reached the plantation I was truly knackered and soaked from the rain. 2 birders said the bird was still present so the walk was put to the back of my mind for now. It wasn't long before the bird showed itself right in front of me, a cracking little bird that gave itself up when moving, otherwise it blended in perfectly especially in the dismal light. The wing markings really stood out and in the light it did give off a yellow tinge to the throat and breast especially when wet. It would prove elusive at times but always returned to the same areas feeding and at one time bathing in a water hole amongst the grass but it gave good views throughout. There were so many common migrants coming in the sky was a motorway at rush hour, I saw a Ring Ouzel at the half way house and plenty of Bramblings and Siskins, along with Redwing, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff, Goldcrest and Robins galore. A great new bird but the prospect of the long haul back to the car at the forefront of my mind. On my return I was shattered and still wet but it was worth it, but not again too soon...

Fungi foray.

2010-09-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

Fly Agaric

Staying local I thought I would search for some fungi. Hearing a few reports of some at Sandy I headed there. I was not to be disappointed either. I have never seen so many Fly Agaric fungi before, they were all over the place and a lot more to emerge too. So on hands and knees I began the search. I was able to get a few types of fungi that I had not come across before so that was a bonus. I think I have correctly named them, but admit I am no expert, but it was fun and something different.

Fly Agaric

Tawny Grisette

The Sickener

Sulphur Tuft

Red Cracking Bolete

Parasol

Deer Shield

Death Cap

Common Puffball

Birch Polypore

Birch Polypore.

Arctic Warbler. Holme, Norfolk. September 2010.

2010-09-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

My Dad and I made it to Holme ( after 2 close encounters with a Belgium Lorry driving dickhead ) in the hope the Arctic warbler was still present. It had been seen the day before but with a clear night and strong winds and my luck I was on edge to say the least. After about 3 hours, wait for it, the Arctic' showed itself, Hooray, and although the episode didn't last for long I had as well as my dad added a new species to our lists. It was very elusive and hard to track amongst the pine canopies but on separate times my dad and I got good views of the head patterning. The supercilium really stood out when viewed against a dark background and the way it held itself looking for food gave it an elongated but slim shape, with no other birds to size against it looked very much chiff chaff size and pale underneath when viewed from below, especially in the dark pine canopy. A bird I had been after for some time and now added, with the wind increasing and the bird disappearing we left, no pictures unfortunately but on the elusive nature of the bird and in that wood we were lucky to connect with it.

2010-09-07T01:31:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks I had been hearing a cricket near to my shed, but had only seen it on one occasion. I got views good enough to identify it as a Dark Bush Cricket, but was not able to get any shots. For days I continually heard it whilst sat in my shed but no sign of it at all. Then one day I found it or another on the wall of the house and so with careful placing I was able to get a shot before it once again disappeared. I cant remember ever seeing one of these crickets before either.

Biggleswade Common. August 2010.

2010-08-30T05:26:00.001-07:00

I spent a couple of hours with the Red Backed Shrike from first light. Once the sun had risen enough it appeared on bushes near the railway line sunning itself before becoming more mobile.

But as the image below shows it thought it was still a bit too early so just a tad more sleep was in order.

It was not fazed by the trains going past either, its not until you actually get close views that you see how small a bird they are, but a lovely group of birds none the less.

The image above is not of it about to bring up a pellet but it was actually yawning, time for another nap?, no a stretch of the wings and I'll be fine.

The background colour of the image below was from a passing train. After some time it became more awake and more elusive whilst searching for food so I left pleased with a few shots in the bag.

Willington. Bedfordshire. August 2010.

2010-08-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

I decided to go local for a few hours before the weather was due to set in with more rain. I headed for Willington to see what I could get. The first target turned out to be Willow warblers, they were everywhere. Actively feeding their way around the trees and searching the wire fencing for spiders or insects caught in the webs. Looking very fresh and very yellow on a few individuals. It made a good start to my morning.

Whilst looking along the shoreline I noticed at least 5 Green sandpipers and distantly a larger wader appeared, a Greenshank, which continuously fed from one end of the lake to the other. It ventured closer just the once for a record shot before it departed further away to carry on the feeding run again.

The Green sandpipers were always wary and chased around by the Lapwings on a few occasions so they never ventured close.

And to finish off the trip I captured a few images of a Migrant Hawker dragonfly. It was flying a circuit within an open area amongst trees and so it was just focusing in and capturing a shot before it moved again, sounds easy but believe me it was a challenge.

Getting There !

2010-08-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

Silver Y and Uncertain moths.

Firstly, to all that follow my Blog and casual viewers, an apology for the lack of postings. Where has the time gone I ask, the White tailed plover seems so long ago now. Over the last month my time off work seemed doomed to be tied up with anything but birds and photography. My bulldog Harvey came down with kennel cough and would struggle to breath and therefore collapse or go into a fit and loosing control of his bodily functions. So for four days I was cleaning up after him and making sure he came round, an emotional time indeed.

No sooner after Harvey was better and my next slot of time off approached my age old back problem kicked in, I was bent double, couldn't stand straight and definitely could not venture out. I was laid up for some time and as of writing it is still not 100% but workable, and so hopefully the tide has turned and I can now get back out very soon and get some images.

Silver Y and Uncertain moths.

"Long Legged Lovely in Kent."

2010-07-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

White Tailed Plover

Dungeness.Kent.

July 2010.

I was on the road at 03:20 heading for Dungeness with the prospect of a meeting with a 'long legged beauty' from afar, and the wife was ok with that!, so things were looking good. But I had been ' dumped ' by the same beauty some days earlier at Rainham Marshes and a few years ago in Lancashire so I was a tad nervous to say the least.
But my visit was a success to my delight.

I arrived at 05:40 and at first there was no sign and with just myself looking I was a bit apprehensive to say the least. But I then picked out "The Plover" and although distant I had now bagged my beauty. The next 9 and a half hours were spent trying to obtain a record image to take home. What with the fact that looking into the sun and the heat haze and the general elusiveness of the bird to task with was time consuming, it finally gave itself up for a few shots. And an extreme sunburn to my head to boot, but what the heck I should grow my hair longer.

The plover spent a lot of time hidden on the small scrapes amongst the purple loose strife and vegetation and would sit on the shingle for an hour or more at times, but gave views to everyone when it moved and fed. It truly blended in when sat down too and most had to scope it to justify its presence. But some very good company was to be had whilst we waited for the next showing.

This sequence of shots show the bird as it exercised its wings with a flapping flight on the spot trying to imitate a harrier jump jet', it was a delicate looking bird indeed and those legs'...

I left the site with my demons exorcised and a thumping headache and a celebratory cigar waiting upon my return home HAPPY.

Black necked grebe.

2010-07-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Grafham Water.Cambs.July 2010.

2010-07-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

As per usual the cloud gods knew I was venturing outside. Upon arrival at Grafham the cloud was dense and grey, and by the time I left it had only brightened on a handful of occasions. I decided not too venture too far and on seeing a busy group of House Martins swooping down low to the shoreline, I decided to take a peak.

Amongst feeding runs they were gathering mud from the shoreline. I worked my way slowly into a position whereby they were landing within 16feet of me and totally oblivious of my actions. There were some younger birds in tow, and as on previous times when Ive watched House Martins, they were learning the art of collecting nest material following behind the adults. One or two were gathering mud but most would pick up a bit of plant material or feather if nearby.

They would all congregate in a nearby tree on the waters edge before feeding over the water and back to collecting mud, god I cursed the weather for not being able to capture more images. When it was bright enough I snapped as many shots as possible during that short spell they were on the ground. The blue sheen on the adults was a lovely contrast to the stark white undersides.

The mother of these ducklings was happy enough for them to slowly saunter past me whilst feeding. Mind you I was not going to move very quickly as by now both my legs were numb from sitting still whilst awaiting the Martins.

I bagged some images of a few species whilst the House Martins had flown off, the Great crested grebe showing well whilst venturing closer due to a anglers boat nearing. Even though the weather had brightened and gotten warmer the birds had moved away so content with a few shots taken I headed home.

Bits and Pieces from the Garden.

2010-07-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

This Hummingbird Hawkmoth was one of two that became stuck in my conservatory. Not had many sightings over the last few years so two on the trot was welcoming.

The Swift numbers during the day were around a dozen at best, but in the evening the numbers would sometimes swell to 30 or so. Of all the days to pick trying to photograph them, I had to pick a windy day where they passed at breakneck speed, the most I captured was sunburn on my back!.

The flowerbeds were attracting a wealth of insects but only the Small Tortoiseshell seemed interested to feed on these miniature sunflowers.

Back In Birdland

'Mr Banks Birdland'. 30th January 2012.

'Mr Banks Birdland' January.

Calshot. Hampshire. January 2012.

"Mr Banks Birdland".Biggleswade.January 2012.

New Beginnings in Bedfordshire.

**MEGA**Cley NWT. December 2011.**MEGA**

DOUBLE BO****KS !

A small bit of Asian spice to warm my day !.

"If you go down in the woods today"

The Lodge.Bedfordshire.Oct 21st 2011.

Early start and early return home.

A grey Grafham but a lovely white arse later !.

A gem of a new Damselfly.

MEGA* Sandhill Crane *MEGA. Boyton Marshes,Suffolk. 03 Oct 2011.

Mini Dragons Up Close.

Stewartby Lake. Friday 23rd September 2011.

Grey Day at Grafham water. September 2011.

Fields of Gold. August 2011.

Visitors in the Night ! July 2011

Graceful Gliders.

Hop' to it, in time to catch the Cricket!

Glowing Sunrise with no hint of Red.

Great............I mean Greenshank.

Buzzing Around the Garden. July 2011.

The Vapourer Moth....and finally the female.

Garden Mothing gets Productive. June 2011.

WHITE THROATED ROBIN. Hartlepool June 2011.

*MEGA* White-throated Robin.

Hare today gone tommorow.

Garden Mothing. June 2011.

Manure Matters. May 2011.

A Jewel of a Moth...

"Flycatchers in Gods Acre". May 2011.

Mud Mud...Glorious Mud.

Splish Splash Taking A Bath.

Shy becomes not so Shy.

Standing in S**t, Clearing S**t, But happy as a pig in S**t....May 2011.

DIPPED ! DAMN! SOUND FAMILIAR.

DIPPED ! DAMN ! DREARY EYED !

Wagtails - Wire - & - Water. May 2011.

Cat crisis... but I bagged the female ! 25th April 2011.

Down at the Dump. 24th April 2011.

Moths April 2011.

Daubentons Bat. 22nd April 2011.

It's that time of year again.

Willington.Bedfordshire.April 2011.

Sandy RSPB. April 2011.

Wagtails - April 2011.

April's underway.

The Lodge RSPB, Sandy. March 2011.

March 2011.

Beeston Wildlife Group.Bedfordshire.March 2011.

The Brecklands. March 2011.

The Farm and a Moth.March 2011.

February 2011.

February 27th 2011. Rainham.

The mothing has begun.February 2011.

Oriental Turtle Dove. Chipping Norton. February 2011.

Bramfield Village Hertfordshire. February 2011.

Bird Ringing at Beeston. February 2011.

The Lodge RSPB. Thursday 3rd February 2011.

Finally! Waxwings and Redpolls on the same day.

Thornham and Titchwell. Norfolk. January 2011.

"Some Snow at Last".Feeding Station. December 2010.

Feeders. December 2010.

Feeding Station. Nov', Dec' 2010.

Norfolk. 24th November 2010.

Pied-Billed Grebe. Hollingworth Lake. Gtr. Manchester. Nov 2010

Titchwell.Norfolk. 9th November 2010.

Norfolk. October 2010.

More Feeder Action. October 2010.

Feeding Station. October 2010.

Sandy. Mon 18th October. 2010

Semipalmated Sandpiper. Abberton Reservoir.Essex.Oct 2010.

Empidonax Flycatcher. Blakeney Point, Norfolk. Sept 2010.

Fungi foray.

Arctic Warbler. Holme, Norfolk. September 2010.

Biggleswade Common. August 2010.

Willington. Bedfordshire. August 2010.

MEGACley NWT. December 2011.MEGA

MEGA White-throated Robin.

Standing in St, Clearing St, But happy as a pig in S**t....May 2011.