The Malvern Birder

Desert Wheatear

2011-12-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

As promised a new post. I haven't much chance to get
up onto the hills in recent weeks so when news broke
of the Desert Wheatear on Titterstone I couldn't wait
to go and have a look.

I made my first visit the day it was first seen but I didn't
get there till late on, in fact it was near dark. Although
it was pretty gloomy I manage to get some pretty
good views but only managed a few record shot's
with the camera it was then I promised myself another
visit.

It wasn't until the day before it left that I managed
another visit, it took a little while to locate but eventually
I got some cracking views with the bird only a few
yards away at times.

It remained pretty mobile throughout the time I was
there and feeding extremley well considering the frost
we had. It managed to catch quiet a few earthworms
from the frozen ground, I guess getting ready for the
off.

A few photo's from the day.

New Site

2011-12-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, apologies for the lack of posts of late
I've been busy with my new site.

http://www.carldayphotography.co.uk/

Not that theres alot on there at the moment but
hopefully I'll get a few more images to put up soon.

Hope you like it.

I'll try a get and get a few posts done on here soon
as well.

Grey Phalarope

2011-09-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

News of the Grey Phalarope at Holt soon got out
and it wasn't long before I got myself over there.
Brillant bird, really confiding.

A few shots from the evening.

Chelmarsh Artic Skua

2011-08-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one. I thought I'd post a few record shots
of the Artic Skua from Chelmarsh. I managed to get out
to see tonight for a couple of hours. It remained distant
for my stay but good to see.

High Winds

2011-08-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

I made my regular visit up on to the Malvern Hills yesterday.

I took a quick look around Chat Valley, pretty quite really

a single Wheatear was the only bird I could manage. A bit

different from in the week when I found Stonechat and Redstart

there.

Next I made way over to the Beacon but it didn't look good.

Low cloud hung onto the hill and it looked as though it was

there to stay. I made my way up anyway hoping it would soon

clear. I reached the summit and the low cloud hadn't budged.

I looked around anyway struggling to see through the cloud

but there was very little about, a single Wheatear (this one's

been here for most of the week) and a single Meadow Pipit.

I stayed for a while hoping the cloud would clear so I

could have a better look around and maybe try for a few more
shot's of the Wheatear but it didn't look good. Not wanting

to waste anymore time I headed over towards North Hill.

The Wheatear.

North Hill was pretty quite, nothing on the summit itself but
there was a few Kestrels hunting along the slopes. It was
extremely windy up there but It made good for the Kestrels.
I settled down and attempted to get a few shot's, it wasn't
easy in the high winds but I did enjoy it. While watching
I had glimpses of drifting Peregrines and two almost white
Buzzards, these remained distant though mainly hunting over
Sugarloaf Hill.

After a couple of hours with the Kestrels I made my way
down, I couldn't stick the wind any longer. It's hard enough
getting flight shot's anyway without the added wind to deal with.
On the way back I found two more Wheatear at the bottom
of the hill but that was it, pretty quite all round.

I was hoping to find something a bit special on the hills but I'm
probably a bit early yet, hopefully the coming weeks will be
better. I'll keep you posted.

Red Necked Grebe

2011-08-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

News of the Red Necked Grebe up at Gailey was too much to resist.
I've stayed locally over the past few week's with not much about I
thought I'd concentrate my efforts on the Redstarts that have been
so obilging over the past few months.

Saturday morning came and as usual I left nice and early arriving
at Gailey for 6.30am. On arriving I had a quick scan of the lake
with the bins but couldn't locate the bird at first. I slowly made my
way around the lake trying not disturb the fisherman who were still
tucked up tight in their sleeping bags.

I continued to scan the lake but couldn't locate the bird
anywhere, I'd virtually gone full circle before I came accross
it, amazingly feeding some 15 feet off the bank. It noticed me
straight away and before I could rasie the camera it dipped
and the next time I see it, it was about thirty feet away - Boy
can they motor underwater.

I waited in the hope it would return and it did eventually. The
bird seem to have a route mapped out heading down the lake
to the island and back again. Before to long it was close again.
The light wasn't great but I managed a few shot's before it
moved off back down the lake.

I was joined later by Pete and we settled down waiting for
Grebe to reappear. It came close on occassions but the light
had gone, making for me noisey shot's. I've been quite impressed
so far with the 7D but in overcast conditions I've noticed that
you really need to step the ISO down.

That said most of the shot's I got were fairly big crops 70% and
more at times so I'm probably being a little hard on the camera
really. I do try a keep as low as I can when photographying my
birds and today was no different using the bank as much as I
could. Mind you, you do have to hold your nose sometimes - It
can be a little smelly especially lakes.

The only other problem with lying on the bank is bugs and there
were plenty crawling around at Gailey, Including a Wasp that took
a fancy to me, so much so it decided to give me a kiss - Bloody
thing!

A few shot's from the trip.

No Wheatears

2011-08-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

With reports of Wheatear on the Malverns
during last week I thought I'd go a take a
look. I popped up on Thursday and found
a total of six. It was good mixture of adult
and juvenile all looking in good condition
and feeding quite well.

I did try for a few photo's but there was
very little light in the evening. The whole
was more or less in full shade. I thought I'd
leave it till the weekend.

Saturday morning came and I tried again.

I made a good search around the valley but

all to no avail. The only thing I could find

was a flock of Linnet. The Wheatear had

obviously moved on, I thought back to the

previous year and I could remember a

good amount of Wheatear beening around
for most of August. Hopefully this won't be
the only chance I get.

I moved on to where the Redstarts have
been for the past few months breeding not
really expecting to see them, thinking they
may have already moved on, but to my

surprise they were still a few in the area.

I settled down and waited in my usually

place and like previous times before the
first bird on the scene was a Robin.

After a few mouthfuls of mealworm the
Robin disappeared. It was long after the
first Redstart appeared - A female.

She only made a quick visit. She picked

up as much as could in her beak and

retreated quickly to the nearby bushes.

It wasn't long before she returned making

the most of my free offerings.

I stayed for few hours watching and waiting

for more to arrive but none did. They were

around, I could see juvenile males, at least

two in the vicinity and an adult male but

they kept away, obviously got better things

to do or maybe just sick of Mealworm.

Hopefully I might just squeeze another trip

in before they leave for on their long journey.

Blacktoft Sands and Far Ings

2011-08-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

The plan was a trip to Blacktoft first for the Marsh
Sandpiper and hopefully the Marsh Harrier then onto
Far Ings in the afternoon.

Richard, Ron and Alan picked me up at 5.15am
on Sunday morning and we set off for Blacktoft
Sands.

On arriving we got ourselves setup and made our
way up the path towards the Singleton Hide.
The Singleton Hide is located at the far right of the
reserve and this is where the Marsh Sand had been
seen. It didn't take us long to locate it although
distant we had some relatively good views at
times as feed along the near bank.

Photographing the Marsh Sandpiper was difficult
though, no matter what way I tried I couldn't get a
sharp shot. Record shot's was going be it...

Apart from the Marsh Sand there were good

numbers of Greenshank, Ruff and Black Tailed

Godwit. The Marsh Harriers remained distant

for most of our stay with the odd one drifting

accross occasionaly.

With a few shot's in the bag we made our way

onto Far Ings. For anyone that's not been there

it can sometimes offer very close views of Marsh

Harrier and this was what we were after.

To cut a long story short the Marsh Harriers

didn't show, at least for the few hours we

were there. Although no Marsh Harriers

we did get a visit from a Kingfisher.

Spotted Flycatchers

2011-07-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd put a few photo's up of the
Spotted Flycatchers I took a couple of
weeks ago in Leominster Cemetary. It
seems like an age ago now. These are
the very first shot's with my new toy.

Although a bit of a grey day, when the
showers finally stopped I managed a
couple of hours photographing these
beautiful little birds.

The young were high up in the canopy
of the trees and didn't really show
thereselves at all, only popping out when
mum or dad turned up with a meal.

The adults were constantly back and
forth with food which gave me a few
opportunitys to get some shots.

Even though the weather wasn't great
I thought the shot's came out quite
well.

Redstart's again!!

2011-07-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't go looking for Redstarts initially. It was

a early Wheatear I was after. I made a good

search of the hills but couldn't locate any, I'll

have to give it another go in a couple of weeks.

I decided to go on to the Redstarts. I thought

they may have moved out of the area by now

but they were there better than ever. There

were quite alot of juvenile birds around including

Blue Tit's, Great Tit's, Mistle Thrush and Robins

which was great to see.

It didn't take long before the first male Redstart

turned up and as usual he was extremely
confiding.

For Sale!

2011-07-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

Well...I've took the plunge and ordered myself
a Canon 500, all I need to do now is sell my
Canon 400 5.6L to pay for all the other bit's
that I need to go with it.

All the photo's on this site have been taken
with this lens so you can see it's nice and sharp.
Any test welcome, I can send a few photo's
of the lens if required. The lens itself comes
with a camoflague cover, it's own case and I still
have the oringinal box somewhere for it.

Email me for further detail's or If you wish to view
let me know.

carlday555@btinternet.com

Local Rarity

2011-06-11T01:37:00.000-07:00

It's not very often you get local rarities but when

you do there's nothing better, you don't have to

travel far for one and you get to spend more time

with them.

This occasion it was a first summer female Red

Footed Falcon that turned up on a local cricket

pitch in Ledbury. Reported on Tuesday 7th June

initially but it is thought that the bird has been

present for up to two weeks after speaking with

the local dog walkers.

I made my visit on Wednesday evening. I've seen

these birds before and was expecting the bird to

be a small dot in the distance when I got there but

I was wrong so wrong. The bird was hawking

insects on my arrival only twenty or so feet from
a local birder who was watching through a scope.

I couldn't believe it. I watched it move from post

to post as it hawked it's prey. The distance it was

spotting very small insects was quiet something

sometimes some thirty or forty feet away, incrediable
vision.

I waited until the birder left and I was on my
own. I sat quietly and waited, it didn't seemed
to be bothered by my presence allowing within
thirty feet of it as it feed, giving me an opportunity
for a few shot's.

I was later joined by Jim Almond, the Shropshire
birder who also managed to get a few shot's.
(You can view these by clicking the link at the
side of this page)
The bird gaves us some superb views at times
passing over our heads and landing very close.
A joy to watch, it's was almost like watching

a falonary display, terrific stuff.

We stayed until after nine o'clock hanging onto

to those last few rays of light before we left, a

great evening with good company and a terrific

bird.

Time Spent

2011-06-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

And it's paid off...Time with the Redstarts.

Here's just a few shot's from this mornings
outing, miserable weather but well worth it.

Cleys Shorelark

2011-06-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of shot's of the long staying
Shorelark at Cley.

I went looking for this bird a couple of
times eventually tracking it down on my
last day, cracking bird.

Norfolk

2011-06-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

A few photo's from my Norfolk trip, most of
the photo's were taken at either Salthouse
or Cley Marshes.

Salthouse has to be one of my favorite places
to photograph birds in Norfolk. It's small pools
can hold good numbers of Waders and Ducks
and offer some superb close views, but there
has to be water!

Unfortuanatly being summertime and and the
fact we've had no real rain to speak of the pools
were virtually dryed out, so the pools were
missed this time round.

I did manage to find a few confiding Linnets.

Redstarts!

2011-05-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

A few photos from the weekend.

Welsh Flycatchers!

2011-05-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

A few photo's from my day spent in Wales!

The Malverns!

2011-04-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd stay local this week after a disappointing
350 mile round trip last week. I tried for the Salvonian
Grebe up at Waters Edge but it had gone by the time
I'd got there.

This week I thought I'd give the Malvern Hills a go. I've
seen a few Wheatear and Redstart on recent trips up
there through the week mostly around British Camp.

The Wheatear didn't disappoint, there was at least 3
or 4 in Wheatear Valley.

The Redstarts proved a little more difficult, well to
photograph anyway. A fair few Redstart could be heard
but they were far too busy singing and fighting off
other Redstarts from there territories to even notice I
was there.

I did manage one shot, a bird that was kinda forced into
my path by another Male Redstart. Luckily enough for
me it landed on the perch that I was hoping it would
land on. I set myself up on this perch as I knew from
past experience it was one they used a fair bit.

I sat for 4 hours waiting for another bird to turn up but

nothing so I called it a day. Later on in the day I popped
over to Castlemorton but didn't see that much, mainly
ChiffChaffs and Linnet as usual really, although I did
hear a Cuckoo and Grasshopper Warbler but no views
hopefully I get those in the coming weeks.

World's End!...

2011-04-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

A Dartford Warbler, less than a two hour drive away, I could
hardly resist!

I drove up to World's End bright and early Saturday morning.

I had instructions on where the Dartford Warbler was hiding

out but trying to find it proved difficult at first. I was told it

was near a fallen Pine tree, for anyone that's been up to see

it will tell you that there's a fair few fallen Pine tree's about.

I spent the first hour an half searching in the wrong area,

In the end I found the right tree and straight away within

six feet of me he landed and began to sign.

The first part of the morning proved difficult, the light

wasn't the best and it began to rain.I took a few record shot's

but it wasn't what I really wanted so I decided to have a walk

in search of Black Grouse hopeing the light would get better
later.

I found plenty but none wanted there photograph taken.

I trudged across the moors some more and ended up getting
myself a little bit of telling off from the gamekeeper. After a
quick chat with him and explaining what I was doing walking
the moors he told me the whereabouts of the Hen Harriers
apparently he watches them quite often.

After my brief encounter with the gamekeeper I decided

to make my way back to the Dartford Warbler it was at

this point a male Hen Harrier crossed my path some distance
away in front of me, a first for me. I've seen plenty of
females but never the male, cracking bird!

I did try and search for the Harriers for while but couldn't
locate them, and I didn't really want another run in with
the local gamekeeper, something for next time maybe!

As I made my way back I could see a few scopes pointing

up to the connifer plantion on the hill, I asked what

they were all looking at and they replied A Great Grey

Shirke!...A quick chat and I was looking through someones

scope at a cracking Shrike.

I got back to the Warbler and by now a few photographers
had arrived and had setup on the path hopeing for a few
shot's. I decided to sit it out and wait for my chance. A couple
of hours had passed before I had my chance, I'd actually fell
asleep in the heather, well... I'd had an early start. I was
awoken by the song of the Dartford Warbler it was perched
right in front of where I wanted it a few clicks and my shot's
were in the bag.

In the mean time Pete had turned up and after I'd bagged my

shot's I popped over to say hello and show he him what I

managed to get and like a true friend he told me to delete

them!

Not likely Pete!

Black Necked Grebes

2011-04-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Cheshire was my destination for the Black Necked

Grebe's Houghton Green Flash to be exact.

Houghton Green Flash is located right by the side

of the M6, not the most attractive place in the

world probably better described as a bowl in the

ground but it was what it had to offer that I was

interested in.

The flash host's these birds year in year out, now

I've never seen one of these birds before so you'll

understand my surprise and excitement when I see

four.

Two of the birds spent the best part of their day out
in the middle of the lake. The other two birds were
located in a small bay fishing, these birds would
occasionally come pretty close to the margins
giving me an opportunity to get to get a few shots.

Here's a couple from the day.

Worth the trip!

Exminster Marshes

2011-03-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Not exactly what I expected, no hides
just a few screens dotted here and there.
The Birds...well there wasn't that much
really although thinking of it I probably
should have visited in the winter time.

As I say there was very little to see apart
from the normal odd Grey Heron here and
there and a few little Egrets. Ducks were
pretty sparse too with only the normal
Mallards around.
The pathway that runs along the side of
the reserve is fairly long with only a few
screens here and there to view from.
Those of you thinking about photographic
opportunities will need a fairly big lens to
get anything like a decent shot.

All that said there are pools but you have
to contend with the masses of reeds that
fence the reserve off although I think there
maybe good opportunities here.

The pathway leads to an open field that
leads on to the estuary. It was the main
estuary that proved to the best albeit the
majority of the birds were distant.

Avocets, Redshank and Curlew could all
be seen and an unexpected Red Breasted
Merganser flew past disturbed by a speed
boat, a new tick for me.

Further along the estuary a flock of twenty
or so Dark Bellied Brent Geese were found
it was these I concentrated my efforts on
occasionally the speed boat would come
flying down the estuary, not so good for
the geese but ideal for a few flight shots.

Apart from the geese the only other bird to
mention was a Rock Pipit that seem to be
following me along the estuary path.

Down South!

2011-03-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well we've been north, so why not!

Berry Head and Broadsands were the intended

venues with a possible trip to Exminster

Marshes if I had time on the way back.

My main targets were Cirl Bunting and both

Berry Head and Broadsands were their

strongholds so hopefully it wouldn't be to

hard to find them.

After a quick walk around I soon caught my first

glimpses of these beautiful little birds.

No sooner had I found the one another one appeared

then another before long I had at least seven around

me both male and female.

I spent most of the morning trying to get a few

decent shot's in the harsh light and it was pretty

tough.

After plenty of trying I decided enough was enough

and moved onto the coastal path to try my luck there

but it wasn't my day although I did get to see plenty

of birds my photography was going nowhere.

I spent ages with the Fulmars down near the cliff's

trying out my new 7D but I just couldn't get a

decent flight shot no matter how hard I tried, here's

a couple of my shot's.

With time pressing on I decided to move onto to

Exminster Marshes.

Up North!

2011-03-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from my recent
trip to Lincolnshire.

I went for the obvious... The very obliging
Short Eared Owl that I've seen so many pictures
of recently. Unfortunately for me and a few
others the main bird didn't show, probably
something to do with the very cold wind that
was sweeping across the marsh throughout
most of the day. Very little was seen in fact,
apparently someone did manage one bird early
morning flying low over the marsh but that was
it. I hung on till the end catching only glimpses
of two very distant birds.

Although I dipped on the Short Eared Owl I
did manage a shot of one of the two roosting
Long Eared Owl's over at Blacktoft Sands. A first
for me, wild one anyway. I also managed to see
the Rough Legged Buzzard that had been reported
at South Ferriby again it remained distant
throughout my stay so no photo's but again another
first for me.

Not all bad. I did manage to see everthing
maybe next time for the photo's.

Kinmel Bay

2011-02-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

Kinmel Bay - Rhyl.

This is a place I've had my eye on for a long time and I knew
exactly the shot I was after but could I get it?

Snow Buntings were my target and Kinmel Bay hosts them
most years. I've seen some cracking shots from this location
and I was kind of hoping it would be pretty easy, silly me!

I spent a while trawling the net trying to find out where the
best place was to find them, most described a large tree
trunk on the beach near the Harbour where visitors and locals
feed them with handfuls of loose seed.

After much searching I eventually found the said tree and with
an already stacked larder of seed awaiting the Buntings return.
A quick scan of the beach and I found them all five along with
a handful of Skylark.

That was the easy part next to try and get a shot, not easy!
They were not as approachable as others I've found, although
they didn't exactly fly off but kind of scurried along the rocks
and stones as I drew closer.

My only hope was to wait until they flew to the awaiting dinner
table.

The best I could manage on the day, maybe next year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Everyone

2010-12-27T00:25:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everybody, I hope you all

have a great new year!!

I thought I'd finish the year off with a few photo's

from my latest trip. I didn't have to go far for

what I wanted, literally just up the road from where

I live. The local church yard has been host to Redwing

and the odd Fieldfare.

There's also been Songthrush!!

And....finally Waxwing's!!

I know there's been a few about but these are the first

one's I've found in the Malvern area, only two but they

all count.

I just hope next year is just as good...

Waxwings!

2010-12-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

Yep...I got a few in the end, and Ledbury was the

place, not too far to go.

I've seen loads around on the net the last few weeks

but until this weekend I've not had the chance to

get to see any.

I could only manage Saturday morning, and only then

a couple of hour's. I'd promised to do a little christmas

shopping in the afternoon and I had my works do on

night so it didn't leave me long.

Saturday morning's weather was crap to be fair, misty

and hardly any light not the best for photography but

it was my only oporuntnity and sometimes you have

to take what you get.

The Waxwings didn't take long to turn up, at least twenty

were present so well worth the visit, here's a few shot's

from the morning, pretty pleased with what I got really

considering the weather.

Last light!

2010-11-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend saw me heading for the hill's again.

I've been hoping for a Snow bunting or something

like that but as yet... nothing!

My search started as it normal does with a visit

to British Camp and around Wheatear Valley.

Wheatear Valley has produced some cracking birds

for me this year but today it was pretty quiet. The

normal Raven's soared above me as I walked the

pathway while Meadow Pipit feed amongst the grass.

I searched the rest of the area with very little success, I

did manged to find a few Redwing but as usual they

kept there distance, next I moved onto the Beacon

and North Hill.

The Beacon was void of anything, I think I probably got

there to late in the day, loads of people milling around

very little to be seen, North Hill was no different either

a few fly over Redwing and that was about it.

With the end of the day fast approaching I decided to

move off the hills and down onto the common below to

try my luck there, within minutes I found a pair of

Stonechat and as per usually I had no luck getting

close to the male, I'm not sure what it is... but he has

none of it, no matter how hard I try, one day I'll grab shot!

Today though, I could only grab a shot of the female

which I didn't mind in the slightest as I got my shot in the

most beautiful light, just as the sun was going down, when

you get that golden glow!

And that was all I could muster, hopefully this week

will prove better.

Peregrines!

2010-11-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a couple more pictures of my local
Peregrines.

I paid them another visit the other morning on my

way back from the hills, I didn't have to wait long for

more fabulous views.

This time it was the Male I managed a few decent

shot's of as he flew by, after looking at the pictures

more closely it looks like he hasn't long made a kill

judging by the blood on his breast.

Hopefully I'll be able to bring you a few more shot's

over this coming winter.

Local Birding!

2010-10-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

With my car in the garage it was about all I could

manage really, I haven't been out for a couple of

weeks what with moving house and only just getting

over the Flu!

A local trip was about all I could do, and I'm glad it

was. First up, Peregrines. I haven't been up to see

these for quite a while and with the rest of hills pretty

quite I thought it was about time I paid them a visit

today.

First up the Female, I've been watching these birds for

the last three years on and off and to this day I'm still

amazed by their speed and agility, This girl can really

move when she wants too. I've had her zoom past my

head before now chasing Jackdaws and she becomes

a blur!

Today she wasn't chasing, just calmly gliding around

having a little fun with her mate.

The male, not so easy as the Female to photograph,

this fellow can really move, He remained at distance

today but I did managed one decent shot as he came

past chasing the Female.

They played for a little while before they both zoomed

off into the distance, probably getting a little hungry after

all that excercise.

Next up, Castlemorton Common, another place I haven't

visited in a while. Castlemorton can be an odd place, at

times it can be decilate and other's it can be alive with

birds.

Today wasn't exactly alive but I did manage to find

a few birds Meadow Pipits seem to everywhere I turned.

A small flock of Linnets were busily feeding amongst the

grass and a pair of Stonechats were flying up high catching

insects. I spent most of mine time with the Stonechats as

the female was very confiding, allowing me to get some

decents shot's.

The male was completely different, I couldn't get anywhere

near him, with time running out I left it there.

No Time!

2010-10-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm finally back on the internet, after a week without

having it, you don't realise how much you use until it's gone.

I've been busy moving house over this last week, hopefully

I'll be able to get out soon and start posting again, were just

starting to get straight now.

Report's look pretty good on the hill's with Redwing and

Fieldfare in good numbers around Happy Valley. A few Ring

Ouzel around too, I managed to find a single one a couple of

week's on British Camp but It didn't hang around for long.

As I say I've not really had a chance to go out recently, my last

trip was on the Malverns, visiting North Hill and The Beacon.

North Hill didn't really produce much, although there was a

single bird on the summit that had me wandering, I think it's

a young Skylark but I wasn't sure. Let me know what you

think, the picture isn't very good I'm afriad but I'm sure

someone will be able to tell.

The Beacon had the usually Meadow Pipit's around the summit.

There was a single Wheatear, which was very confiding allowing

me to grab a few decent photo's...

Hopefully all being well, and If I can shake this darn cold I've had

for the last week, I'll be able to get out this weekend, I'll let you

know how I get on.

More Bunting's!

2010-09-27T03:17:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist another go at getting a few

more shot's of these beautiful little bird's.

Lapland Buntings North Hill!

2010-09-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe my luck this morning when I

found 5 Lapland Buntings on North Hill, here in

Malvern. I travelled 4 hours to see these birds

for the first time two weeks ago, now there

here on my doorstep...Typical!

I started out with a walk around Chat Valley

and then worked my way up to the Beacon,

finally finishing off on North Hill. This is

my normal route, that way you can cover

pretty much all areas.

Chat Valley had very little, apart the normal

Green Woodpeckers probing into the hillside.

The walk towards the Beacon held a few

migrants with Willow Warbler and ChiffChaff

being the main one's. The Beacon it self had

very little to offer only Meadow Pipits, mind

you there were at least 30 so plenty to see.

No sign of any Wheatear...I was quite surprised.

North Hill...This area has produced some

cracking birds over time and today was no exception,

I could hardly believe my luck when I popped my

head over the top of the hill and was greeted by

what I thought was a Lapland Bunting, I only

managed a split second view at first but it was

enough to keep me looking.

I explored further, looking through the Meadow

Pipit's but nothing, It wasn't until I started my walk

down the hill that I noticed another one and

another, I'd found 5 birds in total, must be something

of a record.

I spent the next hour trying to get a few photo's

before a walker came over the hill and flushed them.

Here's a few shot's!

One Good Tern!

2010-09-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

I had a quick trip over to Grimley New Workings

today straight after a night at work in search of the

two reported Juvenile Black Terns.

They've been there for a couple of days now but I

haven't really had a chance to go over. I got there

for first light this morning in the hope that they'd

still be there.

It didn't take me long to find one of them, they tend

to stick to the same area every year, but that was it.

Only the one could be found. The other one's probably

gone off to find somewhere a little warmer, and who

can blame him. I can feel that nip already!...brrrr!!

It was quite obliging, making several passes in front of

me over the couple of hours I was there, giving me a

chance to get a few shot's.

Apart from the Tern there were serveral Common Snipe

dotted about. At about 09.00 50-60 Canada Geese

decended on the pool, a quick scan through the flock reveled

only a couple of hybrids nothing out the ordinary.

3 Littel Egrets were still around, although quite distant. Quite

a few migrants were also found around the pool including

Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.

As the day began to warm somewhere in the region of 400-500

House Martins with the odd Swallow in the mix decended on

the pool.

A good few hours birding, well worth the effort.

Minsmere In A Day!

2010-09-14T03:45:00.000-07:00

I know...but it was worth it, no less than five new

birds for me. I'd been ploughing through the internet

all week trying to find something for the weekend

but couldn't make up my mind what to do. Saturday

night came and I still hadn't settled on anything

except I fancied something a bit special. I've got to

admit I don't usually travel too far for birds, a maxium

of a couple of hours in any direction is more than

enough for me.

I'd been watching the movements of the Lapland

Buntings all week, they were popping all over the

place even reports of fly over birds at Slimbridge.

I'd hoped for maybe one on the Malverns (wouldn't

that be nice) but nothing. In fact the next closest

ones were at Minsmere, where two had been

reported throughout most of the week. I guess my

mind was made up, Minsmere and Lapland Bunting's.

I must admit the prospect of a four journey didn't

excite me to much and to arrive in time for first light

would mean leaving my place at 01.30am. I sat a wrote

a couple of quick emails to try a gain a little more

information and soon had the replys back with what

I was after, so that was it I was all set.

Sunday morning came (very quickly) and I was soon

heading up the motorway. One thing about leaving at

that time of the morning was the roads where empty.

Completely void of traffic, so that made the journey

much more bearable. I arrived at Dunwich car park

just as it was getting light, I'd been recommeded to start

at the beach here and work my way down to Minsmere

because the Buntings had been showing more at the

north end.

I scoured the beach for a good hour and half with no

success at all. I'd all but given up until I spotted a couple

of photograhers heading my way. It turned out that it

was one of the guys I'd emailed the previous night (Jon

Evans) accompanyed by his mate (Ian Clarke or

"Sparky" as he likes to be called) A quick chat reveled

they'd had about as much success as me, they too

had made there way down the beach in pretty much the

same style as myself and had seen nothing. Jon had said

"they'll be here somewhere"....but with more searching

still nothing.

I made my way further up the beach until I'd reached

the Sluice. The Sluice was home to quite a few Swallows.

I could hardly resist a go at these beautiful little birds.

I watched them as they landed on various perches from

fences to sign post's but I'd noticed one individual was

landing on a dead tree. I waited for him to move off and

got myself into position then awaited his return. I didn't

have to wait long before he was back and only yards

from me.

With a few shot's in the bag I made my way back down the

beach for what I'd originally came for the Lapland Buntings.

As I walked down the beach I could see in the distance a

crowd had gathered near to the East Hide. I arrived to

find the Lapland Buntings had been seen but then lost

again, with continued searches from everyone soon found a

lone bird.

I quickly managed a few shot's before the hoards of people

started to gather. Quite close views at times.

Apart from the Lapland Buntings there was a Wryneck

reported in the North bushes. I managed to see it but

that was about it, photograhing it was another

thing, I did manged one shot but purely for records

purposes, I'm not going to embaress myself by posting it

on here. In fact apart from the Buntings everything

that day kept it's distance. Red Backed Shrike another

first for me kept very distance, to far for even the big

guns cracking bird to watch though.

I did manged to get quite close to a Wheatear on Dunwich

Heath which was nice although I was trying to find Dartford

Warbler. I did manged to see the Dartford Warblers, again

another first for me but they kept there distance as well,

again only managing records shot's.

With the rain clouds gathering fast and everything

at least seen although not photographed it was time to

head back. A good day all in all with another five new

birds to add to my ever growing list.

My Lucky Week!

2010-09-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

Yep!...My luck has continued this week with more

great stuff from my local area the Malvern Hills.

Continued trips this week looking for migrants

has been very successful indeed.

Yesterday more Wheatear and a first for myself

a Whinchat. The Wheatear are probably some of

the most obliging birds I've come across at points

they were literally within a feet of me. Allowing me

to obtain probably my best shot's to date, in fact I

don't think I could better it.

The Whinchat was no different a very confiding
bird, again allowing me some very close views at

times. It's probably never seen a human before.

Watching me!

Looking for his next meal!

Really Close!

I managed to find another Redstart, they seem to

be all over the Hills this year.

Lunch in the shade!

Enjoying the sunshine!

I just hope my luck continues.

Draycote...Again!!

2010-09-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yep... Another trip over to Draycote this time for

a Curlew Sandpiper. Looking through the news last

week it was pretty evident that Curlew Sandpiper's

were on the move, pictures were everywhere of them

from all corners of the country. When I see that there

were four at Draycote, I couldn't resist the thought of

another trip.

All I had to hope is that they hung on till the weekend.

The weekend arrived quickly and looking through the

news all but one of the Curlew Sandpiper's had gone

from Draycote. A juvenile still remained, so I decided

to shoot over on Sunday. I arrived early in the hope the

bird was still going to be around, luckily enough it was

and again on the Hensborough bank. I quickly spotted the

bird amongst Dunlin and Ringed Plover grubbing about

in the mud. I made my way slowly down to the waterside

trying my best not to spook them but they didn't seemed

to be bothered about me clunking my way down the

Rocks. I got myself into position not easy on rocks I can

tell ya!...especially lying on your belly, tends to stick in

the odd rib.

I got myself settled and waited for them to come to me. I

didn't have to wait long before the waders came along close

enough for me to get a few shots, although the weather was

pants, overcast and quite dark, not the best for photography

but good enough to grab a few record shot's of a very pretty

little wader and it was another first for me.

Continually feeding!

Apart from the Curlew Sandpiper a lone Black Tern feed

out in the middle of the reservoir always at distance. A

quick walk up to Toft Shallows found a Common Sandpiper

but not much else. I sat and scoured the water few minutes

in the hope the Black Tern would put in an appearance but

nothing. It wasn't long before the overcast skies turned to rain

and as it was getting quite heavy I decided call it a day.

I'd managed to get what I come for and was pleased wit my

efforts.

Draycote delivers again!!

What A Start!

2010-09-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

After missing the Restart the other day on the Malvern's

I had to go and have another go. I had a couple of hours

of spare time this afternoon so off I went. The weather

started of well today with good sunshine but as the afternoon

wore on it started to become dull and overcast, still this

wasn't going to stop me.

I arrived in the car park unpacked my gear and

started my accent, within a few minutes I was on the

top, no sooner had I got my Bins out the rain started.

Great!...It didn't really come to anything other than a

few spot's, thank goodness.

At the top I was greeted by 20-30 Meadow Pipits, Unusual

I don't usually manage to see so many, I spent a little while

looking through them to see if there was anything other

than the Mipits but nothing!

I carried on my way over to what is known as Wheatear

Valley. I clambered down the hill and soon found the usual

few Meadow Pipits in the Hawthorns.

Think this one's in desperate need of a manicure!

A further look revealed Wheatear. At least

two, not very obliging though the best I could

manage today.

The main prize took a little more time to show his

self but He was more than worth the wait as I think

you'll agree, very obliging.

Occasionally dropping down on the ground

in search of a meal.

A nice way to spend a couple hours.

Up The Hills!

2010-09-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Yep!...I've been climbing the Malverns in search of a few

pictures. I've made two or three trips over the last few

days mainly around the British Camp area and occasionally

North Hill.

It's been pretty good too, nothing amazing but I did manage

to find my first Spotted Flycatcher's on the hill's the other

day.

Along with the Spotted Flycatcher's were Chiffchaff and

Willow Warbler however they kept themselves well hidden.

Other trips have produced Wheatear, the most I've seen

for a while in fact both in good numbers on North Hill

and British Camp.

My last trip to date was no different really, again Wheatear

although nowhere near as many. The Spotted Flycatchers have

gone but have been replaced with three Common Redstarts. I did

try to get a few shots of the Redstarts but all to no avail, not that

I didn't get any opportunity's but the majority of the time they

were either in poor light or tucked well in the Hawthorns and when

they did venture out in to the open they were too quick, maybe

next time. Along the hills Meadow Pipit could be found in fairly good

numbers too.

The hills also hosts quite a few raptors including Kestrels, Buzzards,

Peregrine and Sparrowhawks. I've managed to see them all at one

time or another through my recent visits but none more so than

the Kestrels.

At times some expectionally close views.

The above and below shots are from another area

where I've had success this year.

Draycote's Wader Bonaza!

2010-08-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

Right, almost caught up now. My latest trip was to

Draycote. I hadn't been over for a while and with

the reports of a few waders I thought it was a good

a time as any to pay a visit.

I arrived in the car park around 8 o'clock and met up

with another birder who had just arrived, luckily enough

he'd been over on the previous day and said that the

majority of the waders were along the Hensborough Bank

the day before.

A short walk over to Hensborough bank soon put me

within a stones throw of a good handful of waders

including Ruff, Common Sandpiper LRP, Ringed

Plover, Dunlin and Lapwing.

The Ruff was very spooky, not taking much to put him

up in the air making it extremley difficult to get a

decent shot. The other waders were a little easier, with

a little patience.

I made may way down to the waterside and waited...

and waited. I waited for over two hours in the hope

that they would eventually come to me, it took them

a while but they did come closer.

Juvenile Ringed Plover.

And another!

When there this close you can't help yourself.

To a point where I could almost touch them.

Dunlin followed shortly after, this one making

sure he's not being eyed up for dinner!

Again very close!

The adult Ringed Plover!

Not very common inland... A Turnstone in full

breeding plumage.

Getting closer!

Sometimes too close, I know...don't complain!

What a day!

Becoming a Star!

2010-08-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Browsing the through the web I spotted a Kingfisher
picture from a local reserve called Feckenham Wylde
Moor. A reserve owned by the Worcestershire Wildlife
trust.

Looking at the picture it made it look like you could get

pretty close, which is always good.

The Kingfishers a bird I've wanted to photograph for a

while but up until this point thought that I'd probably have

to more or less camp out to get a decent shot of one.

It was too good to pass up. I decided to go the very next

day as the forecast looked pretty good, well the afternoon

did anyway.

I Incorporated it with a trip up to a little place called Venus

pool. This little gem help me see my first Osprey!...That's

what I was hoping for with this visit.

I'd done my homework and had been watching the

news and sightings for quite a while but up until this point

no Ospreys had put in an appearance. I thought if one

was going to show it would be this weekend they've

usually shown by now and time was running out.

I arrived at 06.00am to find some 200 geese over the

pool mostly Greylag with the odd few Canada thrown

in they'd obviously roosted there overnight.

I stayed and watched from the hides for the next couple

of hours but nothing. The skies were empty and the pool

no different, I'd got it wrong...Oh well it was worth a

try, maybe next time.

Before leaving I took a trip around the reserve to see if I

could see anything else but nothing was about, very quiet.

The odd GoldFinch but that was about it, I decided not

to waste anymore time and make my way over to Feckenham.

I arrived at Feckenham with the sun shining, as forecast.

Not being here before I didn't really know where to

start, I made my way through the tall grass and reeds

over to what I thought was a gate way. As I walked

through the reeds I could hear the call of several

Sedge Warblers, always nice.

As I drew closer to the gateway I could see a small hide

in the distance then another, I headed straight for the

closest one hoping this would be the one, It was.

I met up with another photographer that had been there

since 6 O'clock. I asked if he had seen the Kingfisher

and he said "yes, once for about 10 seconds about

8 o'clock".

I set myself up thinking that I'd be here for while, but I

half expected that I would be anyway. I didn't have

to wait long though before a Kingfisher put in it's second

appearance but no sooner had it landed than it was off

again.

We could see it at the other end of the pool fishing off

the reeds, just my luck!

I spent the next hour or so chatting away and looking

for what else was around. I asked what else was

usually seen (as you do) and the one chap said nothing

really apart from the Kingfishers, it's usually quiet.

I set about looking for whatever I could find. In the next

hour or so I managed to spot a Sparrowhawk, a pair of

Buzzard and a Peregrine passing over the woodland with

prey and that was just the Raptors we also see Green

Woodpecker, Great Spotted woodpecker Swallows

skimming the pool, Common Whitethroat around it so

it wasn't that quiet, really!

While looking at all these birds we didn't even notice

that the Kingfisher had made an entrance, landing on

a nearby branch. She stayed for at least 15 minutes

fishing away giving us some exceptionally close views.

That was the only visit she made, but it was enough

for me to get a few decent shots.

Here's just a few of them!...

Since these were taken many people have visited the reserve

in the hope that they too could grab a few shots of this

beautiful little bird making it somewhat of a star!....Oh, and

the Osprey turned up a week later, Typical!

Malvern Migrants!

2010-08-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Yes we get a few!....The Malvern Hill's host

a few migrants each year, and to start us

off, a few wheatear!

I started out nice and early, always the best

way to do it before the walkers and such

start to arrive.

It wasn't long before I found a small group of

Wheatear on the south side of the hills.

I settled into position and started the waiting

game. It wasn't long before they started to hop

about in front of me picking up insects off the

grass.

A Nice "Little" Find!

2010-08-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

A short trip to Grimley New Workings produced my

first ever find of a new bird in the area, and it came

in the shape of a Little Gull. Probably one of my most

favourite gull's, especially the juveniles. I think their

first ever plumage is one of the prettiest.

I sat and watched as it flew round and round the

pool, It seemed to have it's route already planned

making the same journey over and over again.

Every so often it passed close enough by for me

to get a few more shots.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

2010-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Right!..I'm still trying to catch up with my blog!...This time my trip

to RSPB Bempton Cliff's back at the end of June, organised by my

local RSPB group. For those of you who haven't joined your local

group do it, it's well worth it and you'll learn lot's from some very

experienced people and not just about birds either.

It started off with a four hour coach trip giving us all plenty of time

to chat and catch up. On arrival we had the choice of making our

own way to a later planned boat trip down at Flambrough head

or we could stay at Bempton until 2.15. We decided to at Bempton

as we'd come to try and get a few decent shot's and we didn't really

want to walk the 41/2 miles down to Flambrough head.

We set off from the RSPB center and immediately found Tree

sparrows busily flying around. A short walk down to the cliffs soon

found plenty of Gannet's,Fulmar and Kittiwake amongst others

flying overhead.

We made our way to Barlett Nab and Jubilee Corner finding Gannet's

puffin's, Guillemot's, Fulmar and Kittiwake. All a bit to far off for decent

photograph's though.

After an hour of trying our luck we decided to make our way down

to Staple Newk.

Staple Newk was a mass with seabirds, I don't think I've ever seen so

many in one place, all within camera reach too.

We stayed for as long as we could, leaving us only minutes to get

back for the coach. On our way back we bumped into Richard

Bedford and his partner Amanda Hayes for those of you who don't

know them there both very good bird photographers, check some

of there work out!

We had a brief chat with them before making a mad dash back

to the coach, not mad enough though we'd already missed it!

The understanding was that if you wanted a lift down to the

boat at Flambrough on the coach you were back at 2.15

prompt, not 2.20 like us!...otherwise the driver took it that

you had made your own way down to the boat.

Now what do we do?...Well to cut a long story short a very

kind RSPB volunteer from the center offered us a lift, phew!

The boat trip - A planned boat trip of about an hour taking

us all around the base of the cliff's as well as into some

of the smaller cove's giving us all some extremely close views

of all the sea birds.

Here's just a few shot's from the trip!

A cracking day out, and one I will do again!

Holiday Snap's

2010-07-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

I know!...It's been a while since I last posted anything

so I thought I'd put a few holiday snaps up from my

trip to Norfolk in June.

I've not really had chance to do much over the last

few weeks due to a recent job change.

So here goes!...A local Meadow pipit..quite a few of these

around close to where I stayed, this was the best I could

muster.

A trip to Cley produced a close view of a very confiding

Redshank!

Marsh Harriers were busy hunting, many time's seen

carrying prey into the nest's...quite a few were

ducklings...It's a cruel world.

While we were around Cley we paid a visit to Blakeney

point.

While we were there we took a Seal trip, well worth it

too. Although there weren't alot of Seals around at the time

of our visit the landing on Blakeney was great.

Close views of Oystercatchers (lot's) good views of

Little Terns and Sandwich Terns both first's for me.

All in all a good holiday with plenty seen

nothing really special but a few new species

added to the ever growing list...roll on the next one!

Local Stars!

2010-06-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

On my last post I mentioned about

the Whitethroat's that I've being trying

to photograph.

I've never seemed to have much luck

with these little bugger's, they seem to be

really spooky!..I've put a little time in this

year trying my hardest to get a decent shot

and it finally paid off.

Along with the Whitethroat's this year I've

had decent success with the local Stonechat's.

Last but by no means least the biggest of my

local star's and one that I've had great pleasure

in photographing is a Barn Owl!..In fact a pair

that by now probably have young.

Since a recent change in my job I haven't had

time to go and see what there up too but as far as

I know there doing well!

Here's a few shot's from the last few week's!

Regularly seen hunting and coming back with

food sometimes as many as three voles an

hour I've seen.

Red Footed Falcon

2010-06-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't really gone searching for anything

special over the last few week's mainly staying

close to home and concentrating on a few local

birds. I've been trying my hardest to try and

get a few shot's of Whitethroat and to say the

least it's been tricky, anyway I'll let you know

how I get on shortly.

I started scouring through birdguides on

Saturday evening looking to see if there's

anything I can have a go at on Sunday,

when I see two Red Footed Falcons reported at

Wilstone Reservoir in Aylsebury.

For those who don't know I have a love for

raptor's and with 2 Red Footed Falcon's

reported (not too far away) I could hardly

resist a trip. I set off at 04.30am making

certain I was there nice and early, and

didn't want to turn up and it's buggered

off.

I arrived to find two birders already scanning

the reserve and a quick chat soon had me

heading in the right direction, although

they had said that only 1 was remaining

the 1(s) male. Good enough for me!

A short walk and I was soon on it. Here's a

few record shot's!...Best I could manage.

Always at distance, mainly sitting in the

tree below for long period's.

I did manage one flight shot as it passed

overhead, again poor light.

Hawking over the reserve!...Lower on the

water than I thought.

The light was terrible really. I tried my hand at a

few shot's of the common Terns, again best I

could manage. I could hardly believe the amount

on the reserve at least 40.

I decided while I was in the area that I'd pay

a visit too Farmoor, apparently what they get

there are quite approachable.

I think I must have picked a bad day, I walked

around both Reservoir's with very little success,

apart from the normal stuff.

I will say for those of you thinking of giving Farmoor

a go it's a fair way around both Reservoirs. My leg's

certainly knew they'd been around there come

Monday morning.

Here's a few shot's of what I did manage.

Gilfach Farm

2010-05-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

The forecast for the weekend was wall

to wall sunshine and after seeing a few

nice photo's of Pied Flycatchers from Gilfach

farm I decided a trip was in order.

Gilfach Farm is just outside the small town of

Rhyaddar. It's a fairly small reserve with a

chance of all the woodland species including

Wood Warbler, Redstart, Nuthatch and of

course Gilfach's star birds the Pied

Flycatcher's.

A short walk to the first hide produced

my first Pied Flycatcher's. The male

was outside the nestbox singing away

while the female was busy collecting

food for her young.

Close to the hide run's a stream which

produced views of tree pipit (albiet distance)

and Dipper. The woodland itself produced

Redstart although much of the time distant

and far to dark for photo's.

Around the reserve the sound of Woodpeckers

could be heard along with Nuthatch and Wood

Warbler. A short walk to the farmhouse

produced Redstart which were being treated

to a small bowl of mealworm kindly put out

by the warden.

The warden spoke of a Tawny Owl that had

nested close to the Farmhouse in fact she had

produced two young. He kindly walked

me to where she could be seen sat snoozing

and allowed me to get a few photo's. A big

thank you for that Pip.

The young Tawny's were around but right at

he very top's of the tree's so no really chance

of a shot of theses little fur balls. At least not

without disturbing them anyhow.

A short distance from the car park produced

at least three Crossbills, All busily munching

away on cones and making a right mess

of the path. Apparently this was how they first

noticed.

Seeing most of what Gilfach had to offer I moved

on to Crossgates a small village just outside

Rhyaddar on my way home. I've been past

it a few time's and noticed the gorse bushes

and open field but never had the time to stop

off and take a look until today.

A short walk to the surrounding gorse produced

a young Stonechat.

There were also Linnet but always distant.

A walk accross the field gave good views' of

Skylark.

I think the heat of day may have been

getting to this one...I caught him panting!

Well worth a stop and a good end to the day.

Out and about!

2010-05-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

May started out with a trip too

Ynys-hir with my local RSPB group.

Reports were good and hope's were

high for Pied Flycatcher and Wood

Warbler. As we arrived just after high

tide it seemed a good idea to start with

a trip along the estuary.

Along the pathway to the estuary we

found a very obliging Sedge Warbler

which sat quite happily while we took

a few shots.

Apart from the Sedge Warblers that were

around we managed to see Little Egret,

Reed Bunting, Canada geese and

Greylag geese. Apart from that though

it was pretty quite.

From the Estuary we made our way up

into the woodland. Although the Flycatcher's

were around trying to photograph them

was really difficult. In fact... I never managed

a single shot.

Throughout the Woodland we see Redstart,

Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler and Garden

Warbler none of which wanted there

photo taken.

On the other side of the reserve we found

Swallow's gathering Mud for there new

homes, and we managed a glimpse

of the Welsh Osprey carrying what looked

to be a 2lb Trout up river.

On the walk back to the vistors centre

Wheatear and Winchat were found, again

too distant for anything other than

record shots but a good end to the day.

Last weekend I decided to stay local.

I hadn't been up on the Malvern Hills

for while and with plenty of Dottrel

being seen around I thought it might

be worth a shot...well I was wrong.

Although not all bad, I did at last get

to grips with a pair of Stonechat.

And a Redstart!...albeit the Female.

I'll work on the male next week, In

fact there were three male's in the

area...She must be a good looking

bird!

Apart from that though that was it

really not much else around apart from

the occasional Linnet that dropped onto

the gorse every now and then.

Castlemorton Common

2010-05-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

As the nights grow longer it gives me

chance to get out and visit my local

common at Castlemorton.

Over the past few night's I've been

lucky enough to see Cuckoo,

Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Linnet and

even Grasshopper Warbler!

Here's a few picture's!

Nest building is well underway!

Venus Pool - The Osprey

2010-04-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

The main reason for my visit to Venus

was to see the Osprey and hopefully

get a few photograph's.

I didn't have to wait too long for this

years visitor to drop in, just out the

corner of eye I could see him gliding

towards the pool. As he made his way

over the pool the Gull's and Crow's made

to the air doing their best to try and

warn him off.

Little seemed to bother him as he

continued to scour the water in search of

his next meal.

Shaking with nerves as he drew closer, I

could hardly believe my eye's when he

stopped and hovered in front of me.

Hovering just as if he were a Kestrel
over a meadow, slowly moving towards

the water before Splash!!....He was

down.

Sucess!

He made three visit's in all throughout

the day, giving me enough chances to

get a few decent shot's.

As I watched over the pool out the corner

of my eye I could see a large dark bird

moving from left to right, I instantly

thought the Osprey was trying to come

in low.

I couldn't believe it when I finally realised

it was a Marsh Harrier (quite a rarity

in these parts) It made a few passes

over the reeds before hovering and finally

dropping down. It stayed down for at least

five minutes before flying up and out of

sight.

What a day!...

Venus Pool - The New Hide

2010-04-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

I settled down into the new hide and

straight away spotted an Oystercatcher

sitting on the island to my left, a quick

photograph confirmed she was sitting

on two eggs, just hope they sit them

the full term.

All the Oystercatchers in my experience

tend to move off eggs quite often, not sure

if it's because there young inexperienced

birds or they just get easily disturbed.

In this case the only thing I could see

that may put them off was the occasional

visit from another Oystercatcher, mind

you he /she was soon seen off.

Throughout the rest of the day the

Oystercatchers made regular changeovers

for sitting giving me the perfect opportunity

for a few flight shot's.

Straight out in front of the hide is another

island which gave more opportunities

throughout the course of day for Little

Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher and Yellow

Wagtail.

Venus Pool - The Start

2010-04-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

This session was from about two weeks
ago, bit late I know but I just can't seem to
find 5 minutes to write them up lately.

Anyway!.. Venus Pool. A popular wetland
reserve that occassionaly has an attractive
vistor.

An Osprey!

I first come here at the back end of

last year trying to photograph them.

I'd only just started my photography

then and the shot's I did manage wasn't

the really the best, mainly record shot's.

This year I'd hoped it would be a little

different, having a little knowledge from

last year I opted to try the causeway

between the two pool's. This is where

last years bird seemed to like catching it's

fish.

I waited patiently for a couple of hours

but nothing showed up.

Next I moved up to the hides on Venus

just in case it decided to drop in there. I

arrived to find Snipe and Lapwing close by

probing the mud in search of thier breakfast.

As the light wasn't the best I decided to move

down to the new hide.

Worcestershire Hoopoe

2010-04-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'd already planned a family day out for

kid's last Saturday... A Day in Brean. It

was forecast to be a nice day so I thought

we'd make the most of it.

Before we were about to set off I checked the

local birding news (usually do in the morning

you never know what's gonna turn up) I couldn't

believe it when I see the Hoopoe reported over

at Lower Moor in Pershore, hoping it would stay

(as it was to be a first for me) I planned a

trip over when I got back.

I arrived back about 05.30pm and with the light

fading fast I grabbed my gear and made my way

over to Pershore.

I eventually found the pathway through to

where it had first been reported and began my

search. I wasn't the only one there a few more

birders started to appear after a while and with all

the searching none of us could find it.

Time was pressing on an the light was fading, I

decided to take a quick look in the actual

caravan park as it had been reported in there

quite often.

I walked through to what looked like building

site and stood by the gate, not really sure

whether or not to enter.

Everywhere I looked said Private Property.

I eventually plucked up the courage and

wandered through, I'm glad I did as I found

the Hoopoe quietly probing in the grass.

I took several shots none of which were really

any good however I did manage a few half decent

record shots.

Good end to a nice day!

The Malverns

2010-04-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'd decided the Easter weekend would be

spent locally, namely the Malvern Hill's.

Ring Ouzel and Wheatear would be the main

target and possibly Redstart, Report's

during the the week included a single

Wheatear and a single Ring Ouzel, hoping

that they stay for the weekend I made

my why up to Britishcamp first thing

Sunday morning.

A quick scout around revealed a few Meadow

Pipit.

I then started to work my way around to

the S/E side of the hill where the Ring Ouzel

had previously been reported. I stopped to

have a quick look and before I could get my

hand on my bins a Ring Ouzel flew by!.. landing

100yrds away, I was just about to reach for

the camera but before I could it was off again

and with a small flap of it's wings into the wind

it made some 250yrds back to where I just

came from....Bugger!!

I made my back to where I see it land to find it

calling in the brambles near the path.

I slowly moved forward and as I did it started

to move further and further up the hill

eventually coming to a stop on the hillside.

I spent a good while after getting the Ring Ouzel

searching around but I couldn't locate the

Wheatear however I did manage a Redstart

and a Mistle thrush.

Not a bad day at all.

South Gloucestershire!

2010-04-05T02:20:00.000-07:00

Firstly I tried Ashleworth Ham to see

if I could locate the Great White Egret

that had been reported earlier in the week.

I arrived at 6.30am and scoured the Ham

vigorously for a good hour with no joy. I did

see plenty of other stuff though!... Teal, Canada

Geese and Heron defiantly worth another visit

I think. I will say though for anyone considering

photography at the Ham is that everything is

a fair way off.

Next I made my way to Sharpness Docks

where a Female Black Redstart had now been

for at least three months. I've seen it before but

my last trip was a waste of time really, for

photo's anyway. One of those dark days not

really getting light at all.

It was a different story this time though good

sunshine and an approachable bird makes

good for some nice photo's, well a bit of

chasing around as well.

I sat and watched the Black Redstart hopping

from the Ned West Building onto the floor and

then the trees to finally the roof of the end

house, it seemed to be it's usual route.

There was a point though that I followed it

from garden to garden trying to get a decent

shot, It was one of those times that I didn't really

pay any attention to what I was actually doing

and before I knew it I'd covered about 500yrds

basically going from one end of the street to

the other in hot pursuit....what we do for a

shot!

Next it was onto Aust!...

I arrived to find good numbers of Skylark and

Meadow Pipit although not much else, think I

may have been a bit early another week or two

maybe.

I went onto Northwick Warth where I met

up with Paul Bowerman, after a brief chat with

Paul he showed me a little spot where I could

get a few nice shot's of Turnstone and possibly

a Dunlin.

Cheers Paul!..Until next time.

The Bittern and the Grebe

2010-03-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

The Salvonian Grebe continued with

it's stay on the Activity Lake at Top Barn

Farm, and with a decent forecast for

Saturday I could hardly resist another

go at it, here's a shot from the

day.

A trip to Upton Warren was next to

try and grab a few shots of a very

showy Bittern.

It had been reported most of the

week from the North Moors pool.

I arrived to find a couple of my

mates grabbing a few photo's as it had

already been showing quite well that

morning.

Bob had said "that it seemed to be

showing on the hour" more or less.

We sat and waited as it was about

an hour since it was last seen, sure

enough out from the reeds crept

the bittern.

The bittern continued to show really

well, stalking the reeds in search of it's

next meal. I think it must of caught at

least six good sized roach while I was

there, We assumed it must have been

preparing itself for it's journey onto

it's breeding grounds wherever they

maybe, here's just a small amount

of the shots I managed to get.

Rain Stop's Play! - Part 3 - Salthouse

2010-03-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Salthouse proved a little better, Snow Bunting
being the main quarry, although photographing
them was a bit of a task, mainly due to the
amount of people milling around in such a small
area. The average weekend photographer or
holiday maker took chase causing the birds to
take to the air.

The main bird photographers had other plans, they

laid there traps (small amounts of seed stratigically

placed) and sat and waited for them to come.

Eventually most decided to adopt the sit and

wait approach and most came away with a decent

shot or too.

Apart from the Snow Buntings there were Turnstones

and Teal close by which provided us with something

to do while the Snow Buntings weren't playing.

The day virtually at an end we decided to use the

last available bit of light there was at Titchwell as

we were rained of in the morning.

The main reserve was pretty quite to be fair, and

what there was, was a fair way off for photographs.

The beach was better though with Turnstone,

Oystercatcher and Sanderling being the main species,

we settled down and made the most of light.

Here's just a small amount of what I got!

Not a bad day considering the ever changing weather.

Sunday was a complete wash out. The Met predicted

heavy rain and they didn't let us down. I awoke at

06.ooam ready for another go and hoped the Met

were wrong but just for a change they were

right!.. Bloody Marvelous.

That brought the weekend to a close rather quickly,

so in one and a bit days I did get to see and

photograph what I wanted, but it could have been

better, here's hoping for a better week in June...

I've got a week planned.

Rain Stops Play! - Part 2 - Holkam

2010-03-15T09:57:00.001-07:00

Holkam - A massive exspanse of beach and quite

daunting when you first see it, especially when

your looking for small birds.

My Dad and I made our way through the woods

to the start of the beach, not really sure where to

go first we made our way to the shoreline.

With little effort we soon found Oystercatcher and

Redshank feeding within the channels that the tide

had made, far to spooky though for photographs and

the dreaded weather had started again.

As we made our way accross the beach we spoke to

a couple of birders who quickly pointed us in the

right direction for the Shorelark, It didn't take us

long to find them, about 14 were feeding quite

happliy.

Photographing them was quite tricky as the rain

didn't let up!

With time pressing on we made our way to the

car, just as we were packing our bit and pieces

away a Barn Owl started to hunt the field next

to us.

The camera was soon back out of the bag!!

Next Salthouse!

Salvonian Grebe

2010-03-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

A first for Holt.. if I'm right, and I just couldn't let it go

without first seeing it.

The bird had settled at Top Barn Farm on the edge

of Holt Fleet.

When I arrived late yesterday afternoon the bird was

some 30 feet from the bank, as I settled down into

position I couldn't believe my luck when it started to

swim towards me, at one point I struggled to focus. As

a result all the below pictures are virtually all full

frame shot's.

Rain Stops Play!

2010-03-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

My first visit to Norfolk was about to be spoilt by the good
old british weather. I'd hoped for a couple of hours birding
when we arrived on Friday but the strong winds and heay rain
soon put pay to that, We could only hope that the sunny spells
forecast for Saturday came through.
Saturday morning came around and as usual I was up nice and
early along with my dad who was accompanying me on this
visit, we were soon ready and on our way to our first stop
Titchwell.

We arrived at Titchwell and within a few minutes of getting
underway the heavens opened, it just started to spit at first
but soon turned fairly heavy (not the best for photography)
we soon made our way to the first hide (Parrinder I think it
was called) mainly for bit of cover, as there wasn't really
much to speak of in view.

The rain only lasted half an hour before it started to ease up
and we decided to make a move up towards the beach.
As we made our way onto the beach we could see that
the tide was just starting to ebb and there were plenty of
birds in view including Oystercatcher's Sanderling, Black Tailed
Godwit's and Turnstone.

I tried made best to get as close as I could to the Birds just so
I could get a few shots, as I did (and was almost ready) the
bloody heavens opened up again..Bloody marvelous. I couldn't
believe my luck.

For the rest of our time at Titchwell it pretty much stayed the
same, rain stopping and starting never really easing off for
any time. I did mange a few shots of Turnstone in between
showers which was nice.

Next we thought we'd try Holkham for the Shorelark that
had been reported.

Upton Warren

2010-02-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Thought I would try Upton Warren this weekend, I
haven't been there for a while. I paid a visit first though
to Morton Bagot for the Shrike but no joy.

Upton Warren proved a little difficult, well at the
start anyway. It did get progressively better as time
went on with the first Avocet of the season dropping
in at the Flashes. It wasn't long before it was disturbed
by the Warden (snipe count had to be done meaning going
around the inside of the reserve and flushing them (a quick
count Jack Snipe 3 Common Snipe 10 not bad at all).

Obviously this disturbed things for a little while and

I made for the feeding station to see what was going

on there.

I spent the next couple of hours snapping away at what

ever come to the feeders, mostly Tit's although the Reed

Bunting's made a few brief visit's, making it worthwhile.

Next was the Moor's pool. The Avocet had moved

to here from the Flashes after it had been disturbed.

I spent a little time in each of the hides but ended up

spending most of my time at the feeding station (as you do)

and the only decent bird around there really was a female

Sparrowhawk that was creating havoc every now and then.

I got talking to a guy called Mike who very kindly let me

know that while we were snapping away a Trio of Golden

Plover had dropped in on the Flashes, with little happening

at the feeders I made the descision to spend my last hour at

the Flashes and try for a few shot's of the Golden Plover.

Disaster...By the time I had reached the hide the one remaining

Plover had legged it, well almost. I managed a brief look at it's tail

end as it flew over into the orchard behind the pool, marvelous just

about summed my day up. I thought sod it. I'm here now, so I

settled down and grabbed a few shots of the remaining Lapwings.

I'm glad I did because by the time I had got a few shot's

the majority of the birds that flew to the Orchard previously

(with the GP) had been spooked, and they were heading

back my way.

The Golden plover was right in front as well...Lovely, and

that was that, as they say.

A few shots in the evening light was my reward

(mainly distant but still nice)

More From Gigrin Farm!

2010-02-16T03:29:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd put a few more pictures up from my recent trips to Gigrin Farm!

I seemed to have been a bit unlucky with the weather though, so more trips planned soon.