Pauls Blog

Brrrrr! Iceland comes to Telford.

2012-02-17T17:28:00.001Z

Since the begining of November the unseasonally warm weather had certainly stopped the westwards movements of a lot of species, thank goodness for February, some decent snow and excellent low temperatures and the visitors drop in 1, 2 and a Glaucous will do. Mind you some wildfowl were'nt that impressed.

Iceland Gull

Pale in Contrast

The Second Iceland Gull

Slightly closer.

Juvenile Glaucous Gull

An odd open patch.

Waiting for the big melt.

Dancing on ice "no score"!

Better poise.

Brrr! iced water.

Warmer out rather than in!

Just sit and wait.

And complain.

Freshly engaged perhaps?

With the big melt underway or complete, the white wing gulls look to have been usurped by Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. Roving Tit parties seem to be diminishing as temperatures continue to rise into the positivly balmy.
We shall see what happens next.

Paul

2012-01-10T15:30:00.001Z

The chance of a Goshawk or two was the drive to revisit Shirlet on last Sunday. It was a chance that did not materialise, A couple of Sparrowhawks bolstered the spirits a bit, but the arrival of a trio of Goldcrests made me feel much better, only to succumb to the dreaded lurgy later in the day.

As beautiful as any big bird

For some reason they always look a bit sad.

Definite disappointment here.

"Ello food!"

From the last outing a pretty pose.

The gales persisted

Alas no Petrels.

With a distinct lack of time to get out and about at the moment is, driving me cabin crazy, but watch this space.. there are one or two projects on the cards which should prove interesting oh! and a lens repair should help :-)

P.S click on imaage for a sequenced view of larger pictures.

Paul

Snow, Sleet, Rain, Hail, Gales. a brilliant day on the coast.

2011-12-18T20:14:00.000Z

With impending bad weather forecast for the weekend, it was decided to get the birding bus out of mothballs and go for it. Shropshire nice and mild, Cheshire snow hard and thick and New Brighton producing all of it over two days on the beach.

A brief spell of sunshine

And a sneaky Purple Sandpiper

It was not rough much!

Struggling with the wind.

Oops! caught of balance.

A brief respite.

But not for long.

A sharp get away!

Nearly got caught by this big wave.

A quick run for it as the water went away.

Took these shanks ages to get through the viewfinder..

Lying on the sand was by far the best way of getting close, apart from uncontrolled bloomin dogs and owners, they were getting very confiding. until, yep another darned controlled hound..

more next time.

Paul

A Little catcher upperer!

2011-12-10T20:41:00.000Z

With work preventing me from getting down to the Clee to see this little stunner, I waited for my day off, a whole week, for the "must do" trip. it was bright but the wind brought the temperature well down to hats and gloves.On arrival it had not been seen, but thankfully up she popped and gave many some brilliant views.

On a very windy day

Feed me!

It was very confiding as if expecting a few tidbits from those present with the odd call. It was time for some lunch at the local chippy and a run to the Priorslee Flash for the Tundra Bean Goose. Which, stayed firmly ensconced on the island, out of sight. However the next morning saw the geese out for a paddle round the lake.

Tundra Bean Goose.

Spot the difference.

So I was very pleased to get yet another new one for the county in the bag. The scores on the doors are going very good, in fact the best since 2006, only 4 more for the double ton.

So who knows could I crack it before Christmas?

Paul

Yet Another nice county goody

2011-11-26T18:26:00.001Z

Well what a nice Autumn this has turned out to be, nice weather and some very nice birds as well..The Red-necked Diver at Chelmarsh was so tempting to say the least so, went I did and show nicely it did!

Red-tthroated Diver Chelmarsh

Going fishing

Gone fishing.

One or two more to come, Well I thought so, but why bore you with endless Diver shots?? so thats your lot.

Paul

Darn Foriegners! and Fish

2011-11-02T01:13:00.001Z

It was Sunday afternoon and I was looking forward to yet another reconnaissance around a local wood, once work was done for the day. So at last, freedom and off. an hour into the search the phone rings, the Great grey Shrike had morphed into a Mega for the county and photos were in order to confirm or otherwise the ID. Some how I still managed to arrive after Jim who had sped from nottingham!!

Sunday evening the light had gone by the time I arrived so It was to be Monday! which then turned into hope it stays til tuesday ,,, yay! and a few of what was got at extreme range are as follows.

It only just missed the prey item which suddenly just dropped out of the way.

Nice big wing patch and bar.

Upper and lower wing now visible and lores..

I did mention fish,, although there is no such thing if you believe the latest scientific news!! Annihooo! it was just by chance that I was told by Dawn, that the Salmon run was on at the wier in Shrewsbury, A thing I had wanted to see and photograph for years, but somehow missed but this time, with supreme guidence I arrived and they were there and leaping..

Trying to guess where they were going to appear proved a real tease. needless to say more deleted than kept..

Effort and motion wow!

And boy did they wriggle once airborne..

I suppose I will get round to a full edit at some stage but tomorrow it is once again Shrike day and carpark duty..

See you soon..
Paul

A hunting she will go ! "Her be blimmin good her be"

2011-09-15T14:02:00.002+01:00

It was high time I got out and about and the promise of a lovely Grey Phalarope at a local ish! scrape got me of off my fat bits. But I was not expecting what was to present it self for a photo shoot. As you will see..

You think I don't know your there?

No cavities here me dear!

Ayup! was on over there?

At least my paws are cool, yuk mud!

Right into stealth mode..

The following shots were censored to protect the Rabbits anonymity! I could not see the action.

But breakfast was got pretty rapid.

Just a nice pose..

"AH! your still there then?

Mmmm! really fancy one of them quaky chicken things.

Darn mud!

OH well here we go.

At least the kids kept out of sight.

She dropped the kill off in the reeds and was again across the water for another go, did not see her again.

OH! nearly forgot! the Grey Phalarope, nice bird and my second in the county so I am chuffed.

Drippy beak got a cold?

And finally a Ruff at Venus Pools,, or more like Venus Puddle!! it is so low. desperately need some rain over the next few months.. Sorry about the light it was to say the least up and down like the undergarments of a ! well you know...

See you soon

Paul

VP plus some catch ups..

2011-08-28T23:07:00.000+01:00

Hearing of a Spotted Redshank at VP, and not remembering the last one to drop in It was a no brainer.. and shortly after arriving joined the other observers in the north hide. The conditions are very much favouring the drop in waders at the moment, and I was not let down, with Green sandpiper, Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Dunlin and a very nice juvenile Spotted Redshank. Whoohooo!..

Juvenile Spotted Redshank

A few Pine nuts to go.

Male Siskin

Coal Tits were performing nicely

There were not a lot of the finch family missing.

And a couple of Kites I missed from the previous blog..

So another two year ticks in the box in one end of season chase around..
more on the next excursion I hope..

Paul

A few bits and pieces!!

2011-08-24T22:41:00.003+01:00

It feels like an absolute age since I sat here and got to put some images on the screen, Darn this work thing!!!
OK! So its a what and where thing really. On the occasion's i have got out it has been fairly limited so I decided to have a go at doing a bit of Moth stalking!!! switch on lamp and plonk in chair some stalking really..
So what sort of thing came around..

Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria

Ethmia dodecea

Orange Swift

A number of other images will follow in the next blog as soon as I can,, promise!!

Paul

The home made light trap. After an idea by Kate McKrae Talkwildlife.

A simple enough plastic kitchen ware stuff and a clip on light.. I suppose I will get around to identifying them later? Unless you know the ID ?

A couple of days over at Nant ye Arian watching the Kites being fed produced a few more shots for the month.. as follows.

The view from the trail out the back of Nant Arian

and the unusual White Kite..

One of the few Kites with no wing tags, in a near finished moult.

And on the walk out the back this lovely Yellow Stags horn was found.

There are several other shots to be done but another time perhaps..

Paul

Wet? yes, Windy? yes, We Went? of course..

2011-07-19T20:31:00.002+01:00

With the weather set to be a little wet! and windy we decided to head for the North Wales coast, mad? probably but with Shropshire producing little of note why not?
So a late night start on the Friday saw us at Abergele for first light and not a lot to report there apart from a rising tide and a couple of fishermen. Llanfairfechan produced the first tern of the weekend in the shape of one Sandwich Tern battling the high winds as were we.
So on to our chosen destination the wonderful Cymlyn bay arriving at high tide, and boy was it windy. But by midday it had abated enough to allow for some wandering along the shingle and the headland searching for what was becoming an alarming lack of Passerines.
But the Terns. Well.

They were all over the place.

The noise was incredible.

But the Tern colony was really performing well with juveniles spread all along the shingle begging and getting fed after adults had correctly found the right one!

Responding to any begging youngster.

From all directions.

It was so nice in the afternoon even the Seals took time to enjoy it.

The only small bird to be found braving the storm hugging the edge of the headland.

The good weather did not last as the rain threw it down all night and continued into the Sunday.

But the Black Guillemots were not phased in one bit down in Holyhead harbour.

Scavenging from under the fishing bouts.

And taking full advantage of the free food!

And onward to south Stack and oh boy was it raining and raining practically horizontal.

Not an exciting or large list for the weekend but we got the main ones needed for the year list. But the rain did mean bacon butties for lunch again !! whohoo! nearly a brown sauce sarnie though LOL!!

Back after two years absence.

2011-06-29T23:12:00.002+01:00

There can be few Birds that get the public interest fired up, like the Birds of Prey, and in particular the Peregrine Falcon. And that is just what happened this year 2011 when for the first time since 2008 they were back. In an inspirational move the birds were advertised!! on the local radio and in the local press, raising to virtual celebrity status. Signs were posted, gazebo's erected, telescopes provided, and the public flocked to see and watch the spectacle, providing a virtual 24hr watch on a very public family. With some there every day from Sun up til sun down.. including BBC news, local law enforcement and of course the RSPB and the Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Feeding was sporadic throughout the day

Mother was spotted overhead

Practice was making perfect.

The first short flight

In the next instant it was of.

The result was the successful fledging of four young.

Paul

(all photographs taken under schedule one licence conditions.)

Martin mere zero, Marsh side plenty.

2011-06-03T23:10:00.001+01:00

The afternoon of the Monday the storm had abated enough for the light to improve enough for the camera to see the light of day although the wind was still a pain. Marsh side produced the goods with the first birds to be had were Little Gull and Little Stint. and of course the Dunlin, Godwit, Redshank, Avocet and Egret etc etc.
So a few of them follow.

On the way back to the chicks.

Banking into the wind.

Back to feeding.

Dunlin were by far the most in numbers.

Coming extremely close.

Redshanks also.

There are loads of similar shots so I will leave it at that

Paul.

The Birding bus goes forth, again..

2011-06-03T22:40:00.001+01:00

Having had such amazing weather whilst in Holland it was to much to hope for that the situation would continue? Yes it was and the winds and rain of the final Bank Holiday weekend was going to prove a real situation to deal with, as the Birding bus carried me northwards to the Lancashire coast and the RSPB reserve of Leighton Moss.
Boy was it wet? a full on English storm with monsoon like rain. Oh well, glad the waterproofs were packed. With the arrival coinciding with a lull in the torrential, it was a quick look around, sans camera, to get a look at the lay of the land. Parked up by the railway bridge down by the Allen hide and settled in for the night.

The species list started to increase,as did the wind and rain.

A lot of fledgling Long-tailed Tits about.

Young Robins were very confident.

One from the day before setting off at Acton Burnell.

Well the weather precluded the cameras getting anything really. So it was a move down the coast to Marsh side and Martin mere.

Paul

More Beer and Birds..

2011-05-17T10:54:00.003+01:00

From the time of leaving UK the weather had a distinct flavour of the Mediterranean about it, in fact by midday it was hot enough to calm the birds down considerably. So in keeping with another tradition it was

siesta time.

Tired and shagged out after a long squawk!
Photo courtesy of Rob Walters.

A day wandering around the dune comlex not far from Waasenaar, and another local reserve produced some more nice birds as follows..

Tree Pipit

Tripit in song

Gliding to the perch

We could hear them everywhere but this was the only one to show.

Northern Wheatear

Common Whitethroat

Common Tern on the dive.

Meadow Pipit

Common Gulls

Ruddy Shelduck and Egyptian Goose.

There might be a few odds and sods to follow so worth a check back..
Paul

Twee bieren gelieve. and for me.

2011-05-12T12:28:00.000+01:00

With a double Bank Holiday on the cards it was a frantic rush to ensure the old birding bus was in tip top condition for the trip to the Netherlands for some stunning birding and even more stunning Beer after..
. One or two of the unexpected were Short-toed Eagle and Black Kite, we missed the Booted Eagle by a day but got the Black Stork that had been floating around there for a while. The crossing was like a mill pond and the first place of homage was Brugge, for the now traditional Chips and Mayo in the town square,It was much easier to park as the town has now created a really good place for campers to stop for a night or two a bit expensive but well kept. And within stagger from the town. So a couple of piccies perhaps from The reserve by Stompwjyk Holland.

Just a few of the many to follow if this puter keeps going!!

Paul

At Last! Some lovely stuff.

2011-05-11T22:05:00.000+01:00

After suffering a severe case of the Computer Flu!! and some weeks in the repair and re-installation process I'm back...

So its a bit of a catch up this time round with a few blogs with various bits from here and abroad. Where to begin? Some of the local stuff I think and particularly one for which I have been searching for, for a while now.. after this ferocious beast that is! If your a Cranefly larvae!

But if your a Worm then the worst nightmare must be the Little Owl a voracious hunter of worms..

A slight adjustment in position allowed for a better view for him that is, as his mate had flown just previously.

After a trip to Holland during the latter half of April for a few nice ones, I arrived back to some very confiding Dotterel on the Long Mynd Gliding clubs airfield and they must be the longest staying birds for years.

The early morning sun proved to be in the wrong position for the early start so it was back a little later to find cars tearing up the airfield!!! if the caretaker was to be believed! mind you from all accounts they made amends by offering breakfast for the hardy, with one English fried breakfast officianodo "Jim" finding it hard to resist!!" Dotterels and Breakfast hows that for a good start to any birding trip..

So update number one, done. I expect there will be a couple more from the trip, so see you again shortly.

Paul

In a sort of, reflective mood.

2011-02-18T22:22:00.003Z

Cold Bright winter days really can produce some incredible light, which just begs to be used.

Flaps down on approach.

The defrost always gives a good reflective surface.

But confuses many, like this coot.

And can provide a good runway.

The Shoveler were on the move.

This Reed Bunting was not impressed.

Over and under,.

This Wigeon got it right.

Like a Dutch canal race.

The light did not last long and it soon got well overcast and the kit was away until the next opportunity, the rain don't matter so long as it is bright in fact bright and overcast is good as it lessens the chance of blowing the whites..

bye for now,

Paul

Add Endum, what ever an Endum is!

2011-02-07T22:42:00.000Z

On making a sort of, final trip around the known and available berries I ended up at Granville House in the Donnington area of Telford. And I was amazed that, yes there were none there, not at all surprising really as a pair! yes a pair were providing mutual support to each other in chasing all and sundry away, even I got a close pass to check me out. The tactics were simple wait in top of tree while other eats then kind of swap over. An amusing sight to see.

Ronny Krey!!! his partner was up the tree.

Rudy Shelduck

Which at times had a number of variations on that name as it evaded the lens for a numbers of days visit to the reserve.

A couple from the last visit,,

I suppose the broken tip could have been removed, but there again. I think my favouritist snap.

As I said Addendum, and short and sweet..

Til the next time

Paul

I do like to be beside the Seaside!

2011-02-04T01:33:00.002Z

A trip to the beach is always a pleasant interlude from the pressures of life, and with the promise of a reasonable day, Dawn, Lol (DM's Dad) & I duly rolled up to a dropping tide and a biting cold wind.
But the wind dropped and the sun shone giving the water that flat calm you like to see, on a mill pool.
As the tide was dropping it had left frozen salt on the sand and one or two very large jelly fish about a meter across, blooming enormous and frozen solid. As the tidal sand pools began to form it was down to the foreshore for a bit of wader excitement.

Dunlin were the most numerous waders on the freshly exposed areas.

Being very flighty at times.

Providing nice opportunities.

And some real close passes.

Sanderling were proving a little remote.

Hundred's of Oyster Catchers were moving along the coast.

A close pass from a Dunlin.

And a nice appearance of a Grey Plover kept things interesting.

Redshank were also moving around nicely.

Size comparison ?

This Godwit dropped in for a feed for a while.

Rather than go on and on, I'll drop some more onto the next installment. What a fantastic day at the Seaside and over 3 or 400 Common Scoter on the flat water albeit far out to sea. Needless to say the Snow Buntings got another visit and it was as ever brill. More next week.

Paul

Things come in threes, except london busses!

2011-01-23T23:36:00.000Z

In as many days I had dipped on three good county birds, Black-bellied Brant, White-fronted Goose and a Ruddy Shelduck, not what I said though. So when the report of a Juvenile Glaucous Gull was received I had just arrived at VP for a look at the ice!! sadly it had moved on by the time I got there.

A hang over from the last visit to the North Wales coast Meadow Pipit

Stealing the SnowBunting seeds..

Juvenile Glaucous Gull at Trench pool.

Bit of a wash and brush up

A quick flap around the pool.

Some more washing

And a lot more flying around

Touch down

Nice to get it at reasonably close range with the sky brightening up slightly during two visits on Sunday morning I only saw the one bird, but who knows if we have two juveniles floating around??

Paul

A problem with wind? but not in North Wales!!

2011-01-20T23:10:00.001Z

Waking on the the Sunday morning, at a very crazy early time, was not the plan. But the wind I was suffering kept me awake for most of the night. Somehow the door / flap to the improvised greenhouse had come adrift, and was flapping about like some form of demented giant Sandhill Crane displaying to all and sundry.

So a decision was made to chase the clouds and get to North Wales for a possible on shore gale!! arriving intact and busting to get at it a search was undertaken, and if there was a Gale she would have been from Merseyside on a walk!!! However the Snowbuntings were there, and as they usually do, performed like seasoned artists, PS. Dont bother with the ASDA cafe if you want more than a butty thing..

So a couple from the hundreds, talk about a lead finger!!!

Posing nicely for me, and others

The most action all morning.

Seed junkie

They really are the most captivating little things.

Practicing for the next flying display perhaps?

The rest of the gang, well nearly.

It turned out to be a brilliant day with no rain, sea miles away not a lot of wind and a reported band of Twite and a couple of Shore Larks. Sadly niether were got. but I will! be back, with fresh batteries!!!.

Cheers Paul

Wax on, Wax off, Wax on !!Flighty little buggers.

2011-01-08T22:28:00.000Z

There are few days in the year when it is cold frosty and darn right not the sort of day to be standing around staring into someones front garden. when the staring instrument is a very large lens and camera!
but with the vast majority of Waxwing flocks seemingly having diminished over the preceding week it was well worth the cold.

What you looking at?

Over reaching for the best of the berries.

Always one would make the drop from the perching / digesting tree before the others would follow.

They sure remained wary at all times and would panic at nothing.

Don't you just hate a showoff!

Did not risk another double chuck.

Even leaving with the spoils in a fright.

Hope my deodorant is OK?

A gliding approach to the digestion twigs.

Air brakes after the glide in.

the sun did shine nicely later in the morning and it got nice and warm, and at times presented some harsh light from a low angle. But the colours warmed to some right cool shades as it started to drop behind the roof tops.
And now with a reported 48 at the same sight, shame the old currant Bun ain't likely to be out on the Sunday, but ever the whatever ist!

Paul

A definate Swan song.

2010-12-31T18:08:00.001Z

Well just a short entry on today's outing to the Riverside inn to view the Whoopers and Bewicks in the field with the Mute Swans feeding on the kale.

8 Adults and 2 Juveniles

Side by Side for differences

A bit closer

I hope they stop for the, January the first, mad rush to get the year off to a flying start, mind you on today's
findings it might be hard to get into double figures, and bacon butty shops not open either, darn it oh well!

oh! Boat house was open in Ellesmere yipee!!
Happy new year to one and all lets hope the birds are kind to us 2011!!

Paul

The Waitrose Waxies!

2010-12-07T00:22:00.001Z

Having done the Ludlow masses on the Saturday it was the turn of the Newport group on the Sunday. Thinking there might be an odd colour ring amongst the hoards!!

Well to keep the thing alive this lovely shot was from the Ludlow group, with more to come from Newport Waitrose crowd..

One of the Ludlow Hoards.

One from Newport Courtesy of Dawn Micklewright

Greensandpiper Longnor bridge.

Might do some more in the next few days..

Cheers, Paul

It's hard, wet and slippery! Damn this ice!

2010-12-03T00:46:00.001Z

With so many Waxwings in the County I will, I think, make a go at getting them one of these days. But in the mean time it was a couple of hours in the hide which was surprisingly quite warm at only -2c mind you it was a nice fuggy -1 by the time I had finished.

Well what on earth was I doing in here (crappy phone picture) on a cold and decidedly damp morning?

The object of the exercise was to get one or two pictures of the garden birds on or around the feeders, of course the normal feeder stuff like House Sparrow and Robin, looking cute on a holly sprig and in the snow.

But there was one other winter visitor that was tempting me out on this particular morning.

Male Blackcap

It was in the first instance not the feeders that brought this Blackcap male into the garden but the fresh water that was put out he spent sometime sipping the nice warm water!

Observing the action going around the feeders

It took him some while before he felt either comfortable enough or hungry enough to venture onto the meal worms, when the Robin was not looking!

Digestion time after several worms

And now for a few more perhaps, where's that stroppy Robin?

And of course the Female House Sparrow

Ahhh! Cute just in time for Xmas cards!

Get out of the way!

A quick trip to Priorslee to tick of the 1st Winter Med Gull, was interrupted by the innovative top gun landing gear,, I know the ice was slippery but!!!

Guess which one forgot the arrestor bungee?

cheers Paul

Bohemian Rhasody !!

2010-11-09T23:57:00.000Z

Having decided not to go trawling around various Shrewsbury retail outlets for pretty looking little things!!! I had just set up for some Flash work instructions, when a text from Martin Grant gives the location of a lone Waxwing in Newport. 15 Minutes later there it was perched at the top of the tallest tree in the car park, where it stayed for a considerable time as the shoppers came and went, causing it no concern what so ever. At one point a couple walked within 15 feet and still no concern so confiding was it. So, anyway having got it trapped in the lens hood of the camera, being so close!!! the next job was to blind it using the flash so it would fall out of the tree!!! if the tales are to be believed.
So here are the shots from the Sunday, Odd how both mine and Jim's are from the same place give or take a few meters? you can draw you own conclusions :-) LOL!!

Until the next time.

Paul

Tales from Sleepy Hollow!!

2010-11-05T15:18:00.000Z

It's getting a bit like a tale of spooky empty woods with all the migrants now left for warmer climes. Think I got my migration pattern a bit wrong this year!! However with the warmer than average weather I was amazed at the number of flowers still in bloom and or bud in my small local wood I counted 27 species overall. Sadly the majority of fungi had been done in by the heavy rain.
So with another near fruitless trawl around it was back to the old favourites for this time of year.
So here you go a bit of what is about, ish!

With the final shot of a juvenile Black-tailed Godwit at VP to add some spice to an otherwise uninspiring few days , hoping it will buck up or off! over the next few weeks, them Waxwings are closing in!!!

Cheers
Paul

Good grief! it is still here!!! and his mate?

2010-10-05T10:44:00.000+01:00

A late start on the Sunday morning, was really what was needed and expecting the rain to return with even more vengeance as it had in the morning, there was not a high expectation of there being anything around at the VP. After some sheltering from the rain it was of to lunch with the thought of returning for another look later. From the car park it was evident that the Black Tern was still on the Trout pool and then hello!! another one hove into view. A move on rapidly moving legs to the causeway was in order. Yep two were definitely here and the camera was about to be given a cobwebs removal burst.. They stayed fairly distant and at one point looked as if they were about to leave only to land on the exposed mud in VP,,, a quick! dash to the hide saw them go the other way again GRRRR!

there were no also ran's today so that's it for the time being the big glass is still very sick! so sticking with the 300mm 2.8 plus Tony's TC for the time being
Cheers
Paul

It would have been rude not to!!!

2010-09-24T18:26:00.001+01:00

With the reporting of Curlew Sandpiper at Chelmarsh happening at a time when I was unable to get there, it was a bit of a gamble as to whether they would be stayers or not. Thankfully they were and I was able to get them ticked off for the County for 2010. But oddly for me it was the three Water Rails cavorting about in the open that made my time there more enjoyable then ever, just love these skulkers as they always present such a difficult quarry.

And they were definitely not of the shy type, well not today at least

The Curlew Sandpipers also put in a good appearance and came right up to the hide whilst feeding at times to darn close, can that be!

and they perform in the wrong place.

And a few of the other things around.

A short post just to keep things up to date, so to speak!

Paul

A few Odd's and Sod's

2010-09-05T02:02:00.002+01:00

As a something different sort of weekend, it was off to the Norfolk coast, unfortunately missing the spring tides, but as always with Norfolk, there was some really nice stuff , like this early Purple Sandpiper.

Whilst there was a lot happening on the shore it was at some distance, and the light against the mud was not camera friendly at all. the numbers of Black-tailed Godwits was very high, as were most things.

A one legged Common Crane had been around the area for some time but had been a bit elusive for a while.

The occurrence of Bloody-nose Beetles was very good, in fact never seen so many.

Over the whole weekend I only managed to find one Common Lizard basking in the early morning sunshine.

Just one of those plants that tend to be overlooked in our hedgerows the Toadflax.

A report of a Wryneck in the county got me up the Clee very early in the morning, early enough to watch the mist being blown up the valley obscuring everything. Thank goodness it cleared quickly to present a windy but bright day.

A morning at VP was proving as usual like watching paint dry, with the occasional moment of excitement. Like today's Fly through of a nice Marsh Harrier. And a Greenshank stopped for a while for a brief feed.

The Redstarts continue to feed in the top fields, and the rest of the area was very quiet indeed, unless you drive up the Clee. Well hoping it improves over the next week or so!!

Paul

More garden safari !

2010-08-17T01:34:00.001+01:00

I spent a few more moments on my garden safari today and here are a few of what was found.

Reminiscent of a Dogon grain silo the Poppy seed head is fantastic in its simplicity and functionality.

Structural degradation follows to ensure that all seed are of course spread.

The start of something beautiful? this year or next??

Early days feasting.

Growth hormones kick in!! just goes to show you should eat your greens!

Larval stage of one of the Shield bugs, but which one??

A 22 spot

Another one of those annoying flies that just defy ID!

Another day in the "Jungle" during the week perhaps!

Paul

Osprey at VP, plus a few other things

2010-08-15T01:03:00.001+01:00

With the prospect of a holy uneventful day with forecast heavy rain a trip to VP seemed the most logical thing to do!!! At least there was the ability to stay out of the rain for the most part. It was a bit like watching a jelly set but that was soon altered with the first bird of the day being a juvenile Peregrine as it zoomed through going to the North. It seemed as if the Kingfishers had abandoned VP until today when a very obliging youngun stopped for a few pictures.

A fly through juvenile Peregrine at VP today 14th August 2010

On approach.

An obliging young Kingfisher, put in an appearance.

Posed for several minutes as it worked what the noise was.

Very Inquisitive.

An unknown species , unless you know?

A Goldspot Moth.

The last two are again from my foray into, what know resembles my back garden!

So even with the torrential rain, the day produced some nice birds. Not withstanding an Osprey going through VP at 15:45. Well exciting, indeed could even be back in the morning, or rather later today!!

Cheers, Paul.

HEADLINES: Queen assaulted by unknown male !!!!

2010-08-10T20:23:00.002+01:00

Sitting in the garden musing over the dearth of avian prey to photograph, I notice that the colonies of Black Ants were erupting in great numbers. It was the arrival, very close, of one particular new queen with attachment. This prompted me to wonder if they had coupled prior to take off or it was an act of supreme aerial jiggery pokery that resulted in the passenger? Well I can confirm that the mating flight is consumated in the air, by landing on the queens back and working down to the relavant postion. Once the deed is done the male will drop off and die with in a day or two.

On closer inspection of the colonies I could find or see no Queen's departing their selected blade of grass with a suitor bumming a ride!!! so I just enjoyed some of the ant,ics! getting attacked in the process.

Boy that's a long way down!

Pre-flight checks, sneaky passenger trying his luck.

Take off, going down!

Probably pre-seminated any take off pad was in order.

Landing was proving a hazard, not for the spiders though.

And then along comes a Staphy!! a real corker of a Rove Beetle (Staphylinus erythropterus) watching the long wings being re-folded into the carapace is always an intriging thing to see.

Some interesting mouth parts on this specimen indeed.

There were, as the evening drew in, many other species roaming my back jungle. But more of that later.

Cheers and a cup of tea..

Paul

Couple caught having sex at local reserve !!!

2010-08-09T00:13:00.003+01:00

Common Blue's mating, notice the difference between the sexes. The day promised much on the weather front, we were not to be disappointed in the least. Sunshine, some wind and the odd downpour kept us on our toes!! The number of Common Blue's was very good on the scrub along the hedge, along with Small Skipper, Silver Y, Small White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, A Holly Blue, Gate Keeper, Meadow Brown & a Dark gottaway??? along with a least seven Grass moths which I did not even attempt to ID. and a lot of Grasshoppers to round things of. The sickly Mink found in the car park area was not seen.

But as per previous years, the special on the menu, was the abundance of Wasp spiders this year. A reported maximum of 14! were found along the causeway, a few pictures of which follow.

With one Arachnid already wrapped up for later, this , Male Wasp spider ( Small Spider upper right) makes gentle and repeated strokes of the females rear end wary of every small movement she makes, ready to flee at a moments notice should his foreplay not be to her liking!!!. but his disolved insides might be!

The characteristic zigzag pattern is shown nicely in the web, but what looks a hasty repair to the right is not quite so good, the consideration is that these marking form a lure !

She bites!! very well.

Another Female begins the digesting process making it much easier to consume the juicy soft parts!! Just visible, is one of the two yellow stripes on the underbelly.

This 5th instar nymph , a Meadow Grasshopper,(thanks Rob.) that abound on the reserve, is one of many species that exist in the UK.

And there's more to come of a few of the other finds.

Cheers

Paul

Crouching tiger, soaking backside!

2010-07-25T01:40:00.004+01:00

At a bit of a loss the other day, I decided to just go for a walk, no bins, big lenses just my Compact. Why on earth would I want to do that? Really, I suppose, to sort of feel free!! and to see just what I could get with just the Compact with a closeup facility! and image stabilisation. The chance find of a group of Budlia on some scrubby ground gave me the first chance or chances as it turned out.

A Peacock Butterfly

A Red Admiral

A Comma

In the hedgerow adjacent I found these.

A Gatekeeper

An odd fly?

Ptychoptera contaminata a member of the Cranefly family.

Six-spotted Burnett Moth.

A Common Blue

A Hoverfly Scavae pyrastiri.

Another Common Blue

And just around the corner a small run off pond near the road.

Got me a Ruddy Darter.

And the scandel of the day!!! hah! in your dreams peewee!!!

So i was pleasantly surprised at just what was achieved with just a pocket point and shoot camera, the closeup function coupled with the IS (image stabilisation) produced some nice results. So why don't you give this a try for yourself, it does require some patience and strange crouching walking and pehaps a wet foot or too, but well rewarding.

Cheers Paul.

That Welsh place again!

2010-07-10T23:14:00.028+01:00

A quick stop at the Kite feeding place near Aberystwyth, produced some nice results.

Nothing out of the ordinary but very nice all the same.

Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker

Male Siskin

And again

Oi! Big nose!!! Greenfinch seem to have had a successful season.

Cheers Paul

Fratercola arctica, Puffin. specially up the stairs!

2010-07-10T23:05:00.000+01:00

A planned trip to South Wales, in particular the Pembrokeshire coastline, was certainly going to be interesting. My last visit to this rugged and stunning coastline was in 1978 or there abouts. The plan was arrive Friday set camp and explore the area, gaining correct information on the ferry! and of course prices.
With Gannets and Chough around the Martin Haven bay, Swallows in and out of the Toilet block feeding young it was to be a fine trip.
The sea state was calm with a good Southwesterly, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot, Gannet, Northern Fulmer and Kittiwakes were all on the sea and around the boat at times, even a nice small pod of Harbour Porpoise. With the boat carrying 50 people (bit like Sardines) the camera had to stay protected against the salt spray.
Arrival and unloading was at low tide so the number of steep stairs were more than expected! But with a large raft of Birds very near the landing point and getting closer the climb was put of for a while.

Herring Gull with Stolen nest material

Resting above the waterline

Having a Kip

Razorbill fly by

The walk over the Island was a keeping the eyes open for Little & Short-ear Owls which are doing well here. The cliff tops are literally covered in Burrows of either Puffin or Shearwater, which gather in very large numbers at dusk ready to move into their nesting burrows under the cover of darkness. The vantage points were humorous as the Puffins, arriving, beaks full of eels. With the on shore wind they were able to out-manoeuvre the Gulls and drop right into their burrows, a few would even land in front of the onlookers and walk through the feet to the burrows on the other side of the path. The cliffs were covered in Kittiwakes, Fulmer, Razorbill, Guillemots and the scavenging gulls.

The corpses of Shearwaters, that had not left before daylight lay every where you walked. proving the value of getting up and out early!

Gannet

Damn tourists!

Not what you would call a shout!

Breakfast delivery

To include some of the larger stuff.

Chough on the cliffs were screaming for Mum.

Juvvy following the pack.

Needling for tasty morsels.

The trip to Skomer is well worth the £17 cost however you only get 5 hours on the Island, but for £25 per night there is self catering accommodation available, right bugger getting all your kit there to say the least. They do have a tractor to take the heavier things to the building, travelling light could be the order of the day!!

A definite return is in order for this lovely Island to include Grassholme and the Shearwater rafts.

Paul

HOT HOT HOT!

2010-07-01T02:32:00.007+01:00

With the temperatures reaching into the Phew! it was a relatively quite time around the area, a few seeds dropped at Acton Burnel only bagged a Nuthatch and Blackbird. So it was a last minute, or last ditch effort trip to Berrington for some hoped for Dragons! The temperature was up, and boy! were they super active, Black Tailed Skimmers, Broad Bodied Chasers, Brown Hawkers, Migrant Hawkers, Ruddy Darters, a Gompher or two and the odd Emperor thrown in for good measure. On the Damsel fly side it was easier to get at them as they moved amongst the grass mating and fighting. Species found were in the norm, Common Blue, Blue tailed, Small Red, Large Red and a load of Teneral females had emerged that day, and were not long free flying without a Clasper! latching on as soon as they were visible.

Searching for the seeds, there was another with the odd blue throat colour (Juvenile).

Not a lot left after this visitor.

Be gentle with me!

Common Blue

Female Common Blue

Passing the goodies, with a Teneral Blue Tailed Damselfly (the pink one).

White -faced Darters and Golden-ringed Dragon fly are on the list for July..

Cheers

Paul

House Martin Construction Company

2010-06-23T14:37:00.000+01:00

A second visit to the House Martin colony showed them to be continuing to build, in preparation to laying.

the next few days should prove interesting as the heat dries up the available source's of building materiel's.

With the reduction in mud the visits grew in frequency with both adults gathering together.

Swallow in the same location are busy feeding large and demanding young I'm sure they will fledge in the next few days. Presenting even more opportunities.

Paul

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer.

2010-06-23T14:23:00.001+01:00

Some good weather always get me out and about with the camera equipment, on the look out for the different, obscure or just darned cute! and with the breeding season going on all around us at the moment there are loads of the cute young flitting about. It is traditionally a quite time for the county birds so as with a lot of other things, it was change tac and look to see what else was out there.

Buzz off!

A Forget-me-not,, and midge for breakfast!

A late arriving group of House Martins set to repairing the nests from last year.

The Feather louse certainly has its desires! " keep your wings up and dont move"

I used to love mud pie as a youngun!

A second visit to the House Martins is in order

Minor update from today.

2010-06-13T01:06:00.000+01:00

A couple from the day/ morning out.

Quaking Grass (Briza Minor)

A swarm of Honey Bees at VP today 12th June 2010

This swarm was estimated at 10,000 thats a lot of Honey mummy!!

the swarming is activated by an oligarchy of bees that can emit a high pitched whistle

at which point the Queen and followers leave in search of a new nest, which will or might have been found by drones that have gone out before.

Paul

A little catch up!! and a mental dash!

2010-06-07T10:10:00.005+01:00

A promise of a good day on the coast and being overdue for my annual Welsh expedition, I was of at Sparrows fart, with young! Dawn riding shotgun, the start was promising with a good sunrise, followed, as we neared Wales the start of some rain, not the sort of weather wanted really. The first stop was the Little Ten colony at Gronant, Boy was that wind whipping off of the Irish Sea, I am sure I saw a couple of Irishmen go whizzing past!!

The Terns are doing well and guarded from predators from 04:00 til 22:00 daily during the season, their battles with the wind certainly earned my respect for these diminutive birds. The camera on tripod was all over the place in the wind so it was Handholding the 600mm, what fun! and no image stabilisation!!

We gave this a go for about an hour before heading of for the relative calm of Cemlyn bay, calm! it was as ever bedlam with Sandwich, Common and Artic all trying to out scream the other! the tide was still in so a few were fishing in the bay, a few Dunlin were on the lagoon along with Red-breasted Merganser and reportedly a Med Gull, which was not found.

The Sand eels seemed at this point in time to be of reasonable size and we saw no Pipe fish being brought in so perhaps the young will do well this year. A sharp move to Holyhead got us the Bird most wanted for the day, Black Guillemot and a rather confiding bird it was to.

And he was gone, And after doing the Stack to knock of the Puffins and Razorbills we were on the long trek back to Shropshire.

The local Linnets were going at the old Wharf buildings again, sure they are trying to eat them down!

And then one of these Terned!! up, arriving in telford after a long drive from Devon a text from Andy "Megga at! saw the baggage and daughter dumped in the hall and I was of to the Dire Lake! normally it is a bird to twitch, but on the doorstep WOW!. A nice county and believe it or not UK tick, only managed a few record shots in the fading light.!!!

A little underwing

Thanks for looking.

Paul

A Whixall Moss foray!

2010-05-23T02:07:00.005+01:00

With the day set to be bloody hot and it being a Saturday and all, it goes without saying that ,
"Mad Dogs and English men" did go out in the midday sun!! It was actually 05:00 that the
journey to Mordor began.

The first port of call was the Gropper location, not found! So onwards for the Adders!! not found!

There was however consolation prizes to be had, in the shape of Small Copper, White-faced Darter,
and a splendid female Raft Spider, along with Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoise shell,
Peacock, Green Hairstreak to name a few. It was uncannily quiet on the moss and
apart from the three or four Cuckoos, Curlews and Hobby the only bird off
note was a superb flyover of the Marsh Harrier. Stooped upon by a Common Buzzard .

A nice bonus bird for the day. (record shot)

Green Hairstreak

Female Raft Spider

Male White-faced Darter

Large Red Damselfly

With the temperature approaching that of Death Valley! the Dragons and Butterflies were very active and getting close was proving to be a real nightmare, a lunch of very nice cheese rolls washed down with a cool beer rounded off, what turned out to be a very good day after all.

there a couple of images to be added so pop back.

Cheers

Paul

Sauron sends a sign!!

2010-05-19T02:28:00.010+01:00

With the chance of a Gropper and still needing a decent shot of a Green Hairstreak and Brimstone.

Leaving it later then normal for getting to the Moss I was fully expecting to not hear much as I

tramped along the Towpath toward the last reported sighting of the Grasshopper Warbler.

It was an amazing morning warm and a lot of narrow boats moving along the canal, with

people supping tea as the engine burbled along at a sedate pace. Felt as if I was running

compared to the Narrow boats .

Standing quietly by the hedge proved my thoughts, it was very quiet, then after 20 minutes

a short reel got me onto my target for the day, as luck would have it, it moved into view,

briefly, but long enough for several bursts, and then it did it again, so I was well chuffed.

A quick coffee, and I was soon onto the other two species I was after, as you will see.

Grumpy looking bugger!

The Brimstone were in fine form.

As were the Green Hairstreak.

OH! I nearly forgot those terns that passed through VP

the other day well here they are.The Lapwing were

arguing amongst them selves

And as usual very vocal.

Not a bad day out really, mind you I will have to return for those darned

Adders they are being very elusive for me, yet lots are being seen. We

shall see.

Paul

A Nice Hobby, even nicer? 14 at the same time

2010-05-17T19:58:00.002+01:00

The early sun through the window roused me to a frenetic start to the day! shower, tea, toast, more tea and pack for a day on the Moss. As per usual, Gropper dipped, but the rest of the day made up for that.

Cracking views of up to four Cuckoos calling around the wooded areas, Curlew displaying in flight, seemingly everywhere. Sadly though no sign of the reported Ringtail or Male Merlin. also dipped on Adders! can you believe it searched well good to. Next nice day will get them nailed along with Green Hairstreak.

The highlight of the day was of course the Hobbies, initially four were found then a gradual increase to six, then as I was shooting Stonechat a very large black cloud rolled over and the Hobby count went up to 14 individuals what a sight, near broke my neck trying to get the shots in the bag. With the 600 needing a visit to the doctors the 300mm 2.8 was doing its usual fantastic job.

Enjoying the morning warmth

One of the early morning shots of this dozing Goldfinch, an unusual nose to say the least.

A nice Black-tailed Godwit in the fields before the bridge

One of the many Displaying Curlew.

Breakfast for the kids.

Yep Hobby on a stick, better than stormy petrel!!!

Don't fancy the Dragons chances.

The juicy bit gone the tail discarded.

Coasting.

Who you looking at?

Some amazing acrobatics.

One of the four Males sounding around the Moss.

A very nice day after the big black clouds moved of, feel sure the Adders will be playing next time I get out that way.Mind you will have to be early before they warm up to much, and the White-faced Darters are out as well so will be a mega day.

Paul

Some Garden Warblering!

2010-05-11T13:07:00.005+01:00

With no Tern passage at Priorslee and very little of anything else around
the edges it was of to the Nedge to see how the Wheatears were fairing.
As I arrived there was a burst of song from the other side of the road,
The song was familiar but as usual I had to take a minute or two to recall the species.
Garden Warbler it was and that was one bird I was after getting a decent shot of,
now normally I find them skulky little buggers, but this blighter was proving to be
the exception but still difficult to pin down.

The normal view I tend to get of these real Little Brown Jobs.

But he went against the grain a few minutes later when another male tried to out sing him.

It was really great to get such prolonged views of this little songster.

A check at Venus Pools only provided a Great Crested Grebe in a flap.

A Lapwing strutting his stuff in front of the hide.

So with only Sedge Warbler being new for the year it was an early gohome.

Paul

No Dotties.

2010-05-05T00:15:00.006+01:00

Having attended an eightieth birthday in Devon, the normal happened A text Dotterel Long Mynd, dang namit!!
oh well maybe next year? then another text Avocet, Grrr! two dips in one day. But some nice birthday cake!!!
So I got back and as soon as possible was going to go up the Mynd, Monday night I saw they were still there, unfortunately the forecast was for a clear night and I new darn well they would be gone. But not to be put off I still got there early. Should have stayed in bed a bit longer?So a little look around was in order, glad I did as another of the "missed it"! birds dropped in the sights.
A stunning male Common Redstart.

That treated me to some awesome vocals.

And a Willow Warbler that was practically under my feet for a while.

Well I suppose you cant win em all it will be very unlikely to see Dotties again this year.

Cheers

Paul

The Nedge

2010-04-27T22:58:00.003+01:00

With so many migrants hitting the turf around this area it was a short outing to check the place out again, the day was well lite with little wind. The Wheatears performed very well, instead of staying in the middle of the field they paid me a visit and checked out the place.

The first to check me out.

A nice male ready for the ladies.

So it demanded a a bit of a brush up.

Particular attention to the primaries.

And a quick shake.

Not forgetting the arse end.

"I don't remember this from last year!!" must have been some party?

Surprised not this Thrush did not get a sore throat after two hours singing.

The place was hopping with singing Blackcaps, Bullfinch, Willow and Chiffchaffs.

A pair of Green Woodpeckers did a flyby.

Will try and add the others tomorrow..

Paul

Finding Hens Teeth !!

2010-04-26T18:09:00.004+01:00

Well not really of course, but finding Grey Partridge in the county over the last few years has been a very hit and miss situation, mostly miss of course. This episode really started on a trip to the Poo Pile again to see if there was anything else around, as the last time Corn Buntings were in short supply in fact so short they did not figure at all.
After a little raptor passage, I was scanning the really large fields of green stuff, mostly watching Skylarks. It was a chance incident that got me onto a little reddish head as it popped up for a check around, and it was miles away, figuratively speaking. and so it began.

Over the next hour or so it got closer

Now it was very rare that I have seen Grey Partridge in the singular

This was no exception as the female came into view.

And disappeared again.

The changing light was a real pain.

Mind you two heads are better than one.

The male was always alert.

The grouchy old cock was in no mood for me being there again!

Grey Wagtails returned.

As did the Yellow Wagtail.

Now I have been locked in at a variety of places but to be locked into over a hundred acres of open farmland! never. Until Sunday, having been where I have the relevant permissions, for several hours, when I came to leave all the gates had been locked!!! oh bugger. as I was going nowhere fast I did some more picture taking. As luck would have it I did the Dukes Drive exit route, thanks to John the neighbouring farmer having given permission before. so if you go there keep an eye on the gates!!!
Again only two hares were in evidence

Walking the Wrekin, again!

2010-04-23T00:09:00.003+01:00

At this time of year the Wrekin can produce a good selection of woodland species, Tree Pipit, Marsh Tit, Redstart, Pied fly amd Lesser Pecker etc. So with a warm day forcast, and little wind, it was an early start to get the morning chorus. And glad I did as all the above species were eventually tracked down, albight only a couple were in a position to get some pictures.

as follows a couple of them.

Marsh Tit

Male Pied Flycatcher

Displaying

The female was around.

Female Pied Flycatcher

Song Thrush

Wood Sorrel

Bluebells.

It was nice to see the wood Sorrel all over the place and the Bluebells all starting to emerge, the odd Snowdrop and Wild Daff still in evidence further round the hill.

Paul

Poo pile pickings!

2010-04-21T23:12:00.000+01:00

Every so often I take the opportunity to do some poo pile watching on one of the local farms, and on a hot day it can become a direct assault on the nasal passageways! But it does draw the birds from the surrounding area for the multitude of insect life grubbing around in the pile.
This year it was, a hot day and a fresh load had been delivered that morning, the birds were on it like the proverbial "flys around S**t", Partridge, Pheasant, Wagtails, buntings, larks in fact a fair few indeed.
So a couple of what was around on that morning.

This stroppy bugger twice had a go at the car as I sat waiting to take his picture.

The Male of the pair of Grey Wagtails nesting along the old canal local to the fast food point,

A N Other of the same Male.

The Female of the pair.

Yellow Wagtail having a re-arrange of the clothing! with food items flying about.

Followed by a few portraits.

Not a great diversity, but a fine selection.

Cheers

Paul

The sun will come out, tomorrow, said Annie!

2010-04-13T01:36:00.002+01:00

And Surprisingly it did, and all of a sudden the birds started appearing. Firstly Osprey at Venus Pools (VP) and Black Redstart on the Clee with loads of Wheatear and a good smattering of Rouzels to boot. Having not had the Osprey on its first visit, it was to be an early start on the Saturday morning. Nada! Nichts! Nothing, so it was a trip to the Titterstone clee to, hopefully! lock onto the Black Redstart. After the last visit, when it was wet and cold and misty, this time it was positively balmy. The wind chill only dropping the temperature down to a guessed -2! . Nothing was seen at the summit, the Large Dome, the little Dome or any where else for that matter. Only to find out much later, it was hiding amongst the buildings down by the main carpark.
So a quick scan for the peregrines then back to VP, stopping briefly at the Dippers, on arriving at VP they had just had a Western Marsh Harrier go through. This was a deffinate "If only" moment. But as luck would have it the Osprey chose that moment to re-appear and it was a quick run down to the hide, well actually more an uncontrolled !descent of the path for a few record shots! well lots really.
So at the risk of boring you with more Osprey shots, here we go, with a few other things thrown in.

There was a lot of vocals going on by the Peregrines..

Nice to see it returning through the pools.

And so close for a change.

Drifting over the hide.

The hover, searching for prey.

And a few of the also rans.Willow Tit.

A really nice Coal Tit

Taking some early morning Sunshine. Chiffchaff.

Again the Lapwings were performing.

Chasing all sorts around.

A rather nice day out in the Sunshine with some nice birds as well

I wonder what the week will bring? if the nice weather continues!

Paul

Sleet, Rain, Hail and wind. But I will get over that!!

2010-04-05T12:13:00.006+01:00

It is always a dilema as to which part of this county to go for at this time of year, it being so big and all!
So with the Rouzels being in and the chance of something else in "them thar hills", I persuaded Dawn to drive, keep making that mistake! anyway we arrived close to first light to find Peregrine in their usual spot and looking magnificent in their new feathers which were getting preened continuously. Apart from Mipits seemingly everywhere, not a lot of anything else so it was up the Tit.
Now I know there are always Stonechats on the road up and at the gorse near the top, well not today they were'nt, oh well. However Wheatear were there in numbers and chasing all over the place a joy to watch.
In the Quarry the target bird of the day was very quickly found and was feeding low down on the far slopes a nice male, only the one was seen but there were many more later in the day. And no not all photographers, at least not those with big ones, have the urge to encroach beyond the comfort circle of the bird, but they will always want to push it that one step closer spoiling it for many others. OH! I did of course mean big lenses!!
On the way back to VP it was Dipper, check! and a nice Grey Wagtail as well. Did not jam onto the yellow wag but will do tomorrow I'm sure.
So here are a few of the images from Sundays outing. With a Friday couple to boot.

When magnified there is a small spider on the top of the bill of this Chiffchaff with two legs wrapped around the beak, who's he kidding!! the Chiffchaff seems to be trying to see whats going on!

There were over 30 of these lovely waders on the field at the Gliding club on the Friday, and very confiding they were as well. SO long as you stayed in the car.

Just beautiful in the summer plumage. The sun was in and out of the clouds like a fiddlers elbow, or a Jack Russel on a ,,, never mind, nice to see them.

A few more spotties.

The everywhere bird or so it seemed.

Male Ring Ouzel in the quarry

Feather by feather it worked its way through its plumage.

Dont you just love em, without their jewellery that is, and there were quite a lot sporting their rings.

Again a naked Wheatear.

Just such natural posers.

The Black-headed Gulls were on to something, as they were doing this for ages.

Picking, Skimming and dipping

A skimmer

A dipper

A low level search and destroy one!

There you go, a few of the gotcha's from the better weather day, minimum wind, no rain and there was some sunshine. what a nice day out. With bank holiday monday next, it will be a stay at home day as the maddening hoards descend on the nicer areas of Shropshire, you cant get on the wreking till someone comes down or falls of off it, it is that busy!!

See you all next time.

Paul

I went up a Mountain, and came down a confirmed physical wreck

2010-03-28T07:49:00.010+01:00

I was looking at the bridge at Cound on Saturday morning, in the hope of a bird or two, and I get a call. "There's a Great grey Shrike been reported on Burrow hill fort, I'll pick you up".

OK says I, little knowing what was in store for this, what I can definately say is a frail human body.

A nice gentle walk across a field, after having been lulled in to a false sense of security, there it was, like some nemisis right out of the thing nightmare's are made of. Large malevolent and covered in those scary sort of trees dark dank and birdless. We or rather I stopped briefly to observe the sight, I looked up, and up and up until I could not look up anymore!! "OH bugger!" was one of the thoughts racing through my dizzy head. Oh well! I thought, you want a GGS ? then get on with it. Andy went of like a racing mountain goat, whilst I followed at a more sedate pace, somewhat more akin to my window shopping meanderings during a lingerie sale. Finally I managed, with some cajoling from Dawn , "you should stop and rest" I think more an excuse for her to stop!! "It's not worth it just for a bird", just for a bird?? oh how little did she know what a bird this was, but she kept me going, like a strong laxative! working through that resolve! until you have just got to go, on to the top. Well it was either that or another trip to Mordor, a no brainer that one.

I managed to get there, to find Andy and Yvonne admiring a real gripper.
OH! and please,for goodness sake do not tell my physician.

And this is what it was all about.
PS.
I should add that we also got Raven, Goshawk. With Crossbill and Red Kite seen by Andy.

And to round of a goodly day out, one of these was got, sadly only record shots. for now!

A nice Male Ring-neck Duck, what a cracker he is to "Duck!".
A couple more to come. so come back again soon!

Paul

That bird again!

2010-03-26T21:34:00.002Z

A visit to VP, a rare occasion at the moment! produced a goodly 4 year ticks, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Scaup, LRP and a diversion to the bridge! got me the fith for the day. Along with an unusual flycatcher SP!

probably just a tail flicking warbler?? or perhaps a Redstart soon find out.

SO! as usual a few of the pictures taken.

The Scaupy thing.

and again.

Female Mallard were being chased all over the place.

Two of the large number of Mute Swan on the reserve.

Looking a bit overworked.

The other leg sports the ring, so he! stayed, but is it the same female? or one of his daughters he is building with?

Keeping it short this time hope you enjoy?

Paul

Working on the rain tan and wind burn.

2010-03-24T22:21:00.013Z

The prospect of a long drive back to Devon, loomed ever nearer, until M54 and M5 back ups, tail backs and road works kept me entertained for a very long time. Don't get me wrong, I love going home to wander the cliffs and beaches but weather had a very different idea on this, as it persisted it down all the time and it was blowing close to gale force 8.
So after, what seemed like forever in the rain chasing Stonechats, tick, I managed to get a quick Shag in the outer harbour, tick. A coffee and good breakfast later the sun appeared for a whole 30 minutes and I got another, Wheatear in the grassy slopes above the cliffs, tick.
After that it was Rock Pipit, tick. But the rain was back and even harder. The gear held up really well, nice dry camera, nice dry me, well almost I forgot to reproof the boots before going damn it.
So some of the captures for the day.

So a little rain never hurt anyone so why stay in when it is pi***ng down get prepared and get out. The birds do thats for sure.

Paul

Some odds and sods

2010-03-18T01:20:00.004Z

A trip to the North Wales coast for a few year ticks and a bit of local stuff has been the order of the last week or more, and still more local stuff to catch up on once i feel up to it!!

The Snow Buntings performed so well, they were within 6 feet feeding, a splendid sight indeed

And Skylarks at the same distance, feeding although a bit flighty!

Sometimes catching the refraction of the feather is amazing

The Waders were looking very smart in the early morning sunshine

Then it was a little of the local things

The Grebes are still displaying and chasing rivals

and even the frogs were performing in the warm weather.

So a few of the latest stuff , the rest, being processed as soon as can be.

Cheers Paul

**** Pauls Blog ****

Brrrrr! Iceland comes to Telford.

Snow, Sleet, Rain, Hail, Gales. a brilliant day on the coast.

A Little catcher upperer!

Yet Another nice county goody

Darn Foriegners! and Fish

A hunting she will go ! "Her be blimmin good her be"

VP plus some catch ups..

A few bits and pieces!!

Wet? yes, Windy? yes, We Went? of course..

Back after two years absence.

Martin mere zero, Marsh side plenty.

The Birding bus goes forth, again..

More Beer and Birds..

Twee bieren gelieve. and for me.

At Last! Some lovely stuff.

In a sort of, reflective mood.

Add Endum, what ever an Endum is!

I do like to be beside the Seaside!

Things come in threes, except london busses!

A problem with wind? but not in North Wales!!

Wax on, Wax off, Wax on !!Flighty little buggers.

A definate Swan song.

The Waitrose Waxies!

It's hard, wet and slippery! Damn this ice!

Bohemian Rhasody !!

Tales from Sleepy Hollow!!

Good grief! it is still here!!! and his mate?

It would have been rude not to!!!

A few Odd's and Sod's

More garden safari !

Osprey at VP, plus a few other things

HEADLINES: Queen assaulted by unknown male !!!!

Couple caught having sex at local reserve !!!

Crouching tiger, soaking backside!

That Welsh place again!

Fratercola arctica, Puffin. specially up the stairs!

HOT HOT HOT!

House Martin Construction Company

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer.

Minor update from today.

A little catch up!! and a mental dash!

A Whixall Moss foray!

Sauron sends a sign!!

A Nice Hobby, even nicer? 14 at the same time

Some Garden Warblering!

No Dotties.

The Nedge

Finding Hens Teeth !!

Walking the Wrekin, again!

Poo pile pickings!

The sun will come out, tomorrow, said Annie!

Sleet, Rain, Hail and wind. But I will get over that!!

I went up a Mountain, and came down a confirmed physical wreck

That bird again!

Working on the rain tan and wind burn.

Some odds and sods

Pauls Blog