A Pleasant change indeed.

It's Spring, its raining and windy and feeling like the start of Winter even the heating cranked back into life as the temp dropped. but thankfully a stunning male Garganey decided to put on a show at the local reserve. And one of the Grass Snakes put in a show , I'll be waiting for the next one..

 

A cracker of a bird to have on the reserve along with a few Black-tailed Godwits, Little Ringed Plovers and a float over Peregrine.

Not another decent day for ages what a pain?

 

Paul

Wood Warblers at Clunton Coppice, and a catch up

There has not been that many days recently where I have been able to get out and about, so to speak, but it was time for the annual pilgrimage to According to the forestry commission "The worst managed wood" Clunton Coppice! It was an overcast breezy day, but the Wood Warblers were, as usual high in the canopy and singing well.

Wood Warbler

A few days previous it was a day trip to photograph what is fast becoming a rarity through out the country due to the loss of wetlands and suitable habitat, Ratty, incorrectly portrayed in the book and TV programs as a Rat, was in fact a lovable Watervole.

Watervole

Another brightly coloured bird which just seems to disappear amongst the undergrowth and foliage of spring, and another bird with an amazing song to be heard in early spring as they arrive back on territories throughout UK

Common Redstart

It seems to be a period of flitting about for my self as I try and catch up with more of the Spring activity

Black Grouse

Tree Pipit

To watch Tree Pipits gliding between perches is a sheer delight Whilst the song is quite weak amonst the others songsters, when heard it is beautiful.


As per usual , and so as not to bore you with picture after picture that's it, a few of this months captures so far. Hopefully there will a few more blogs this month weather permitting.

Cheers
Paul

Well it's about darn time.

Occasionally, just Occasionally, you happen on some good light and a subject that has eluded you for years.
So it stands to reason that you tend to go a bit mad with the shutter release then calm down as you realise what you are doing is just wasting the valuable moment. Anyway, this is what happens when you calm down and take things easy and wait and wait and wait!!!

Matching colours!! waiting for her up high.

A quick soar around the place.

An unusual side view for this Species, I had to run like hell!

A Juvenile Med Gull at Venus Pools Reserve, a lunch hour grab.

Not a lot for such a long time with nothing happening locally but its all kicking of now with the Common Redstart and Pied Flycatchers in at Bridges and Dipper,Nuthatch and loads of birds singing on territories.
So with hopefully a day or two off coming along it could be a good week!
We will see.

Paul

Short days and slim pickings!

Having dipped on two occasions now for the Two Bar Crossbill, it was, having not seen a report for a few days, that I went to Priorslee for a look see, as to whether the 2 female Scaup were still present. Thankfully they were and so!!!

Hide? I don't think so

Out from the water for a different shot.

The pair of females.

Add a Little grebe to the mix.

A Red Grouse from last year as a reminder to self ,
to get out for the Lek this year.

And not to be out done the Black Grouse

So I hope to see you again over the next few months or more.

Paul.

A simple message for you all.

More in the new year.

Cheers

Paul