Of Druids and Nuclear power

There was a bit of trepidation as we set off for the Anglesey coast to see a reported Lapland Bunting, and it was not until close to 10:00 before it was reported as still being around, Phew! And what a little corker, on the West coast of the UK for a change.. So here goes,,

Lapland bunting

And Again.

 The next objective was the Red Squirrels in the Newborough forest, having tried on so many occasions before I was not hopeful. But it was to be a good day and they were in fine form and coat.

It's a long way up!



Beautiful Winter coat

      They were not tempted by extra nuts but hey you can't get everything your own way.



Jay stealing me nuts!



Male Stonechat

No not on Anglesey but at the local reserve Venus Pool Shropshire, a cracking little bird and so confiding as well, he was with three others scratting around in the stubble. so there you go another blog posted and as usual comments etc. are welcome back soon Peeps.

Paul

Fast & Furious !

The 15th of February 2015, at 12:39 was good , the chance sighting in the distance of a Hen harrier was a bonus bird to the days mooch about at Venus Pool. there had been a report of one being sighted on the 8th of February in the same area. Nearly a month later it is still providing, for many their first Harrier sighting.

Low and fast

Hanging for breakfast chance.

Breakfast !

Sparrow hawk

And off

 Stonechat

 

Mountain Hare

Dove Stone is one of those places that really did not like me, 1:5 hours of walking up hill with photo kit on back and adding a touch of  "What am I doing up here?" winds gusting too quick and trying its best to stop a successful mission. Pah! well success was got as were some very nice pictures of the Hares, who were all white and surrounded by green and purple heather no wonder the confused looks!!

Next time then

Cheers Paul

 

Sink or Swim

Another trip to Parkgate for one of the highest tides this year did not fail to impress, with Hen Harrier, Short eared Owls, Water Rails, Pinkfooted Geese, Merlin and Voles, Shrews and Doormouse, to list but a few.
So in an attempt to record as much as possible I arrived early as the crowds were going to be huge, it was overcast and the wind dropped the temperature a lot, it did abate thankfully as it was cold only 3 degrees c. so here are a few of what was on offer.

Doormouse trying to keep dry



Climbing higher

Grey Heron

 

The only Hen Harrier of the day.

Jack Snipe

Merlin

Sprucing up.

A quick check.

Re-organise the feathers

Final check before the off.

Getting water logged.

Smaller floating areas.

Pink Footed Geese leaving the marsh.

 The people continued to grow in numbers, birders and the inquisitive alike spent time observing the tide rushing in over the marsh forcing the rodents to run or swim for safety only to hit the wall and hang on for life, the spectacle was soon over as the flood waters started to drop. A good tide and I will be sure to be there for the next spring tides.

 

Cheers

Paul

A foggy day at the seaside and Brrr!

An American visitor, an Owl with long ears! Snow Buntings on holiday? and a Purple Sandpiper, sporting not a lot of purple!.
With the weather starting with thick fog set to lift around 09:00 it was a start at Burton Mere Cheshire arriving at just before reserve opening, to avoid the crowds and noisy birders!! for the first Bird of the day, the Long eared Owl.

A real corker but so difficult to photograph as it sat in the middle of a Hawthorn bush, in the shadows and blending in so beautifully these shots were not easy to get at all.

 

It was not possible to get physically closer so the Tele-convertor was fitted to the 600mm , which made things a wee bit more difficult to work with.

And so it was onwards to New Brighton for some Laughing Gull Shots,  it was a real pea souper here with visibility down to maybe thirty feet at times and with no prospect of it lifting.

But the Gull was pleasing the crowds not just having a kip. The last one I had managed to catch was some years ago at Porthmadog.

 

With the tide raising the

Turnstones had moved on to the pontoons and were enjoying the bread thrown for the Gulls.

 

And the Purple Sandpiper.

 

A good day out with some nice Birds had,

It was cold but nothing too bad if you could stay out of the wind.

Oh! Snow Buntings? well yes seen but this time no photographs were taken.

 

So with more from the other day to process, thanks for dropping in and we hope to see you again soon.

Paul

The start of the year!

January, is as a month, a bit bleh! with post xmas bills blasted Turkey still finding its way into curries and the ever rogue bauble found behind the curtain or under the over worked sofa.

But as it was the first of the year some fresh air and hopefully some fine birds to be found in the county,  list!!! yes I know bit old hat but hey! was chased.. and one or two snaps to occupy the quiet moments taken, I am sure they are there just hiding!!!

Not a lot, but then again the county has been a bit slow for the time being. So hoping for some snow!!  I shall leave you with it for now out tomorrow so who knows what might find on a water near you..
Paul