WOW!! Easterlies and sunshine.

After what seems like an utter age of Westerly winds and rain, the migration seemed to have stalled here in Shropshire as we watched the reports from the east coast. Goodness me what a change, the winds swung to the east and the sun appeared for a good number of day and is, as I type this still nice warm and sunny out in the wild.
So and what did this change in the weather bring to us , well here you go...

 

Sadly not in Shropshire.

 

 

Yes I know not migrants but hey shoot me...

 

 

A some what emotive subject, scientific research versus emotional query???
as you can see here we have a Dipper with both Silver add Gold awards for it's endeavours in existing in the British isles. Awards??? more like leg irons perhaps! so got a view or comment lets have it in the comments or mail lets see where it goes..

So a bit shorter than normal? no pontifimacations either..

Cheers
Paul

John Denver said it all??

Some information for the readers of this Blog, assuming there is more than just me LOL! at the end of April it will move to my new Website www.paulkingsphotography.zenfolio.com. until the live switch over all blogs are being published there also just click the RSS feed so you don't miss the exciting continuation.


Some After what seemed like an eternity, there is at last some warmth and sunshine to warm your back as you sit and wait or stroll around the local reserve. A little oops nearly fell asleep on the bench moment did occur !!

And to top a lovely day, or bottom it perhaps? was the finding 10 yes that's right 10 Hares sitting feeding in a field in the sun,,, three blooming fields away and no stealthy approach, Damn it.

Any way a bit of what has been got since the last blog for you delectation.

Grey Hare (Lupus Timidous)

Med Gull

 

Get off.

 

Little -ringed Plover

 

Common Snipe

 

Broke back something!!!

 

Moorhen

Winter Wren

And at last I got the weed dance. YAY!
 

 



Harsh light KF.

So there you go a selection of the last two weeks, nothing out of the ordinary but all worth the effort, it is another up at 5:00am for another go at the Hares, the sun will be directly in my eyes for the first hour or so, but you got to do it aint ya!

So till then , Tara a bit jockey

Paul



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