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

October The Red Deer Rut? Nope!!!

With October being the traditional month of the Rut, it is no surprise to see many Photographers heading to their favourite locations for the fun and games, as our largest terrestrial mammal goes head to head with his rivals in the Game of  Harem's. A protracted move and counter move not only to gain Hinds but to keep them until he has ensured the gene line is continued.With testosterone rising the fight between males can be spectacular and if you consider there is very little if anything is eaten during this event it takes it's toll.

 Many of the hinds were suckling Fawns from the previous year, and if he is lucky she will already be pregnant with this years coupling.

 The Roaring is one of the ways in which he advertises his strength to the hinds and other Stags

 Which of course can get some attention he might not last through, as all adult males are testing their metal in order to gain a good group of females. So if parallel walking does not scare off the rival it will result in a full on battle as they struggle for supremacy and the control of their rivals harem.

With the abundance off food and acorns, and the lack of frosts the Rut has been very sporadic to none starting through out a fair portion of UK. So no combat shots this year for me I,m afraid

There is always next year!!

Paul

Saphire and Ochre, natural gems

Every so often it transpires that you are in the right place at the right time. And this time I was in the right place, just in time for a lovely sequence of Kingfisher shots from the local reserve. To watch them chasing each other around the pool was exciting as they turned, jinked, twisted and rolled the light was amazing as it reflected from these enigmatic little birds.

Patience this time was not rewarded,

Now we know who ate all the fish, along with Egrets, Cormorants and Grey Herons.

A single Eurasian Curlew presented it self for a shot or two before calling as it lifted and left.

Slim pickings I know, but it is after all the transition period as summer migrants leave our shores and the Winter birds start to arrive from the North and Scandinavia and further afield.
We will soon be hunting Waxwings again I am sure, wonder if the Winter snows will arrive as per forecast of end of October ? could be a cold !
Cheers
Paul

A Summer spent well.

With such changeable but continuing warm weather, the local birding was slow at the best of times. With the trail cam not providing anything other than Mink and Fox a trip was on for the birding bus. Bempton Cliffs was the area of interest, a place I had often planned on visiting and for one reason or another never got to.

Keeping a wary eye on the goings on.

A gift for the female.

Bit of a brush up.

Damn it missed.

There at absolutely thousands on Gannets on this mainland colony, a good vantage point at 400 feet above the waves, located alongside one of the old radar station , now defunct, it is a spectacular place for a visit or two. I intend to return and do the other areas of interest in this area of the country soon.

Paul