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My blog will predominantly feature a selection of photographs and reports of recent wildlife photographic trips, mainly in the UK
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There has been a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen at Rye Meads for a few weeks now, but has been very elusive and seems to pop up anywhere. I have had a few visits and failed to see it. The early morning mist eventually cleared and it was a still and sunny day also ideal for trying to see the Bearded Tits. I did get views of four birds but too obscured for any shots. However, the light was perfect for some shots of this beautiful female Reed Bunting.          A quick visit to the Gadwall hide where a Common Snipe was right in front of the hide.      Time then to head for home and it was while walking back, just after the Ashby hide that a chap I was walking with saw movement and called out it was the LSW. It did not stay long, and it was very difficult to get clear shots, but I manged a couple of record shots. It's a female bird and only has one leg, but seems to be doing fine!   A great end to the day!
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Last year the Barn Owls on the Meads were a bit sporadic, but I decided to try again and found this ringed bird hunting for a good 20 minutes plus. The light was declining as it came out about 4.40pm but managed some reasonable shots despite bumping up the ISO.     It successfully hunted and caught prey (presumably Field Voles) twice.     Totally silent as it flew round, and an amazing sight.      And a beautiful sunset to end on!   A Drake Smew had been reported on 70 Acre Lake, Fishers Green so time to go down and see if it could be located. Walking down from Turnford I was greeted by this obliging Robin. I know they are very common, but I can never resist a shot.  A leisurely walk around half of the lake drew a blank so I popped into the WDC. As luck would have it, the Bittern was showing well. Early in the morning is the best time for photographs before the sun moves round. This must probably be the most photographed Bittern in the UK!              Always a thrill seeing one so close! But back to searching for the Smew. Another circuit of the lake still failed to locate the bird. I had almost given up and was walking back around the lake to Cheshunt Lock when I noticed it obscured by trees. Two birders were further up and said it had just flew in. It was steaming away across the lake but I managed a couple of record shots. They used to be much more regular, but fewer are flying across from the continent to Winter here.   A very rewarding end to the day.
A day out in the Fens with a few friends and certainly more of a birding day than a photography as I knew most birds would be fairly distant. First stop was the RSPB Ouse Washes reserve with some common species around the Visitor centre including this Reed Bunting.  It used to be a good site for Tree Sparrows though it seems no longer! A walk to the two hides that were open rewarded us with Meadow Pipits, Stonechat, Redwing, Fieldfare, Kingfisher, Common Buzzard and Kestrel. The views across the flood and to Ely Cathedral were stunning.   Scanning across we saw a couple of Marsh Harriers, Grey Wagtail, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Ducks and Pintail. The key performers however were the Whooper Swans and during the day we saw hundreds.       We decided on a quick stop at Welney and on the way managed to see Green Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk. It was also great to see a lot of Kestrels. Welney allowed us to add Tree Sparrows and Cattle Egrets to the day list before we finished off at Wicken Fen for the Harrier roost. I think we had 10+ Marsh Harriers coming in and I managed a couple of evocative record shots in the fading light.   Two Hen Harriers came into the roost as well and we had a magical close encounter with a Barn Owl. Apart from the birds we also saw Hare and three deer species - Muntjac, Roe and Chinese Water Deer. I will leave you with a few shots as it grew dark at Wicken Fen. A great day out and special thanks to Mel for organising.     The cold weather had brought at least one Jack Snipe back to the warmer climes of Lemsford so time for a quick visit. Incredibly, not one but three birds were showing well on and off. A big thanks to the Warden Barry for sharing his extensive knowledge and great to meet Henry Wyn-Jones on his first visit to this special reserve. Before the Jack Snipe though, there were at least 12 Green Sandpipers with some minor skirmishes taking place.  I also can't resist the odd picture of the Little Egrets which feed in the meadow and commute to the Springs.  A couple of Wrens were active in front of the hide, allowing a couple of shots including one with one of the Grey Wagtails.   There were also a number of Common Snipe present, again attracted by the fact that the water never freezes and the plentiful food supplies.  On one of the small islands of cut vegetation one of the Jack Snipe happily posed with Common Snipe to really show the size difference, including bill length and the subtle plumage differences.   And now for a few shots of the Jack Snipe on their own.      And one more just to show that comparison.  I even remembered to take a bit of video showing the characteristic bobbing motion. A fantastic couple of hours with amazing views!
What with being laid low by a bad cold and cough and a stretch of bad weather I have not been too far since my last post. This post is a brief overview of some recent short trips just before and after the Christmas holiday period. Firstly, a quick stop in Hertford to make sure the Peregrines were still showing. Flo, the female gave some good views.   Amwell has been fairly quiet but yielded Siskins, Red Crested Pochards and this Treecreeper.  And further out in the Herts countryside, Little Owl.   Next up was a trip to Wallington, but a very windy day meant it was almost bird less with only one Corn Bunting of note.  Fowlmere was even worse! A few Fieldfare in the field outside and a Kestrel in the grey light. I have never seen it this quiet.    Fishers Green on a sunny day gave good views of the showy Bittern and Gadwall showing some interesting feeding techniques.     A trip to St Albans, and one of the Peregrines posed well on the Cathedral.  Verulamium Lake was mostly frozen but it was fun watching the Coots and Mute Swans.     The Watercress Beds were tricky as the main feeding station was empty. Brief views of Siskin and Bullfinch and the only decent shots I managed were Chaffinch and as a record shot, Lesser Redpoll.    Set aside on the edge of Knebworth held a small flock of Chaffinch and Yellowhammer and also three Grey Partridge in the margins.   Finally, Bramfield. Hawfinches have been in short supply but I did manage one bird high up in one of the favoured trees.  On the positive side, waiting for them allowed some time to photograph the resident Goldcrests.    As there was still snow on the ground I didn't want to travel too far and with two Jack Snipe reported, a trip to Lemsford was perfect. Always a great spot for photography, and as it never seems to freeze over, it draws in some great birds. The first hide was busy when I arrived, but also a lot of birders at the second hide where one Jack Snipe was in view. I decided to settle down and visit the other hide when it was quieter. Surprise visitors were two Egyptian Geese - a fairly common local species, but Barry the Warden said it was a first for the reserve.     Another surprise visitor was this Lapwing (with frost on its back). First time I have seen one there.  A few of the regular Green Sandpipers were also showing well.   The resident Little Egret flew in, looking miserable in the cold!  I loved the light for this distant Grey Heron.  A few smaller birds were present including this Wren and Goldfinches.   At least nine Common Snipe were present and I did manage to get four in one shot, and also one taking a bath.       A short walk up to the second hide, which was still busy, but we all managed to squeeze in and get some good views of the bobbing Jack Snipe. I believe a second bird was located later in the day.         A great way to spend a couple of hours and the warm up at home!
Yes, I know my last post was all about the local Kingfishers, but when we had the recent heavy snowfall I couldn't resist walking down to try and get some shots of them with a snowy backdrop. This type of weather is not great for these birds, but they were still fishing and catching, so hopefully they will be ok. These were taken over two visits, and I hope you like them.                      Wonderful experience photographing the two of them, but I must admit I am now looking forward to the snow and ice melting!
During the Spring and Summer the local Kingfishers move to quieter parts of Hartham and King's Meads, but in the Winter time they move to good fishing spots nearer to the centre of town and as such are much easier to see. The following pictures are from three recent visits. I was lucky to get this young male against a dark background.    There was a lot of calling and interaction with the male and a female spending some time in the marina.     The yellow leaves sometimes provided a colourful backdrop.    And fishing together.  I even remembered to take some video clips! The fast flowing water in the background allowed for some uncluttered shots.    The female was almost as obliging.       And a few others to finish.      Such beautiful birds, and looking forward to some more photo opportunities.
With the shorter days, poor weather etc, I have not ventured far recently. When the weather has been drier however, I have made sure I have popped out into town to check up on some of the locals. First port of call was to see how the Peregrines were doing. I did not see the male, but he has been around. Flo, however was sitting up on the church tower.    Some Redwings were in the Yew trees, but too shy for pictures. I did manage to photograph a Song Thrush who was competing for the berries.  Then it was into the town centre near the marina. A good setting for this Grey Squirrel.  Also, a very confiding Robin!   I decided to head back along the Lea Navigation and added this Mute Swan dropping in, as well as a male Stonechat.   Always a delight to walk this loop with so much wildlife on the doorstep. The Kingfishers are also showing well in town, so watch out for a new post soon!
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