Steve's Wildlife Photography Blog

The Last Post

2011-09-06T10:13:00.000+01:00

I will not be updating this Blog anymore, there just is not enough time in the day to keep all the sites up to date. I was going to delete this Blog but I know some people use it as means of getting to my Flickr and Picasa sites. So those links will remain but no further blogs will be posted.
Thanks for all the comments over the past couple of years, I appreciate each and every one.
All the best
Steve

Day trip to Parc du Marquenterre in the Somme region of France

2011-05-29T13:27:00.001+01:00

Had a very early start, being picked up at 4.45am by Steve Ray, along with Martin Wilson and Peter. We met up with the Steve Ashton, Tim Gutsell, Alan Ashdown and Mike Gould at the Euro tunnel site and got on the 6.20am train.

An hour after arriving on French soil we were at Marquenterre. It was 9am local time and the park wasn't open yet so we birded the woods around the car park. Chasing Crested Tits, we all failed miserably they were too quick and high up in the pines. I did see a Nightingale and Steve A saw a Garden Warbler and I think we all saw about 4 Cuckoos.

Once the Park was opened we immediately saw a couple of Black-winged Stilts in the front scrapes, they weren't very close though.

The usual "Plastic" Common Crane and Whooper Swans were there and suitably photographed.

All the time we were around the scrapes, White Storks, Little Egrets and Spoonbills were continually flying over with nesting or food, taking it to the "Heronery" where an amazing amount of birds were nested.

Steve Ray, Pete, Alan, Martyn and myself left the others at the Heronery and started walking around the hides. We found several more Black-winged Stilts, thirteen in total for the day.

At hide No:6 we were watching another Stilt when Martyn pointed out a Temminck's Stint, only my second one ever. It was accompanied by a Ringed Plover and a couple of Little-ringed Plovers.

At hide No: 9 after initially drawing a blank and walking off, Steve Ray called us back when he discovered at least 4 Black-necked Grebes, all in stunning summer plumage. I'm afraid my photo's are very disappointing of these stunning birds, check Steve Ray's, Steve Ashton's or any of the others really for much better photo's. I don't know what went wrong with mine...

At one of the other hides I had a male Yellow Wagtail in front of me, which the other treated with disdain but I just love them.

All the time there were White Storks flying over these are some of my better photos

On returning to the Heronery, we were lucky to see a pair of Cattle Egrets come into their nest and I managed a couple of distant photos.

Even more shots of the White Storks were taken

and a couple of fly over Spoonbills

We left the park and returned to the cars and were lucky enough to find a Crested Tit which allowed a quick snap, and a couple of Nuthatches

All in all an excellent day, my deepest thanks to Steve Ray for driving, it made for a very pleasant change. I was shattered when we got home so I'm sure Steve was even worse. Thanks again mate..

Three days in the East Riding of Yorkshire

2011-04-12T21:58:00.001+01:00

Julie and I have been to Bridlington for the last three days. Brid has a busy harbour, it would be a far better place if the chavs weren't there. We arrived Saturday afternoon and spent the afternoon getting to know Brid. It was heaving with holiday makers. Still once the crowds went we found the harbour a charming place.

Bridlington Harbour views

Turnstone

Kittiwakes nesting in Bridlington High Street

Sunday morning we set off for Flamborough Head. When we arrived the area was engulfed in fog, but we still managed to find a couple of Puffins and other sea birds.

Puffin

Razorbill & Kittiwake

Razorbill

Then we made our way over to Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve. It is a fabulous place, we saw quite a few Puffins, although most were quite distant. Hundreds of Gannets were nesting on the cliffs and first egg had just been laid. The most impressive sight is the thousands of Kittiwakes on the cliffs, I didn't ask how many there were but there must be 20-30 thousand.

Puffin enjoying the sun

A pair of Puffins setting up home

Kittiwake

Guillemots

Puffin witha bouquet for the misses

Gannets

Guillemot

Bempton Cliffs

Gannets by the hundreds

Gannet with nesting

"Yorkshire Belle"

Gannet enjoying the sun

Kittiwake

Tree Sparrow

Lesser Redpoll

Goldfinch

We then called back to Flamborough Head to check it out now the fog had gone. No Puffins but did find 5 Wheatears and was very lucky... just as we were turning back to leave a lady walked past and said she had just seen a Great Grey Shrike, but it had disappeared and not been seen for quite a while. So I took my spotter (Julie) and walked over to where it was last seen. After about 10 - 15 minutes I saw it pop up on top of some Gorse way in the distance. We tried to get closer but the area it was in was inaccessible. A guy turned up with a scope so I did get a good view and Julie did, I took a record photo but it really was too far away.

Great Grey Shrike

A wonderful day, my first ever Puffin and a special bird to finish with.. excellent

One Swallow does make a Summer

2011-03-23T21:42:00.002Z

A late morning trip to Dungeness after seeing the Bank Manager!!! so I was hopeful of seeing something good to brighten the day up.. Penduline Tit or Garganey... well neither!

It was a beautiful day so I wasn't too disappointed (liar!!)

I started at the ARC hide, very little to be seen except a distant Slavonian Grebe.

Then walked around the Willow walk, there were lots of Reed Buntings but no Penduline Tits.

Reed Bunting

Peacock

So I got back to the car and shot over to the RSPB reserve. A nice walk with very few birds was the result. I ended up in the Dengemarsh Hide watching Marsh Harriers in the distance. A couple of Pochards came close and a Great-crested Grebe, but not much else.

Pochard

Great-crested Grebe

So a slow walk back via Hookers and bingo a male Swallow whizzed over my head and carried on inland, no time for a photo damn it..

I carried on along the return trail seeing a couple of Dunnocks but not a lot more.

Peacock

Small Tortoiseshell

Dunnock

I did see my first butterflies today, a couple of Small Tortoiseshells and at least five Peacocks

It's always a great day when you see your first Swallow so I can't complain...and the sun was shining.

3rd Time Lucky

2011-03-07T20:54:00.000Z

After two previous trips to Reculver this year and not finding the Snow Buntings, I decided that todays sunshine meant a final attempt was on the cards. I arrived at 8.15am and walked the entire route down to Coldharbour, where the Environment Agency were doing some sea defence work on the shingle bank. No chance of any birds around there I think, so just as I turned I came across the 3 Shore Larks all three sat on a ridge enjoying the sunshine. No Snow Buntings to be seen...

So I made a slow walk back to the towers seeing all the usual birds, when just as I was opposite the Oyster Farm works three birds flew away from under the wall.. 3 Snow Buntings hooray!!

I got myself down on the shingle and sat with my back to the wall and started taking photos. They weren't close to start with but slowly they wandered back. Eventually I had all three of them with four metres of me.

This Snow Bunting suddenly stood up when someone went past on the path, I have never seen this pose before.

It was a nice feeling to finally catch up with stunning little birds before they disappear to breed, I was wondering if they are showing signs of moulting into summer plumage already.

Well as it was such a beautiful day, I thought another visit to Bossenden Wood might enable me to get some photos of the Nuthatches, so off I went.

Armed with a small bag of peanuts I set about trying to lure the Nuthatches down to a moss covered fallen tree. Bingo, almost immediately the first Nuthatch arrived followed by several Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits and Chaffinches.

I was so pleased to get these close up shots of the Nuthatches as I have never been in a position to be this close before. It is just such a shame we don't get them in East Kent as Bossenden Wood is such a distance. Still I am a happy man.

They do love Peanuts

This has to be one of the best days of the year for me.

A New Life Tick

2011-03-02T21:03:00.004Z

Thought I would go to Church Woods today. I arrived and it seemed it was conservation day, as at least 4 areas were being coppiced and burnt, so finding anything avian was going to be a challenge. I walked the red route and found the usual Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, a few Chaffinches and a gang of 7 Jays. Not a single Woodpecker could be heard. However as I decided enough was enough, I stumbled across a single Great Spot whoopee..

So dejected at wasting an hour and half, I decided to go back to Bossenden Wood.

Almost immediately I saw a Nuthatch and soon was watching one investigating a hole in a tree. I wasn't close enough to take any photos though. Then, what I thought was another Nuthatch arrived in the top of the trees, on closer inspection it was aLesser Spotted Woodpecker.. my first one ever. Superb.. I even managed a few distant photos.

So what was a desperately frustrating day turned into a truly memorable one.

First glimpse of my first ever Lesser Spotted

Woodpecker

A New life Tick - my first ever Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

My first Nuthatch in Kent

2011-02-28T20:40:00.004Z

My first Nuthatch spotted at Park Wood Chilham.

They never come down from the top of the trees, but hey ho I was still chuffed.

Nuthatch in the sunshine

Nuthatch

Goldcrest

Coal Tit

Then I went to Bossenden Wood and found another Nuthatch and several Coal Tits

Marsh Tit

One of possible ten I found at this wood.

This male (I assume) was singing his heart out trying to claim his bit of the wood.

I had a great morning, my first ever trip to Park Wood resulting in my first ever Nuthatch in Kent, eventually finding three Nuthatches at Park Wood and one at Bossenden Wood.

Then finding two flocks of Marsh Tits at Bossenden Wood, very difficult to photograph but I managed a couple half decent shots.

January 2011 highlights

2011-01-24T20:44:00.016Z

Shore Lark at Reculver 19-01-11

Sanderling at Reculver 19-01-11

Stonechat at Reculver 19-01-11

Grey Wagtail at Russell Gardens Dover 16-01-11

Glaucous Gull @ Dungeness 11-01-11

Goosander @ Dungeness 11-01-11

Northern Long-tailed Tit at Dymchurch 11-01-11

Waxwings at Fowlmead 09-01-11

Hawfinch at Denge Wood 09-01-11

Turnstone at Sandwich Bay 08-01-11

Blackcap in our garden 03-01-11

(and it's still here)

Scaup at Dover Docks 02-01-11

All in all not a bad start to the year, a life tick in the Glaucous Gull and the year list has now reached 100 (a Merlin seen near the poly tunnels at New Downs having a dog fight with a Skylark, amazing display of aerobatics, from both birds). I will try to remember to update this blog more often.

2011-01-01T20:44:00.003Z

Saturday 1st Jan 2011 - Happy New Year

Couldn't muster much today after a late night with friends and family, so at about 11am went for walk all under the cliffs at Kingsdown. Plenty of Fulmars acrobatically flying along the cliffs. A fine Rock Pipit posed nicely and I managed a couple of photos. Out at sea I saw at least 15 Red-throated Divers flying south. Lots of gulls about but nothing outstanding.

A quiet start to the year, better effort tomorrow..

A magical day with Waxwings

2010-12-11T21:05:00.005Z

I started the day with an early morning walk around Walmer after being told that 100+ Waxwings were seen in Meryll Gardens yesterday. I managed to find 4 outside Walmer School, but no more. Then I had family duties taking the granddaughters to Ballet dance class and shopping.. I am so good, am I not..

Finally at about 11.30am I was off to see the Waxwings at Park Farm Rd, Folkestone outside B&Q. There was a huge flock in the tall trees next to B&Q where they were two years ago, it was an impressive sight. I was told there were about 270 Waxwings amazing. The Folkestone Bird site says they counted 246, so I'm happy with that.

Some of the huge flock

Waxwing feeding

Waxwings in the sun, just what I've been waiting for.

A feeding frenzy

They are stunning in the sunshine

There were so many at time's you just didn't know where to point the camera

Sentinel

Stunning birds, no matter what the angle

The Waxwing were coming down from the large trees in small flocks to wash and drink in a puddle on a flat roof on the industrial estate. I managed to catch this flock on their return back to the trees.

Another berry bites the dust

Stunning

Close up

And another berry goes down

This truly was a very special day, one I will never forget.

If you haven't seen a Waxwing yet then get yourself down to the B&Q carpark in Folkestone you won't regret it.

SBBO Trip to France 01-11 to 06-11-2010

2010-11-15T19:06:00.005Z

Day 1 - view north from Cap Griz Nez showing some of the wartime defences still in place along the shore.

Day 2 - Marquenterre. A fabulous reserve where you can get very close to some stunning birds that we could only dream about in the UK. Common Crane, White Stork, Great White Egrets, Night Herons and Spoonbills, to mention just a few.

Day 3 - Woodland reserve at Dannes and the Med. Gull colony at Le Portel

Day 4 Cressy Forest and a superb Hawfinch

Day 5 Return trip to the woodland at Dannes and managed a poor photo of a Crested Tit

Day 6 the return crossing on the P&O ferry, enabled some stunning close shots of Gannets, Kittiwakes and even a Bonxie.

For more detailed photos from each day of the trip see my Picasa Albums by clicking on one of the photos in the Picasa Photostream on the front page of my blog and clicking on "My Photos"

Hope you enjoy them, it was a fantastic trip.

Worth Track 24-10-10

2010-10-24T14:24:00.003+01:00

Had a walk from the Obs to Worth Marshes today, it was

beautiful morning.

This Robin posed nicely outside the Farmhouse

As with most farms, there were lots of House Sparrows along

the track.

Reed Buntings were very common along the Worth track.

a handsome male Reed Bunting

As I got near to the railway line, I heard an unusual call and slowly

worked my way towards it and discovered two Tree Sparrows. Unfortunately they

were in the bushes directly into the sun, so the photos don't do them justice.

Cracking birds though and not at all common.

Near to Blue Pigeon Farm, I was just trying to photograph a Blue Tit, when this Blackbird appeared right above me and so close I don't know who was more surprised.

This is what is called a "Worms Eye View"

Along the track to the Pinnock wall was a flock of thirteen Long-tailed Tits

To my surprise my last photo was of a Dragonfly, didn't expect one of these in late October.

A Ruddy Darter I think.

Octobers Treats

2010-10-18T20:14:00.005+01:00

Yes alright no shouting!!! I haven't updated my blog since September and I know that thanks!!

The following are just some of the highlights for October so far...

Probably one of the last Sedge Warblers of the year, outside the Restharrow Scrape hide on Saturday 2nd October.

A walk around the Sandwich Bay estate in the afternoon of Saturday 9th October, revealed this fine male Black Redstart hopping about on the scaffolding on one of the big houses on the front.

An early morning visit to the Restharrow Scrape on Sunday 10th October revealed a few Meadow Pipits on the grass in front of the hide and...

A fantastic very dark Rock Pipit.

Thursday 14th October turned out to be a very good day, I started with a trip to North Forland to try to find the Shore Larks, that everyone else and their dogs had seen.

Well I wasn't disappointed I found two Shore larks near to the pumping station and eventually managed to get quite close.

They really are quite stunning little birds, and a first for me.

On the way home I called into the Restharrow Scrape and found this Pipit, nothing unusual you might say, well when it flew off it was missing it's rear end. Obviously a casualty of some attack, it could fly but not too far.

Excuse the poor photo but you can see the state of this poor bird.

Saturday 16th October was another great day, if a little wet!

I heard that a Great Grey Shrike had been seen at Grove Ferry, so decided to go and twitch it.

I was very fortunate as just as got to the place where it had been seen, it flew across in front of me and landed in a Hawthorn bush at the rear of a small bushy area. It then flew back towards me and landed in a Hawthorn only 20-30 metres away, as close as I have ever been to one. I set the camera firing away and the heavens opened, it poured down, I was getting quite worried for my camera, but couldn't stop snapping. It then flew away and I couldn't find it again.

Yesterday I had a quick look around the Sandwich Bay area and at Dickson's corner found a few Wheatears and Skylarks. These must be some of the last of the year, so I was grateful to get quite close to this one.

Hopefully I won't leave it so long next time..

SBBOT Boat Trip Sunday 26-09-10

2010-09-27T20:35:00.002+01:00

Sunday 26th September 2010

Boat trip from the Quay at Sandwich to Pegwell Estuary, it was very windy day and pretty cold

so wasn't expecting a great deal. However the river was fairly sheltered along most of it's length, so there was actually plenty of birds. One of the first birds we saw was a Kingfisher, it flew away from us in front of the boat before doubling back never really in photo distance.

There were a several Redshanks, a couple of Greenshanks, a couple of Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper along the the first half of the river. Then this fairly obliging Turnstone allowed reasonably close photos.

As we travelled along the Stour we saw lots of Little Egrets (eighteen in one flock) and many Grey Herons a flock of ten flew over the boat.

This Redshank was one of the few that allowed the boat to get within photo distance.

The second Kingfisher we saw was much further along the river, near to the Pfizer water treatment works, it too didn't let the boat get too close, but I did take lots of distant photos and it did seem to want to pose on various vantage points.

Nearer the end of the river we arrived on lots of Waders, mostly Dunlin with a few Knot.

There were a couple of Common seals, seven or eight i think.

The highlight for everyone on board was seeing a flock of ten Avocets flying around in the river mouth. We didn't venture out into the estuary as the white horses had white horses on them.

It was a stunning sight to behold with the Avocets flying past the wild sea.

They flew over us several times, allowing some photos.

On the point there was a large gathering of Great Black-backed Gulls. Mostly adults but a few juveniles too.

Again on the return trip we found several Grey Herons and on the salt marsh there was a huge flock of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

All in all considering it was such a wild day it was one of the best boat trips i've been on for a long time.

Three days in Poole

2010-09-01T20:25:00.005+01:00

Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island

Peahen

Honey Buzzard

Red Squirrel at feeding station

Spotted Redshank and Avocet

Spotted Redshank

Avocet

Ruddy Darter

Southern Hawker

Spotted Flycatcher

Wheatear

Common Buzzard

Dartford Warbler

Her indoors, on Poole Quay

Julie and me have had a couple of days away in Poole in Dorset. Bank holiday Saturday was not the time to travel there really, over 5 hours to get there, still the B&B was excellent.

Sunday 29th August (my birthday) we went to Brownsea Island. We have never been before so apart from hoping to see Red Squirrels, we didn't know what to expect.

Well it was very cloudy and occasional showers, so not good for photography, but we did see a total of 5 squirrels, but in the gloom the photo's were awful.

On the lagoon, was a single Spoonbill, at least four Spotted Redshanks, masses of Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, little Egrets and Avocets.

We had lunch in the last hide, the one that overlooks the inland lakes, on our way out of the hide a large raptor flew over our heads, I quickly fired off a couple of shots and thought it was a Common Buzzard (it wasn't till later when I looked at the photos, that I realised it wasn't a Common Buzzard it was probably a Honey Buzzard, which has since been confirmed, my first one ever.. happy birthday Steve)

Bank Holiday Monday we both went to the RSPB reserve at Arne, this was my second visit and Julie's first. We arrived to be told that at least 4 Ospreys had been seen in the area in recent days and were still around. We walked down to the viewing point and stood there for at least half an hour without seeing an Ospreys but did see lots of Sandwich Terns fishing. We also saw a large herd of Sika deer enjoying the sunshine. Eventually we gave up on the Ospreys and walked back to the carpark, had lunch and walked over the heath in search of the elusive Dartford Warblers. However being Bank Holiday it was heaving now, we did see one Dartford Warbler a long way off, no photos.. When we arrived at the viewing screen there was an RSPB warden there trying to confirm the identity of a Raptor in a tree on the far side of the river inlet. It eventually flew off away from us, over the fields and it was an Osprey. He also told us that earlier in the morning there were 11 Spoonbills outside the viewing screen, trust us to go the wrong side. Then he shouted "Ossie" (he was a Geordie) and pointed out two more Ospreys flying high up the river valley, they were a long way away but definitely Ospreys. Three... not bad eh..

Tuesday 31st August, I decided to go back to Arne to try to photograph a Dartford Warbler, Julie did some retail therapy.. I walked straight to the heath and immediately found a female / imm. Redstart and a Spotted Flycatcher. I also found another Spotted flycatcher and a pair of Stonechats within the first 5 mins. I also spotted the first Dartford Warbler, very distant though, then a second one, again distant.

I walked around the heath coming across a pair of Wheatears and a Common Buzzard. I eventually found a total of five Dartford Warblers and one, luckily, allowed some reasonably close photos. On my return to the car I saw a Sparrowhawk and a beautiful male Redstart, no photo sorry..

I will definitely be going back to Poole it is a wonderful place.

Stars of the last couple of days

2010-08-20T21:16:00.004+01:00

Little Stint

Last Saturday afternoon a quick visit to Oare resulted in the cracking Little Stint

my first one of the year. Then as I was driving along the road leaving the reserve a Whinchat flittered along in front of me. Only a distant photo but another first for the year. Two in an hour not bad eh!!

Whinchat

Wheatear

An evening stroll along to the old princes clubhouse last week ended up with at least eight Wheatears appearing and although at first I couldn't get close, I eventually managed a couple of reasonably close shots.

Wheatear

Yellow Wagtail

Called into the Scrape on Wednesday evening and I was fortunate to have this Yellow Wagtail land on the grass right in front of the hide. I couldn't resist, you don't get this close very often.

Yellow Wagtail

Spotted Redshank eating a freshwater shrimp

Spotted Redshank

Highlights of the last two weeks

2010-08-10T19:56:00.014+01:00

Again I've been very remiss lately regarding my blog. I haven't updated since 24th July.. BAD Steve..lol.

Painted Lady

On the 28th July I found this Painted Lady near the Restharrow Scrape, my first this year, bit different to last year..eh!

juvenile Ruff on Scrape

On the 31st July, whilst sitting in the Restharrow hide talking to Martyn Wilson this juvenile Ruff flew in, we think this might have been the first Ruff on the scrape this year.

Buzzard and Migrant Hawker at Kingsdown

On Sunday 1st August I had a walk along under the cliffs at Kingsdown, and photographed a young Kestrel hunting "caterpillars"!!

Then walked along the lane past the Kingsdown Riding school and saw all the usual suspects plus at least five Bullfinches and a superb Common Buzzard that flew down the valley toward St Margaret's Bay. As I left I came across a Migrant Hawker resting and allowing quite close photos.

Wasp Spider

Later the same day I had a walk around The Elms and photographed many different Butterflies and also managed to find a superb Wasp Spider, only the second one I've seen.

Mediterranean Gull arriving on Scrape

Two Med Gulls

3rd August after work I called into the scrape to see if anything was around, there were six Black-headed Gulls having a wash and brush up, what I didn't see was one of them was actually a Med Gull, it had no black head(that's my excuse). Then a Mediterranean Gull flew in and joined the one that was already there, but the original one didn't stay, it must have finished it's ablutions and flew out.

juv. Long-tailed Tit

5th August an evening walk around Hacklinge Marshes revealed a few Willow Warblers, a flock of about ten to fifteen L.T.Tits, mostly juveniles and my first returning Wheatear of the Autumn. Which was too far away for photos. There were several female Tufted Ducks with ducklings in the various streams and dykes along the track.

Wood Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank at Backsand Scrape

Last Sunday morning I trekked down to Backsand Scrape to hopefully photograph some waders. I met Mark Chidwick, Dylan Wrathall and Tim Gutsell whilst in the hide.

It was certainly worth the walk, as the tide rose on the river so the waders appeared, there were Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers, Lapwings, Little Egrets, Redshanks and Greenshanks. However the star birds were two Wood Sandpipers and a juv. Spotted Redshank.

There was also a strange duck swimming about on the far right hand side of the scrape, at first we thought it was female Red-crested Pochard but soon realised it wasn't.

It turned out to be a "White cheeked" or Bermudan Teal. Obviously escaped from someone's collection.

"White-cheeked" or Bermudan Teal

Small Red-eyed Damselfly and a Forest Bug

Finally I thought I would show you a couple of stunning bugs I have photographed recently A Small Red-eyed Damselfly at Middle Field Sandwich Bay and a "Forest Bug" taken at the Pines Gardens at St. Margaret's bay.

Hope you enjoy

24th July 2010 - The long walk to Backsand

2010-07-24T20:48:00.004+01:00

A Corn Bunting in the Corn

Sedge Warbler

Green Sandpiper

Little Ringed Plover

imm. Black Headed Gull

Green Sandpiper

imm. Lapwing

Common Sandpiper

Gatekeeper

Reed Warbler

Brown Hare

Another early start, had a quick look in Restharrow Scrape on the way through, only a Little Ringed Plover of note. So carried on and parked by the poly tunnels at New Downs. Walked to Backsand Scrape through and around the corn fields, seeing a Grey Partridge, a Corn Bunting in the wheat field and a distant Brown Hare. On arrival at the scrape I planted myself in the photographers hide ( warning don't use it if you suffer from arachnophobia, its full of big'uns)

There were lots of waders, ducks and Black-headed Gulls. It was quite overcast, so not so good for photos, but I did manage a couple of Green Sandpiper shots when one came close.

There were a couple of Little Ringed Plovers which allowed only distant views. There were many Common Sandpipers all chasing each other around for the best feeding spot.

The sun eventually broke through allowing some much better shots, one of the Common Sandpipers came quite close and some pretty good photos were taken.

An imm. Black Headed Gull was hanging around outside the hide, he obviously wanted his photo taken.. Then seven Greenshanks arrived but all stayed over the right hand side of the scrape, too far for photos.

When I left the hide there were several Gatekeepers outside on the brambles. My first of the year. I also saw lots of Sedge and Reed Warblers on the return walk, but the star turn was a Brown Hare, possibly the same one I saw when I arrived, suddenly it appeared out of the long grass and walked quite close to me. It then sat down for a while allowing several photos before realising that I was standing there, it then fled at high speed, certainly the closest I've ever been to a Hare. Backsand Scrape is certainly worth a visit right now, despite the long walk.

Gigrin Farm June 28th 2010

2010-07-10T07:29:00.005+01:00

The Red Kites start to arrive

The Crows, Rooks and Jackdaws line up for the feast

and several Buzzards took advantage of the feast

A normal and a very light coloured Buzzard

Once the meat was delivered it was every man (bird) for himself

Red Kite

rare "White" Red Kite

Red Kite No.62 on the ground

Red Kite

Raven and Crow

The Red Kites arrive in numbers to clear up the leftovers

Red Kite

A day to remember - Gigrin Farm 28th June 2010

This is the day I had been waiting for, we arrived at Gigrin Farm at 1.30pm and had a walk around as there are other attractions. But I'm afraid I was too excited so made enquires as to the availability of the new photography Tower Hide. It was available and so I made my way there and set up my camera on it's tripod ready for the action (far to early...)

The rest of the family walked around the Farm to see the other attractions, and nearer to feeding time they plonked themselves in hide to the left of the feeding ground.

I had a clear view of them in the hide from my tower hide, see photo.

The owner of the Farm was in the process of making a Blue-ray DVD of the Red Kites, and about ten minutes before feeding time he walked out onto the feeding ground to place a small camera on the ground near where the food would be placed. He covered it with straw so that it wasn't obvious to the onlookers. He then came up the tower hide and placed a similar camera on the balcony of the hide. He explained to me what he was doing and that he had already recorded the main film and now wanted some closeup footage to cut into the main film.

Then at 3pm the main event started, he drove the tractor out onto the field and spread out all the meat in different areas to allow everyone to have closeup views of the spectacle.

The Crows, Rooks, Jackdaws and Ravens were the first to descend along with two Buzzards, one normal Buzzard and very pale Buzzard. The Red Kites were all around and a couple of brave ones came in for a morsel of food, but the majority stayed high up and waited.

One of the first Red Kites to arrive was the very rare "White" Red Kite, there are only three in the UK, and only one at Gigrin. It looks very pale and I was told is the result of in breeding within the still fairly limited wild stock. It was so pale it looked like a negative in some of my photos.

After about ten-fifteen minutes the crows etc. had had their fill and stage cleared for the Red Kites. There were a couple of extra Buzzards that came in, picked up meat and flew off again but the main two stayed gorging themselves. The Red Kites came in waves, once one brave soul decided to come in for meat, they were usually followed by up to a dozen or so others in a continual swoop, then they would disappear for a while and others would come in, usually in a different area of the feeding ground.

After about half to three quarters of an hour the place grew very quite, the Buzzards seem to have had their fill as they sat on fence posts and digested their meal, the Crows etc. had mostly gone now and the only birds still feeding were the Ravens, there were quite a few, I reckon about twenty or so were feeding at various locations. However because most of the action had now stopped the hides started emptying, if only they had waited..

Now was the time that the majority of the Red Kites came in to feed, they came and swooped for the meat, never landing, and eating the meat on the wing. Several did come in and sit in the trees that surround the arena, and one unusually actually landed allowing some great photos.

I stayed in the tower hide for about three hours, the rest of the family went off and had tea and cakes, leaving me to do my own thing...

By 4.30pm it started to rain and I packed up, and joined the family for a cup of tea.

I took about 750 photos in total, some crap but mostly ok ones. A couple of the better photos are shown here. Even more are on my picasa photo album site.

The day didn't disappoint, it lived up to all my expectations, the numbers of Red Kites weren't huge, I was told there were approx. 190 that day, most had gone away to nest, apparently when the snow was around in January there were over 700 Red Kites coming to be fed, must have been quite a sight.

Now was the time that the majority of the Red Kites came in to feed,

I'm back from Wales with lots of photos

2010-07-05T19:04:00.006+01:00

Great Spot in a dead pine tree at the rear of the cottage garden

This Buzzard landed in the same dead pine tree

Siskin

Big surprise was seeing this Wheatear out on the moorland

My first ever male Pied Flycatcher

The town centre of Rhayader

Julie, Amy and Andy beside the River Elan

Stunning views from the Cottage garden

more views

Sunday 27th June

Our first full day at "The Clyn" this is the name of our cottage for the week in the Elan Valley, Rhayader Powys Wales. During breakfast the feeders outside the windows were full of young Blue & Great Tits, Siskins and Chaffinches. We even had a Nuthatch come to the feeder.

We went for a walk with "Millie & Murphy" Amy's Jack Russell and Weimaraner over the moorland near the cottage. As we climbed up the hills I was very surprised to see a couple of Wheatears. We saw a Mistle Thrush, many Meadow Pipits, Buzzards and distant Red Kites so all looked good for the forthcoming days.

Then we went into Rhayader to have a look around and find some Sunday lunch mmmm!

We walked along the River Elan and found a lovely area for a future picnic.

We settled on the Elan Hotel for a carvery lunch, it was superb.

Back to "The Clyn" we had drinks and relaxed in the hot sunshine in the garden.

A great first day.

Last posting before Wales

2010-06-25T19:47:00.006+01:00

male Red-Backed Shrike at RCPGC

Common Whitethroat

Distant view of the Purple Heron

Common Darter Dragonfly

Spotted Flycatcher

Small Skipper

5-spot Burnet

Green Sandpiper

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly on the Southern

Marsh Orchid in front of the Restharrow Scrape Hide

Well I've been very lazy lately and not updated my blog for quite a while, so I thought I had better show some of the highlights from the last couple of days.

Firstly on Wednesday after seeing Steve Rays fantastic photos, I thought I had to try to see the Red-Backed Shrike myself. So straight after work I went down to the Royal Cinque Ports GC and after about an hour of searching and nearly giving up, I found it. A superb male, my first, I have only ever seen juveniles before. He was always quite distant not allowing any close photos but still I am quite pleased with the results.

Thursday was the first day of my annual leave, so not to waste it I went to Dungeness to try to see the Purple Heron. The reserve was full of small birds, Common Whitethroats, Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers everywhere. I started at the viewing ramp and after a about ten minutes a 'Heron' flew from far away to the left, it took me a while to distinguish what type of Heron it was, it was a Grey Heron, then a Heron shot up from the reeds to see of the Grey Heron and yes it was the Purple Heron, very distant but now I knew where they were.

I walked on round to the Dengemarsh Hide to try to get netter views. A Cuckoo was outside the hide singing away for ages. In the hide a pair of Common Terns had two chicks on the tern float in front of the hide. More photos taken.. I then saw a group of three Grey herons flying together over the back of Dengemarsh and eventually the Purple Heron rose again to see them off. At last some photos, albeit very distant. Thursday evening I went on a walk with some friends around Littlebourne, we managed to see some Spotted Flycatchers, a Little Owl and a Tawny Owl being harassed by Blackbirds and a Song Thrush. We also observed an amazing sight, Claire found a female Stag Beetle and almost immediately we started seeing male Stag Beetles flying around, there were quite a few males flying around, they are huge, Claire even managed to catch a male..mad!! It certainly was a sight I shall never forget.

This morning as usual I was awake at 5.45am so decided to go and see if the Red-Backed Shrike was still around. So a quick breakfast and of down to the Golf Club, I searched for ages but no luck, I was later told that it hadn't been seen since Thursday morning. So I went to the Restharrow Scrape to see what was about. Initially nothing much, then after about ten minutes a Green Sandpiper arrived and gave good views on the island in front of the hide.

Another new bird for the year for me, so a good few days had and hopefully more to come, as tomorrow me and the family are off to Mid-Wales for the Red Kites.

next posting should be good.. I hope !!

SBBOT Sunday walk for Dragonflies

2010-06-14T19:48:00.000+01:00

smart male Swallow on the telephone wire

Blue-tailed Damselfly

mating pair of Common Blue

Damselflies

Scarce Chaser Dragonfly with dodgy wing

same Scarce Chaser Dragonfly

Yellow flag Irises

another view of the Scarce Chaser

Holly Blue Butterfly

I decided to join Dave Kirkaldie on his Dragonfly walk on Sunday morning, there were a few other hopeful souls as well. We walked from the Obs, seeing the Swallow perched on the wired outside the farm, down the worth track stopping first by the North Stream, where we found lots of Common-Blue and Azure Damselflies but no Dragonflies. Trouble was the sun refused to come out so there was little chance of many Dragonflies.

We walked on through Worth to the Delf Stream, where we immediately found a Common Chaser Dragonfly. It was either very cold or just emerged as it allowed firstly close photos and then one of the brave souls picked it up and it seemed quite happy. It did have a dodgy wing, three wings were laid flat as normal but one was vertical maybe not formed correctly after emerging. As we walked on further we became more interested in the birds as there weren't any other Dragonflies about.

On the return walk we saw a pair of Yellowhammers, a pair of Turtle Doves, a Cuckoo and also hearing a Lesser Whitethroat. As we walked past the North Stream on the return journey we found a pair of Emperor Dragonflies patrolling the stream.

A very pleasant morning.

Brent Goose at Restharrow Scrape 06-06-10

2010-06-06T11:55:00.001+01:00

Brent Goose

Restharrow Scrape 06-06-10

I popped down to the Scrape this morning to see what was about and found this Brent Goose busy eating grass outside the hide. I personally have never seen a Brent Goose at the Scrape before, so it was quite exiting to witness this rare event.

I've certainly never been so close to a Brent Goose before and I took full advantage with the camera. Lots of photographers were turning up as I left, I stating "it's only another bloody Brent Goose we get hundreds", but I bet they are never this close!!

2010-06-04T16:18:00.000+01:00

Common Tern

pair of Mediterranean Gulls

Nesting Black-headed Gulls

Sandwich Tern with a large Fish

Med Gull almost

Common Tern

Avocet

Common Tern just landing on a post

Meadow Pipit with nesting material

Rye Harbour Nature reserve 03-06-10

The pictures show some of the highlights of this great reserve. I spent about three hours there on Thursday morning. The hides revealed masses of nesting Black-headed Gulls, with Common Terns and Med Gulls intermingled. There was also a large colony of breeding Sandwich Terns and I spent quite a while trying to photograph them in flight, not easy as they are quite quick.

Walked all around the reserve and there were a few other birds like Sedge Warblers, Whitethroats, a Song Thrush, several Avocets, a few Redshank and a Green Woodpecker.

A lovely reserve, this is my first visit in the breeding season and it is quite a spectacle.

2010-06-03T15:38:00.000+01:00

Update on Black-tailed Godwit

Just had an email from Pete Potts

"Many thanks for godwit sighting and nice photo LWY OLO (ring no. EW71109) was ringed at Levington, Orwell Est, Suffolk on 15/11/09 as juv M seen at Trimley, Felixstowe on 15/12/09. It has been seen a few times this spring at Oare Marshes"

"Well there you go you all know as much as me now!"

Black-tailed Godwits at Oare Marshes

2010-05-29T21:51:00.000+01:00

Avocet feeding voraciously

Three Black-tailed Godwits fly off

Black-tailed Godwit in full summer plummage

A fine looking group

Another view of the Godwits

The Godwit with the colour rings

I had a couple of hours at Oare Marshes this morning, weather wasn't brilliant, cloudy and quite windy, so no Bearded Tits were found. There were many Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers singing around the reserve. Three Avocets were feeding near the approach road allowing some photos, but always into the sun, bright sky.

A large group of Black-tailed Godwits were feeding in the the far corner of the reserve, never very close but some beautiful specimens, in their summer plumage.

It wasn't until I got home that I found that one of the Godwits has a set of coloured rings on it's legs. They were Green-White-Yellow on its Left leg and Orange-Green-Orange on its Right leg.

I have sent some emails off to various people in the hope of finding out more about where this colour ring scheme is being run, why and if poss. some history of this bird. We wait and see..

New life at the Scrape

2010-05-28T06:29:00.000+01:00

Evening stroll around the Sandwich Bay Bird Obs area, I saw this dog Fox patrolling his area. He didn't see me for quite a while, then had quite a shock seeing me with the camera pointed at him, he didn't hang around after that.

These newly hatched Coot chicks were being well looked after at the Scrape. Ugly little b*ggers aren't they.

Still what with the six Canada geese chicks and these two Coot chicks breeding seems to be quite successful so far! Lets hope the Oystercatchers and Lapwings are successful too.

Fed up of Canterbury

2010-05-21T14:40:00.000+01:00

It's not fair, the weather is fantastic and I'm sat in the office at work.
Looking out of my window on the fourth floor of Becket House, i can see across the city to the Cathedral, it looks very warm. It's a bit chilly in here in the air-con'd office, but i know where I'd rather be. Just a few more hours to while away until I can get out in that sunshine.
We do get a few birds fly past, half a dozen Swifts flew around this morning, the usual Herring Gulls, occational LBB Gull and Common Gull.
We even have a pair of Blue Tits nesting in the roof of the building.
Can you tell " I don't want to be here"
Proper service will resume soon.....

Sand Martin Colony 13-05-10

2010-05-15T18:33:00.000+01:00

Sand Martin pair taken from the top

of the cliff hanging over the edge

These two are enjoying the evening sunshine

in their new home

Busy excavating

Caught you

Taking turns at excavating

Action shot

Aerial acrobatics

I'm a star !!

more acrobatics

On Thursday evening I went to Reculver to see the Sand Martin Colony, I left work at 5pm and went straight there. The traffic was horrendous as usual leaving Canterbury, so didn't get to Reculver till 5.35pm, a quick filled roll in the car, then out with the camera.

I walked along the top of the cliffs to start with, stopping to try for some photos by laying on the grass and hanging over the edge, not such a good idea, the Martins are just too quick.

So I turned back and walked along under the cliff, I found myself a good vantage point and waited for the Sand Martins to return.

It was obvious that a lot of the sand cliffs had collapsed over the winter and most of the old nest sites had disappeared.

The Sand Martins had stared excavating new nest holes and surprisingly (well to me it was) the new ones were very close to each other.

The Martins soon returned and were obviously paired up as most were flying about in close pairs and either came to one of the new or old holes or were busy still excavating new nests.

I started taking photos, they are so fast! and eventually got a few reasonable shots.

Well soon it was time to leave and join up with some friends of mine for a walk around the Reculver area and a quick drink in the pub.

I eventually got home at 10.20pm, her indoors was not impressed, as she was asleep when I left for work at 6.45am and asleep again when I got home.. Oh dear!

Trip to Backsand Scrape

2010-05-09T20:27:00.000+01:00

Snipe outside hide at Restharrow Scrape

juv Cormorant at Backsand Scrape

Linnet along track to Backsand

predated Moorhen egg

Expedition to Backsand Scrape 09-05-10

On route to Backsand this morning, I stopped off at Restharrow Scrape to see what was around, as usual not a lot apart from the new Canada Geese family and a single Snipe. The Snipe wasn't particularly close but a few reasonable shots were taken.

Then off on the long trudge to Backsand Scrape. A distant Cuckoo was heard a few times as I walked along and there were many Skylarks possibly as many as thirty.

On arrival at the right hand hide, because the wind was from behind it, the view was .... not a lot.

A total of six pairs of Greylag Geese, One pair of Canada Geese, four pairs of Shelduck and a pair of Oystercatchers on eggs. A few Swallows and House Martins visited the Scrape on their way north and a few Lapwings on the fields adjacent were the sum of it. I did take a few photos as usual, the light was pretty awful so most were binned, but a few are attached.

A 1st year Cormorant came in and had a good swim around, then coming out onto the island in front of the hide to dry out. You can just about see that it had started to moult out some of his flight feathers, new primary feathers can be seen in the wings.

On the walk back several Linnet, Meadow Pipit and of course Skylark were seen and the Cuckoo was heard and then seen flying across to the trees near the new pool at New Downs. I came across an egg along the track, it was empty, obviously predated by something. I thought it might be a Lapwing egg, but later discovered it was a Moorhen egg. I decided to try to track the Cuckoo down and walked back to New Downs and then along to the new pool. The Cuckoo was calling on and off most of the way. I suspected it was in some trees just behind the pool, I slowly walked around to try to get in position to photograph it when it must have seen me and flew away back across the pool towards Lookers Cottage (I think it's called) it called once more and then no more. So I called it a day and went home, calling in to the Obs to give the egg to Patrick for the WEX group, I thought it might be of interest to them.

Final bird of the day was this Common Whitethroat well hidden near to Lookers Cottage.

Grove Ferry evening walk

2010-05-05T20:22:00.000+01:00

Great-crested Grebe from Green Hide

Light disappearing from Green Hide

Grove Ferry on Tuesday evening 04-05-10

This was the first evening walk on the SBBOT Tuesday outdoor program, we all met up in the car park and set of to the ramp at about 7pm. It was freezing brrrr. The reed beds and main lake in front of the ramp were alive with Swallows, House Martins, Sand Martins and Hundreds of Swifts. They were all feeding low down close to the water and reeds, we assume this is because of the cold weather that the insects were low down too. It was a spectacular sight though. We also was a Marsh Harrier and a single Bearded Tit.

Then it was off to the Green hide (sorry David Feast hide), the sun was directly into the windows so visibility wasn't good. A Great-crested Grebe was just about the only bird on the water, although another Marsh Harrier was seen. We then marched off to the Harrison hide, it wasn't much better there either. There was a Grey Heron in the pond to the right and a Mute Swan, there were five or six Coot on the scrape in front of the hide but not a lot else. The Swifts were feeding like maniacs over the water in front of the hide and there was a noisy Cetti's Warbler in the bush to the right of the hide.

After seeing the flooded paths and fields the decision was reached to walk back to the Green Hide. It was a good decision because not long after we sat down in the hide a Barn Owl was spotted hunting along the river. It was magical watching this beautiful bird going about it's business. There was a Swan and a couple of Mallard in front of the hide and the Great-creasted Grebe was still around. The light was fading fast so when the Owl was lost to view we all left. Only to find the Owl was feeding near the ramp.

A quiet evening birding wise and a bl**dy cold one, but it's always good to get out.

New Downs for the Purple Heron

2010-05-03T14:33:00.000+01:00

Swallow in the rain (it's almost in focus)

Pair of Wheatears

male Wheatear

female Wheatear

Monday 03-05-10 New Downs and Mary Bax

After chatting to Steve Ray in the hide at Restharrow Scrape, in a bitter and wet northerly wind, I went to New Downs Farm area to see if the elusive Purple Heron would put in an appearance for me. Well unsurprisingly it didn't, and I had a very cold and windy walk down to the St Georges reservoir and the small pond and back. There were lots of Swallows and House Martins feeding around the reservoir, on which were several pairs of Tufted Duck and apparently yesterday a male Goldeneye, but I didn't see it today. There was a Greylag Goose, a pair of Coot and a Little grebe on the pond but nothing else to get exited about.

On my return to my car I met up with Ian Hodgson and had a quick chat as the rain returned. Then the SBBOT land rover arrived with Bill, Les and Claire onboard on their way to do some conservation work at Backsand scrape.

As I started my journey home I met Steve A driving to New Downs on a similar quest, however he didn't take much convincing to turn around and go home.

I decided to stop along the Ancient highway near Mary Bax to see if I could photograph a Meadow Pipit or Skylark and I did manage a couple of Skylark snaps. Then a nice surprise was to see a pair of Wheatears male and female feeding across the field on some mounds of turf. I assume they had just arrived and were feeding up for the next stage of their journey. Wouldn't it be nice if they bred there. I did also manage a Sand Martin which is my 171st bird of the year.

Stodmarsh

2010-05-01T21:43:00.000+01:00

Garden Warbler at Stodmarsh

Garden Warbler

Treecreepers at their nest site

just checking to see if it's still raining

Stodmarsh Saturday 01-05-10

Only had a couple of ours early this morning, as today being my wedding anniversary, I promised to take her indoors out for the day. I'm soo good..

I decided to go to Stodmarsh to try to find a Garden Warbler. I walked through the Alder wood and along the Lampern Wall through to the "jungle" near the river and soon heard a couple of Garden Warblers. I managed a couple of photo's before they flew off, as I turned to walk back a Kingfisher flew down the path in front of me, quite a rarity these days. I saw three Bullfinches, several Blackcaps and lots of Whitethroats. I had another couple of new birds for the year as well as the Garden Warbler, I saw three Common Terns on the main Stodmarsh lake, and I saw a Turtle Dove in the Alder Wood. I also managed to photograph a pair of Treecreepers busy at their nest site.

One of the quickest visits ever but a very successful one.

Scrape and Mary Bax

2010-05-01T21:05:00.000+01:00

Cracking Sedge Warbler in full song

Common Whitethroat hiding in the gorse

Corn Bunting

Little Grebe with "lunch"

Oystercatchers maintaining the gene pool

Swallow over the scrape

female Wigeon

Friday 30-04-10

Started the day by parking near the gorse just north of the chequers, and walking along the track to the rear of the gorse. The place was alive with birds, mainly Linnets, Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers. There was a Cuckoo heard over worth Marshes, there were also several Swallows heading north over the golf course. I then moved on to the scrape, nothing out of the ordinary, apart from there was a female Wigeon. The lone Gadwall seems to have paired up with the Wigeon, or at least they are good friends.

The resident Oystercatchers were making sure the breed didn't become extinct, or at least whiling away the boredom.

There were several Swallows and House Martins over the Scrape and the Elms, and at least four Swifts went through.

In the afternoon I went to Preston Court Farm, to join the SBBOT Friday club's walk. It's a great place to walk, traversing several sheep / horse fields down to a couple of small woods and then ending up at Seaton Pits. There were lots of Swallows, Linnets and the usual woodland birds. Star bird was Nightingale, we must have heard at least eight and saw two. We also saw a couple of Blackcaps, Herons and a glorious Common Buzzard soaring over the fields. Preston Court Farm was a lovely place to visit, and the company was superb.

New bird for the Garden List

2010-04-25T18:50:00.000+01:00

An early morning start, I was down at the Scrape by 6.30am. Surprisingly there was another car parked outside. As I entered the hide a guy was busy taking photos, with a lens larger than mine, I asked him what he'd seen and the reply was birds...don't know what they are just birds mate... Needless to say after a quick scan around the the site, I left.

I decide to go to the Obs to park and walk down the track to the railway line. I met Sue and Paul busily sorting the previous nights moths, and I was off.

First bird I came across was a superb male Yellow Wagtail sat on the fence to the left of the track near the North Stream. He allowed a few photos and then was off.

I carried on through the track between the Blackthorns and Hawthorns and soon came across Linnets, Common Whitethroat, Cetti's Warblers and even a pair of Bullfinches.

On the return back from the railway to the Obs I found a Wheatear and my first Lesser Whitethroat of the year. I did try to get some photos, but although I found four of them in various places, they are extremely difficult to photograph, as they wouldn't come out of the centre of the bushes. By now the sun had gone in and I made my way home.

male Yellow Wagtail

Yellowhammer

Lesser Whitethroat

Whilst sat at home having lunch before we went to a Christening at St Mary's Church Walmer, I noticed a small bird flitting about in our twisted willow in the front garden. On closer inspection I was very surprised to find it was a Common Whitethroat. I quickly grabbed the camera and managed four quick shots before he scooted of across the road.

I never thought I would ever see a Whitethroat in our garden, brilliant.

Common Whitethroat

Dungeness RSPB

2010-04-24T21:20:00.000+01:00

Common Gull

One of the 7 Wheatears I saw today

Yellow Wagtail along the return trail

Cetti's Warbler from the viewing ramp

Sedge Warbler

Greylag Goose at Dengemarsh hide

Wheatear

Bird of the day a Spoonbill

my first Reed Warbler of the year

Today I went to Dungeness RSPB reserve, I arrived at 7.15am and walked to the ARC hide. There were Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats singing and displaying everywhere. I also heard a Cuckoo calling from the viewing screen direction. I checked out the hide not much in front of the hide only Gulls and Mute Swans. A nice Common Gull deserved to be snapped. I didn't stay in the hide long, and walked along the willow trail, hearing but not seeing a Blackcap. On the return along the main path towards the carpark, I noticed two Wheatears in the desert area.

I walked around to the viewing screen and glimpsed the Cuckoo disappearing through the trees on the left of the path.

Eventually the main RSPB site opened and I parked at visitor centre, I decided to walk back and do the return trail first, there were lots of Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats around and midges and Mossies, millions of them. Just around the next corner I came across a fine female Yellow Wagtail sitting in the bushes, she allowed several snaps before departing. I then walked around to the viewing ramp and a very obliging Sedge Warbler sang very close to the bench, I also saw a pair of Cetti's Warblers who allowed a quick photo.

Then onto the Dengemarsh hide braving the clouds of midges only to find not a lot. However persistence paid off when a Bittern flew across the reeds at the very back of the pools, near the farm buildings. On towards the Christmas Dell hide where another Wheatear was sitting on a dead tree stump allowing some close photos. Around to the New Excavations hoping to see the beautiful Slavonian Grebes but they were nowhere to be found.

However a real bonus today was found at the Makepeace hide, a Spoonbill was sleeping out in the middle of the lake, to far really for photos, as the view was almost directly into the mid morning sun, but a few record shots were taken, as you would expect...

On back towards the visitors centre and I came across a Reed Warbler singing it's heart out near the dipping pool, another very grateful photo opportunity taken. Then home, well almost, when I got back to the car I noticed a Tree Sparrow feeding on the feeders near the toilet block.

As I drove back along the main driveway I saw two more Wheatears both males.

Tally for the day was 56 birds, another good day, I seem to be having a few of these lately.

SBBOT Boat Trip Sunday 18-04-10

2010-04-18T21:09:00.000+01:00

This male Green Woodpecker appeared on our front lawn, whilst I was checking my computer this morning, luckily I had my camera to hand and quickly took a couple of photos before he noticed me. These shots must be some of the best Green Woodpecker shots I have taken so far.

Then I was off to the Quay at Sandwich to join the SBBOT Boat trip down the River Stour. It was a fantastic day for a river trip, but there wasn't a lot of birds around. We travelled for ages before we saw a Redshank and the only bird of prey was a Kestrel.

We did see three Common Sandpipers, a few Oystercatchers and eventually 15-20 Redshanks.

The best sighting was a pair of Bar-tailed Godwits in there breeding plumage, they looked stunning, the photos don't do them justice..

Two new birds for the year were seen today, Whimbrel have arrived from Africa and quite a few were seen today. The second new bird today was a House Martin flying around the Pfizer site.

Two Whimbrel

A flock of Redshank and a couple of Dunlin

There were two Grey Herons one adult and one juvenile

The sad thing for most of the people on board the river boat was that there were no Common Seals on the sand banks. We did see a couple of heads bob up in the river but no great views were had today.

A good day all in all, back in time to hear that Arsenal lost to Wigan, it's been a great weekend.

Barn Owl at Sandwich Bay

2010-04-17T21:46:00.000+01:00

Barn Owl in the evening sunshine

Barn Owl

Barn Owl hunting

Barn Owl Hunting

Home with an evening meal

Saturday evening Barn Owl watch

Thought I would go to Sandwich Bay to see if the Barn Owl that I saw Thursday was still around. Left home at 6.15pm and almost immediately on arriving at the site, the Barn Owl appeared. He spent the best part of an hour hunting unsuccessfully around the fields, making several dives but never appearing with a meal. He flew around giving distant views most of the time, occasionally getting a bit closer, but his hearing is so good as soon as the shutter clicked on my camera he would look up and then fly away.

But I did manage a few fairly good photos, well I'm pleased with them anyway..

Eventually he caught what looked like a mouse and flew over at quite a height back to his nest.

I waited ten mins but he didn't reappear. Still another successful trip.

Clowes Wood Crossbills

2010-04-10T16:07:00.000+01:00

male Crossbill

female Crossbill

pair of Crossbills

male Crossbill taking a drink

Friday's weather forecast was so good I decided to take the day off and get out with my camera. My gout has subsided and feeling that I had some catching up to do, I set of early (as usual) and first, called to Clowes Wood to see if I could see the Crossbills. Well you know my luck, I usually miss everything, but within fifteen minutes of arriving I saw one. Amazing, this is a lifer for me. Camera went into overdrive. Soon this individual was joined by a small flock and there must have been nine or ten around. After a bit they disappeared and I walked on seeing a couple of Goldcrests, lots of Chiffchaffs and my first Willow Warbler of the year.

On the return trip to the car I passed the same place where the Crossbills had been and low and behold they were back. This time they were much lower in the pines and as I snapped away a few came down to drink in one of the large puddles. Then they were off and I carried on back to the car. I did see a few Coal Tits and Long-tailed Tits along the way. Feeling very pleased with myself I set off for Thornden Wood to see if there were any Nuthatches around. After a long walk in which the camera didn't fire once, I was back in the car and off to Stodmarsh.

Stodmarsh was stunning in the spring sunshine, there were Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps everywhere. I even managed to photograph a Cetti's Warbler, which was quite pleasing as they are not the easiest bird to see let alone photograph.

I did the circuit around the reserve, getting soaked along the central drove between Grove and the Marsh Hide. The Marsh Hide was quite good, there were Lapwings, Snipe and at least two pairs of Marsh Harriers around. I even witnessed a male Marsh Harrier making a kill, well a Marsh Frog.. It then flew off with the frog in it's talons and did a mid air pass to the female. All very exiting. I walked on back to Stodmarsh and managed to see my first Sedge Warbler for the year. This was one of special days that I will remember for a long time.

Bank Holiday Blues

2010-04-05T17:31:00.000+01:00

I am struggling to walk any distance at the moment as my gout has returned with a vengeance, so although driving isn't easy I wasn't going to stay indoors. So a short drive across to the scrape was the order of the day. Sadly nothing much to report, the wind had turned from yesterday so it was more sheltered in the hide. The only highlight was my third Swallow of the year. The resident pair of Canada Geese entertained me for a while, whilst they had their daily bath. They do get into some strange positions and completely submerge at times. A few photos taken but thats about it. Home to rest ha.. ha.. I should be so lucky. Hopefully next weekend might be better, for my gout if not the weather.

Female Mandarin at the Scrape

2010-04-02T20:36:00.000+01:00

Decided to have an early morning look at Restharrow Scrape today, as a female Mandarin Duck had been seen yesterday. On arrival, there was nothing unusual except for a Redshank, which is the first wader other than Snipe that I have seen on the Scrape for ages.

Then I spotted the Mandarin duck over the far left hand side of the scrape. She immediately left the water and hid around the rear of the mound on the left side of the scrape. Then she reappeared and climbed up the mound, stopping in the lea of the wind for a time. Then she joined up with a female Mallard and followed her all over the mound, and disappeared for quite a while over the back. The two Canada Geese then after a short swim, took off for a feed on the fields. Soon the Mandarin reappeared and seemed to be in a hurry, she rushed downing the slope and back into the water, had a quick wash and brush up, and then took off, doing a circuit of the scrape and exiting left the hide, never to be seen again !!!

There was a Merlin that shot across the scrape from the road but I managed to miss this photo opportunity. Still another tick for the year.

The Little Grebes were performing well in front of the hide, they are such stunning little birds you can't help but photograph them..again and again.

Photography course

2010-03-27T18:45:00.000Z

Part of the North Stream

Two Hares seen at distance on Worth Marshes

Catkins

Chiffchaff

Comma

Ladybird

Buzzard

Today I attended a photography workshop at SBBOT. It was run by professional photographer Ian Green. He is a very amiable and knowledgeable guy, he spent a while with each of us answering different questions that each person wanted / needed to know.

He taught me a few things that I wasn't aware of, like how to use the depth of field button on the side of my Canon 50D. I didn't even know the button was there !!!

We walked around the Elms and down to the Scrape in the morning, and around Worth marshes in the afternoon. The weather was kind to us, in fact it was very warm in the morning and hence a couple of Butterflies were seen. A Comma, Peacock and Red Admiral were all seen.

I managed a couple of photos of the Firecrest, Chiffchaffs and Long-tailed Tits, however the Firecrest photos weren't up to much.

When we left the Obs. in the morning a Common Buzzard flew low over the Obs. building but I was a bit slow and only got photos after the event.

We even saw two Brown Hares and a Kingfisher in the afternoon, so a very nice day was had by all of us.

2010-03-26T16:50:00.000Z

Little Grebe at the Scrape

Marsh Harrier at Grove

Well all good intentions and all that, my decision to go to East Blean Woods proved to be a non event. I did see Treecreepers, two Chiffchaffs and the normal two Woodpeckers but no Lesser's. Never mind one day I'll see one..I hope.

So I gave in after good walk round and popped into Grove Ferry. Not a lot around here either, only a pair of Marsh Harriers displaying to each other, and a Little Grebe outside the Feast Hide. Only stayed an hour and then did some chores...shopping in Canterbury.

Called in to the Scrape on the way home, chatted to some very pleasant people. There was a bit around, a pair of Canada Geese, a pair of Shelduck and three Little Grebes. Along with the usual ducks and Coots etc. Star bird for me was a Swallow, my first of the year.

Then home to play with my Grandson Jack..

Sunday 21-03-10 Wheatears at last

2010-03-21T15:43:00.000Z

Female / imm. Black Redstart

male Wheatear

male Reed Bunting

Two outings today in different climates.

First thing this morning I went to the Cliffs at St. Margaret's to see if any Wheatears had arrived. It was cold, drizzly and breezy as I walked from the Monument to the houses on The Leas at Kingsdown and back. I saw a pair of Peregrine Falcons, many Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. Had a bit of a shock on the return trip when a sudden blast of noise startled me, it was a Peregrine that had obviously dived down at a Meadow Pipit and veered off at the last second above my head. Needless to say I missed this photo opportunity!! A bit further back towards the Monument I saw my first Chiffchaffs of the year, three of them flitting along the bushes on the cliff edge. Again no photos.

For the first time in ages I never took a single shot...very poor. Back home by 8.30am and then off to the boot fair at Tilmanstone, complete waste of time but we did see 4 Red-legged Partridges in the middle of Willow Rd walking along holding all the traffic up.

I ventured out again late morning, and went over to the Obs. to see what had been seen.

There was a Brambling in the bushes outside the Obs. which was another tick for the year.

Ian said there were Wheatears and 2 Black Redstarts over by the Sailing Club, so off I went.

I parked near Dickson's Corner in warm sunshine and walked up to the seafront and along past the Sailing Club. As I approached the first field I scanned the area to see what was about. Straight away I saw a Wheatear, very distant but good enough. As I was searching the area I noticed that Steve Ray was also there at the other end of the field. We had a good chat and saw quite a few Wheatears up to seven at one time. The Wheatears were always distant though, and decent photos were impossible. So we decided to sneak through the broken down fence and crawl along to see if we could get closer to them. One obliging Wheatear stayed within reasonable distance but all the rest fled. Still a couple of better photos were obtained.

We walked back chatting away, and Steve pointed out the Black Redstarts the male disappeared before any photos could be obtained but the female / imm. stayed around the chimney pots of the big house. (Restharrow I think)

As we walked back through the Elms we listened and eventually found a Firecrest just by the entrance gate. We parted here Steve back to the Obs. and me back to my car.

Another pleasant morning, and three more ticks for the year.. not bad.

Firecrests in the Elms

2010-03-20T15:08:00.000Z

Firecrest

As our two grand-daughters slept over and had us up and awake at 5.30am, I decided on an early escape, and went down to the scrape to see if anything was around. There wasn't much only a Little Grebe, which I hadn't seen before.

So I walked along to the Elms to see if the Firecrests were still around. I bumped into Peter Gasson, who did the talk on Spitzbergen on Thursday evening. He was snapping away at the Firecrests he had found three of them in the far left hand corner of the Elms.

We had a nice chat and chased the Firecrests all down the left hand side. The sun was out which helped tremendously with the shot capabilities, and I managed a few quite good pics.

Peter had to leave at 9am to get to Twickenham before going home, so I left then too.

Another good day..

Firecrests and Marsh Tits

2010-03-20T14:27:00.000Z

Firecrest at Kingsdown

Marsh Tit at Bossenden Wood

The weather forecast was dry for most of the morning and wet later, so I was up with the lark out. Firstly a quick look in at the Kingsdown Cliffs to see if the Firecrests that Steve Ray had seen a couple of days earlier were still there. No sign of any Wheatears along there but about half way along the path I came across the two Firecrests. They were very hard to photograph as they were feeding in and around the the scrub brambles, they are so quick.. Anyway I took plenty of shots and thought I would sort them when I got home.

So off to Bossenden Wood near Dunkirk to see if I could hear and see a Lesser spotted Woodpecker, well I didn't.. I did walk right through the wood and back and saw quite a few different birds, all the Tit family that you would expect, Great, Blue, Long-tailed, Coal and Marsh. At the end of the walk as I was coming back to the road I saw a Firecrest (Haven't seen one all year, and then see them in two different places on the same day)

Couldn't get any photos as I couldn't get close enough. So I walked back to the car and in doing so came across three dodgy characters by the name of Steve Ashton, Steve Ray and Mike Gould, they had the Marsh Tits coming to a fallen tree trunk that they had plied with peanuts and seed.

I blagged my way in to this paparazzi shoot, and got some good pictures.

We had some fun and some good banter and then they left to try to catch up with Firecrest that I had seen. So I made hay and had the Marsh Tits to myself for half an hour until the rain started in earnest.

A great day was had and some unexpected fun.

2010-03-13T16:49:00.000Z

A nice day for a boat trip on the river Stour, on the monthly SBBOT trip. An 8am start seemed a good time to see lots of birds, the reality was a bit different. Although we saw plenty of species there were no great numbers of each.

One of the first birds we saw was the over-wintering Common Sandpiper which must be a hardly individual to survive this winter. There were as usual lots of Redshank along the river and Oystercatchers, many now seemingly paired up. At least 11 Little Grebes were seen and there was one Knot and one Bar-tailed Godwit near the river mouth.

The Common Seal numbers were quite good with 19 in the river and another 4 at least in the sea off the point. They posed well on the return journey, so just had to take a few snaps.

A great trip with some good friends made for a great outing.

On arriving home, Julie had found a male Pheasant in the back garden, (new for the garden list..ha ha) Some more photos taken, well you wouldn't expect anything less, would you..

Photos will be on my Flickr site.

Cumbria Trip with SBBOT (days 5 & 6)

2010-03-11T20:27:00.000Z

Snow Capped Mountains

Rock Pipits Heysham Power Station

Twite

Twite flock

Day 5 - Heysham for the Twite

After an early morning walk around the Arneside Knott seeing the beautiful sunrise, and the snow covered mountains around the lakes. The highlights we saw were Marsh Tits, Willow Tits and Bullfinches. Also a Red-legged Partridge was spotted which was the only one for the trip.

Today we went down the coast to Heysham Harbour in Lancs. We started at a caravan park next to Heysham Nuclear Power Station, we watched the tide come in over the salt marsh, it was a very high tide and it put up everything including several Snipe, 3 Jack Snipe, Oystercatchers and Redshanks.

Next we walked around the seaward side of the Power Station hoping to find Purple Sandpipers. There were two outfall "patches" in the sea, but unlike Dungeness there was very little activity, hardly any gulls. We eventually came across a derelict wooden pier that was home to lots of Turnstone, Redshank and two Purple Sandpiper. We walked on to the harbour wall and could see the Twite tantalising us on the far side of the harbour. We also saw a large flock of Knot twisting and turning along the coast.

After a bite to eat, we went around to the far sea wall of the harbour, well eventually, I think we missed the turning three times... When we arrived the others were enjoying views of the Twite and Med Gulls. The Heysham Bird Observatory had fed an area of the concrete harbour with Niger seed, the Twite (a flock of 41) had become used to feeding there and this made for some great photos.

These Twite we part of a recording scheme and most had coloured rings on their legs.

The Med Gulls flew around that part of the harbour wall and some good photos were taken.

After this great session, Bill, Claire and I decided we would go back to Cumbria and try to get some better views of the Dippers on the River Kent. We arriver 30 mins later and walked down the river bank until the Dippers were spotted. First birds were Grey Wagtails and then a pair of Dippers arrived. I managed to get down close to the river to get some reasonable shots.

It was lovely in the warm sunshine and a stunning end to our birding trip to Cumbria.

Day 6 - Homeward bound

We finally left Arneside Hostel at about 9.15am and headed south down the M6 counting Buzzards. We had decided to break the journey with a stop at Dinton Pastures near Reading, so a ride along the M40 was needed. Well the Red Kites didn't disappoint we counted 59 before we stopped, incredible.

Dinton Pastures is a country park, golf course and leisure complex, set around some huge lakes. We saw Goldeneye, Canada Geese and most duck varieties. At the far side of the complex was a smaller wildlife reserve, with a pond, feeder station and hides. Luckily we saw Redpoll on the niger feeder. It was a lovely if cold day but time rolls on and after a couple of hours we started our final journey home. I arrived home at about 7.30pm.

I think I was spoilt by the weather on this holiday, it certainly made for some great photo opportunities and all in all it was a fantastic trip. (snoring excepted)

Mediterranean Gull

male & female Dippers

Goldeneye at Dinton Pastures

Redpoll

Cumbria Trip with SBBOT (days 3 & 4)

2010-03-10T10:39:00.000Z

Arneside Hostel

Coastal view

View from Arneside Knott

Day 3 - Walk around Arneside

Sunday was a free day with most people deciding to go sightseeing around the Lakes. Bill,Claire, Bob and I decided we would go for walk to see the local area. So after a hearty breakfast we set off walking around the coastal past, having great views across to Grange-over-sands and the estuary. The day started sunny but soon clouded over, so not to bad for a walk. The past around the shore soon ran out and soon we were walking through the vast wooded area that surrounds this area. After a couple of hours we stopped for a bite to eat and a rest, on some rocks in a quiet bay on the far side of the peninsular. We had seen Curlew, Redshank, Goldeneye, Treecreeper and Marsh Tits by then. Soon we were off again and eventually found ourselves climbing up the steep slope of the "Arneside Knott".

After a quick breather at "base camp1" ha ha !! we carried on up and over the Knott and back down the far side, back into Arneside. Soon back at the Hostel for a cuppa. We then decided to go to Sizergh Castle to see if we could find the Hawfinches, some of the group had already been and had good views. Sizergh Castle was only fifteen minutes away so we were soon there. An hour and half later we still hadn't see the Hawfinches, so went home dejected..

That evening over dinner there were many tales of visiting the Lakes and surrounding areas and of course most people had seen the Hawfinches....

Day 4 - Hawfinches and Walney Island

The plan for today was to go to Walney Island, about 45 minutes drive from the hostel.

Bill, Claire and I decided that we MUST try to see the Hawfinches, so we went back to Sizergh Castle first which was on the way. After about fifteen minutes Claire spotted them and a very happy man started snapping away.

Soon we were off to Walney Island, the weather was absolutely superb, no wind and sunny, perfect for an island spit stuck out in the Irish sea.

We saw Red-breasted Mergansers, Barnacle Geese, Eider, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin and Grey Plovers along the shore and in the pools. But the main birds were Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a few Great Black-backed Gulls that were already paired up for breading. Thousands of them everywhere, quite a sight

Hawfinches at Sizergh Castle

R-B Mergansers and Eider at Walney Isand.

Cumbria Trip with SBBOT (days 1 & 2)

2010-03-08T18:41:00.000Z

Ruff

Whooper Swans

Just some of over 1000 Whooper Swans

Tree Sparrow

Whooper Swan close-up

Day 1 - Martin Mere WWT
Well, the long awaited day arrived, and at 5.30am Bill and Claire arrived to pick me up. It was raining and cold and the long journey began. After about two and a half hours we stopped along the A14 for us weak bladdered individuals. As we got out of the car at the services a Red Kite flew over our heads. Great start to the birding holiday.

We eventually arrived at Martin Mere WWT suitably sustained on Polo's, to find that most of the rest of the group had already arrived. It was still raining but but not too unpleasant.

We walked around the reserve and amazed at the huge flock of Whooper Swans still present, apparently 600 had already left but there were over 1100 still here, and made quite a spectacle a feeding time. We also saw Tree Sparrows, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits, Pintail and Pink-footed Geese. A good start. we left and travelled another hour and half to the Youth Hostel at Arneside.

A bun fight ensued for beds but all too soon we sat down to a great meal before an early night.

Day 2 - Leighton Moss RSPB reserve

Some of us rose early (some of us never slept, I thought I snored but some people are in a different league to me, I hope) we walked down to the Kent estuary (very apt) to check out what was around. We heard a Tawny Owl calling, and the Curlews and Redshanks were calling across the estuary. As the sun rose a beautiful pink sunrise greeted us, and I didn't have my camera... Back in time for breakfast, full english etc. superb. Then the itinerary for the day was agreed and we all set of for the nearby RSPB reserve of Leighton Moss.

Clear sky and no wind made our first day out very memorable. We walked down the central pathway to hear but not see Bearded Tits. We did see a Cetti Warbler and then the eerie sound of four Buzzards circling in the early morning sky, was fantastic. They hung around for quite a while calling to each other all the time. We walked on to the lower hide seeing a male Goldeneye, and plenty of ducks. Some lucky people saw a Goosander, but I missed that one. Just past the hide was a small wooded area which contained a Treecreeper, several Siskins and a couple of Redpolls.

Back to the hide to catch up with some of the other birders, and a quick sandwich. Just as I'm half way through the sandwich I see a Bittern flying past, dropped sandwich and picked up camera to get a fly away pic of a Bittern, Why? Why do they always fly past when you are not concentrating. Well we carried on it is a huge reserve, we saw Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Sparrowhawk, Great-spot, Goldcrest, a Peregrine Falcon and a nice surprise 4 Snow Geese. Also there were four male Red Deer sunning themselves near one of the hides. We left the main reserve and went to the additional two hides that are about a mile away, one of them being the Eric Morecambe Hide. From here we went to Warton Crag to see the Peregrine Falcons and to see the Ravens. A pair of Ravens have built a nest and the female was on it whilst we were there. Then back to the main reserve to watch the Starling spectacular. An estimated 100,000 Starlings gather at dusk to roost in the reed-beds. After a slow start the flock size got larger and larger, and the main event started. They twisted and turned making all sorts of shapes, it was a tremendous sight.

Two of the four Buzzards

The Bittern - missed again !!

The four Snow Geese

Four Red Deer Stags taking the sun

Starling Murmeration

2010-02-25T13:59:00.000Z

adult Mediterranean Gull with an almost full hood

adult Med Gull at take off

adult Med Gull just starting to grow it's hood

1st winter Med Gull

Carrion Crow

After looking at the great Med Gull photo's on Tony Morris's site, I thought as today is my last day before I go to Cumbria with the SBBOT, I would spend a while this morning going to Copt point to see if I could photograph them. I arrived in the dry and put a small bit of bread out. First to arrive were a couple of Carrion Crows. The Med Gulls were all over the far side, of the park. Then as seems to be normal lately, the rain started. The Med Gulls slowly came over but the Crows took all the bread. I managed a couple of photos of the Med Gulls when they got close enough, but it's not the same in the rain.

So I left, heading for Russell Gardens, hoping the rain would stop soon, so I could photograph the Grey Wagtails. Nope.. it was still raining, the Grey Wags were quite close but the area they were in was so dark, that all my photos were blurred. I'll try again when / if the sun ever comes out when I have a day off. No Blog now for a week or so whilst I'm in the Lake District, but I'll try to summarise the trip, hopefully with a few photos when I return.

A special day Friday 19-02-10

2010-02-20T08:16:00.000Z

Female Teal

Cormorant drying his wings

**Penduline Tit**

Bittern

Snow Bunting

Snow Buntings

Well this was one of those very special days. I thought I would go to Minnis Bay to see if I could find the Snow Buntings, so I set of and went via the Ancient highway to see if the Barnacle Geese were still there, they were so I took a couple of pics but it was very overcast and drizzling so they weren't that good. Still another tick for the year. I arrived at Minnis Bay, never been before, and started to walk towards the towers. Two large skeins of Brent Geese flew past probably 150-200 birds, which was nice, there were also large numbers of gulls on the sand / beach mostly juvenile Herring Gulls also BH Gulls and a few GBB Gulls. I walked for what seemed hours and arrived at the area known as Coldharbour, It was snowing now and I was frozen and wet, so was just about to give up when I spotted what looked like bits of white paper being blown along the ridge, on closer inspection they were of course Snow Buntings, but they were flying away from me all the time, so I back tracked and walked around the concrete wall well away from the birds until I got in front of them. I then managed to secret myself down next to the beach ridge and low and behold the buntings gradually flew towards me, giving me some great photos. It was quite surreal photographing Snow Buntings in a snow shower...

I decided to try Grove Ferry next to see if a Bittern would avail it's self for a photo.

I arrived and parked at Grove and found what looks like a Bus Shelter on the path to the reserve ?? As I walked towards the Feast Hide the new hide was in place by the dipping pool. On arrival Steve Ashton was sat in the Feast Hide and told me I had just missed a Bittern flying past the hide, as usual I'm too late.. but then a second Bittern walked out and along the edge of the reeds at the very back of the pool, so at last I got some photos. Whilst talking to Steve A a very small bird (Blue Tit size) flew over the hide and disappeared in the reeds well to the back of the pool. Steve said it could possibly have been the Penduline Tit as it was so small. Anyway about ten to fifteen minutes later I spotted it, the Penduline Tit, feeding on the lesser Reed Mace at the rear of the pool and called Steve Ashton to verify it. Yes!!! I had my first Penduline Tit and managed a couple of very distant but precious photos. It soon disappeared but I was a very happy man. Next whilst enjoying the moment and chatting to Steve, a male Hen Harrier flew along the river, sorry no photos.. Then right in front of the hide a Kingfisher flashed past along the small canal section, what a day.. There were lots of duck on the pool and I spent the next hour or so photographing Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard and a smart male Shoveler.

Couldn't wait to get home to see the photo's, a truly special day.

2010-02-14T16:05:00.000Z

Well today was one of the sunniest days for a long time, however I was stuck at home nursing a very sick wife. Our lovely grandson Jack has shared his illness with several people including the wife. During the morning i noticed a Coal Tit on our feeders, quite a rarity lately so quickly grabbed a couple of photos for the record. Later I managed an hour out when Julie felt a bit stronger. So I went to Kingsdown and waited by the rocks to see if the Black Redstart would appear. First to appear was a female Stonechat which posed nicely on the wooden sleepers. Then after quite a while due mainly to every Tom, Dick and Harry deciding this location was best for letting there dog go wild and climbing over the rocks, the Black Redstart duly flew in for it's photo to be taken. It posed on the rocks for a while then came onto the sleepers for its portrait to be snapped. Not a completely wasted day.

Good day after a poor start

2010-02-13T19:59:00.000Z

Started today with a run to Ramsgate to see if the Waxwings were still at Dumpton Park Drive, they weren't.. as usual I was too late. So I decided to call into Pegwell Picnic site to see what was about. The tide was coming in fast so all the waders were getting closer and closer. There were Golden Plover, Lapwings, Bar -tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Curlew, Sanderlings and Grey Plovers in abundance. No little Egrets though, and I still haven't seen one this year yet.. Also lots of Wigeon and a few Mallard on the sea. A nice surprise was a couple of Water Pipits that were feeding along the snow line out from the hide.

Then back to Sandwich Bay, I had called into the scrape on my way to Ramsgate earlier, and there wasn't much around. So decided not to stop this time and drove along the ancient highway almost to the Chequers when a Redwing was feeding on the verge. Managed a couple of snaps. Then further along the highway past the Barn were a group of 7 Grey Partridges that posed nicely for me. Also in the field were several Redwings and Lapwings. Still further on near to the farm there were even more Redwings and several Fieldfares. Then home, but as I drove past Walmer Castle Paddock I noticed lots of Redwings and a couple of Mistle Thrushes feeding. They got quite close to me and I got some good close-ups of them. There were also some Chaffinches feeding in the flock with the Redwings. After the disappointing start it turned out a good day.

2010-02-11T16:29:00.000Z

Well we certainly had a lot of snow last night, shame it was my rostered day off else I could have had a free day at home. My wife and I decided to walk over Hawksdown common to Kingsdown to see our poorly grandson Jack. It certainly was hard going in a snow blizzard that blew up on our way.

Still we got to our daughter's and found Jack was a little better. We stayed for Bacon sarnies and a chat and then trudged home the way we had come.

Just after we arrived home this female Green Woodpecker appeared on the front lawn under our twisted willow, she dug down through the snow and pecked away for ages, I assume she found something to eat. I managed to get a few pics through the front room window.

The last time it snowed back in December '09 she appeared and dug down in the same spot so there must be food there. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough then to photograph her.

2010-02-08T19:44:00.000Z

Hi welcome to my new Blog, I thought I should introduce myself, my name is Steve Reynaert and I am married to Julie.

I have 2 grown up married kids David & Amy and now have three grandchildren Emily, Lilly-Ella and Jack.

I have been interested in birdwatching for many years, but only seriously for the last three or four. I have now branched into bird photography, I have a Canon EOS 50D camera and a Canon 100-400 IS lens. I have found a pastime that I really enjoy and still have lots to learn.

The photograph on the right is a male Blackcap that has regularly appeared in our garden since the snow fell in December 2009. I finally managed to photograph it yesterday, through the window in the garage. Not the sharpest shot but it was very dark under the trees where it was perched. Still it is nice to see this over-wintering bird has made our garden it's home for now.