Caverlock WWT

What does WWT stand for? Wild and Wet? We traveled to Dumfries & Galloway on Saturday, all the way in glorious sunshine, the whole journey through the North Pennines was fantastic. The last 30 miles though turned to rain and it was heavy rain on Saturday throughout our visit to this reserve.

Great day though, really enjoyed the visit. We traveled to see the Baranacle Geese and there was good numbers grazing on the meadows, I think the estimate was 7,000+, a little distant but great to see.

The Whooper Swans are pictured through the glass of the hide where they feed them twice daily, not great pictures, the best I could do in the conditions on the day. The Widgeon was also taken through the windows.

Black & White

Having missed out on the Red Flanked Bluetail two weeks ago in the picture sense I thought I would post this Magpie pictured at Filey Dams YWT. Photographed in good light close to the hide on main pool three weeks ago I was pleased with the pictures.

I did see the Bluetail, it was directly in front of me but all I saw on two occasions was the underside of its wings as it flew. I could not say I looked at the bird and took in its id features, I just saw the underside of its wings. This was on the Sunday when there was a large chasing pack after the bird. I can't say I enjoyed the experience really.

I also managed to slip on some mud and later noticed my hand hurting. Next day I had to go to A & E and have a ring cut off a badly swollen finger. It still hurts, the finger that is, whose said birdings safe!

Autumn Colours & why are Wifes always right!

A weekend of contrast this one, yesterday was lovely today!

We did go this morning to Filey Dams in search of a Jack Snipe that had been seen early morning but no joy in the heavy winds and rain. Yesterday by contrast was lovely and we had a nice walk around Harwood Dale where I pictured this wasps nests and beautiful fungi. There was plenty of small birds including Bull Finch and Gold Finch. We also saw a male common darter.

The only problem with the walk we do in Harwood is that it is a rectangle and the last leg for us is always back down the road. the locals will know this gives open views out towards the N Y Moors. Pat says, 'I wonder if there are any Fieldfare in the fields where we have seen them before'. No says I , 'I don't know why you are wasting your time looking' dismissing her theory that they return to the same fields.

Next thing is a flock of birds in the air landing in the top of a tree. Guess what Fieldfare, well you can imagine the comments, I am gutted.

I want to get close to Bull Finch & Fieldfare this season, any advice welcome.

Sorry, for the lack of recent postings due to family commitments, decorating, visitors etc. Hope to do much more photography now.

Mike

Greys in too!

Rock Dove


Wood Pigeon

Continuing the new season colours theme.

I always think grey goes with pink, so more from Sunday.

The Rock Dovewas at Bempton and the Wood Pigeon and Grey Heron at Filey Dams.

The young Heron was havinga field day catching fairly big fish in little or no water in the pool in front of the hide on main pool.

Pinks In

New season colours!

Great to see some Pink Footed Geese flying high over and around Filey Dams YWT yesterday, I made it 23 in the flock. We had seen and more correctly heard a flock whilst in Scotland but it was good to see these locally.

Unfortunately, they were never down on the deck, fairly high up in bright light but I think worth showing.

Scottish Blankety Blank

Half way up the beautiful Glen Roy


Wren at ISO1600!

Sorry, for the recent lack of posts but we have been away to the Scottish Highlands for a week.

Unfortunately, it was a very wet week and it prevented us getting to some of the places we hope. We had to mostly travel east 60 miles or so for fine weather, but the scenery is fantastic (my favourite place). Dalwhinnie Distillery was a nice diversion one day.

I had high hopes to see one or two of Scotland's special species, when ever we got the chance scouring the hill tops for a glimpse but we drew a blank, complete blank. Oh, we did see three Red Squirrels not being elusive in the tree tops but running across the road and sitting on fence posts.

I did manage this Wren shot nicely framed in the birch, can I call it a Scottish Wren!

You never know _ _ _ _ _!

Yesterday was absolutely glorious here, temperature up to 27C, no wind, beautiful light but not too hot. No birding, a few small jobs to do.

Today was supposed to be cloudy, yes it was very cloudy, dark, light showers. Having set off originally for a walk, the weather slightly dampened our enthusiasm (whimps). Having ridden around a bit we find ourselves sat on Holbeck Car Park eating our lunch, it brightened slightly no birds around.

Having no bread Pat put out her Pork Pie crusts (not mine - no way) and a broken digestive. Fear not, having begun to get dejected and thinking of a blank weekend in come the Med Gulls which have been back a few weeks. Three adult birds and a second winter bird.

So I have a good time getting flight shots of these birds without even leaving the car. Just getting ready to go and we spot a Common Kestrel at the top of the hill quite close. I managed to get some shots before it flew off.

It just shows you never know what to expect.