Monday 18 May 2009

Avocets


Typical Island Grouping



Yep, flight shot!








We had four hours at Blacktoft Sands RSPB on Saturday before visiting a relative at nearby Scunthorpe.

Whilst we had heavy showers during the visit we also had sunny intervals. I took loads of shots mostly flight shots but most were rubbish, too distant, too dark, whatever.

Whilst we have seen plenty of Avocets at the reserve before, I think they had 90+ birds last year, we must have been at slightly different times before as certainly far more birds were sitting on eggs on the islands than we have seen before. The eggs looked to be left haphazardly, and the birds left them at times to return later.

10 comments:

Paul 2tins said...

Hi Mike, like the shots of the Avocets, a wonderful bird. Paul & Jill

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Hi Paul & Jill, yes a beautiful bird and great views at Blacktoft at the moment.
Mike

East Ayton Birding said...

Belting shot of nuthatch on your header Mike.

Anonymous said...

Its good to see the Avocets, dull weather or not Mike. Fabulous new header photo.

Linda Yarrow said...

Good pictures of the Avocets Mike, glad you braved the weather:-) It is very windy down here in the South again. I don't mind a bit of cloud, a shower or two but this wind I do not like, there seems to be no end to it.

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Thanks Dave
As you might guess taken up the road from you where there was good light for once. I cheated at cropped of the bit no one wants to see!

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Thanks Roy and Lyn.
Yes, the wind never seems to go away at the moment, it was very gusty here yesterday.

Unknown said...

Not been to Blacktoft for years, the Avocets are the main bird I can remember and a Marsh Harrier I think, no camera back then though.

Great shots on yet another grey day, where is this heatweave we're supposed to be having this year!

Chris said...

Hi Mike,
This is now really unfair. I love these birds very much and was able to see them every day when I lived in Camargue!! It has been a while since I saw the last one, I guess 3 years!!!
Gosh these shots are great. Well done Mike and thanks for sharing!

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Thanks Paul, if you get the chance get over to Blacktoft, good at any time of year. Guarantee Marsh Harrier.
Hope we get more sun soon.

Thanks Chris. They are beautiful birds.