The Fenlandwalker Birding and Countryside Blog

Change of Blog - A New Start

2011-01-01T09:00:00.001Z

To all my blogger friends and anyone that visits this blog for the first time.

I have revised my Blog and renamed it "The Fenlandwalker Countryside Blog", note the subtle change in the title. If you are still interested in having a look at it you will find it at this link below:

http://thefenlandwalkercountrysideblog.blogspot.com/

I have also created a sister Blog which is depicts my amateurish efforts at watercolour painting and drawing of similar subjects to the main blog listed above, which if you need a good laugh its link is below and you can also find a link on the main blog:

http://roy-roysart.blogspot.com/

Thanks for following my old Blog in the past.

Roy

Using One's Initiative

2010-12-30T10:00:00.002Z

An insecure bird feeder

"Hello, what dastardly tricks are afoot here, someone has left the top of the feeder off, or a certain bird has removed it"

"I see, that's what you are up to"

"Anything that Coal Tit can do"

"Dont think I can get down there"

"I certainly can't, this one is shut"

Parkland Geese

2010-12-29T10:00:00.000Z

These are some of the Hybrid geese that live in the local parkland

They are an assortment of colours and cross breeds that have evolved over time. They make a nice image to look at with their varied plumage

They also mix with the flocks of purebred Greylag and Canada geese that also reside in the parkland

Weather

2010-12-28T10:00:00.000Z

A Snowy Parkland Walk (Two)

2010-12-27T10:00:00.000Z

The second of two posts showing scenes observed during my latest walk around the local parkland

A Snowy Parkland Walk (One)

2010-12-26T10:00:00.009Z

First of two posts showing scenes from my walk around the local Parkland

Conducted the morning after our latest snow storm

The scenes really speak for themselves

Try not to get too cold looking at them{:)

The Redwing

2010-12-25T10:00:00.001Z

One bird that I try to photograph each winter is the Redwing.

Similar to a Song Thrush with red sides is the best way to describe the species. It visits the British Isles from October through to April.

The single images here are of one bird I found whilst walking through a wood.

I had been following a small flock of them as they flew along a tree line and this one kindly hung around long enough for me to get these shots.

The collage images were taken of several Redwing, which I found in one of the likely places you will observe them. The floor of an orchard where they were eating the apples that had fallen.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:00:00.005Z

I hope you all have a great Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2011

A Frosty Woodland Walk

2010-12-23T10:00:00.000Z

From the Bird Hide

2010-12-22T11:51:00.001Z

The latest in my series of "From the Bird Hide"

The Hide is situated in a large woodland area known as Fineshade Wood

The first three images are views from the Hide

As you can see it wasn't the warmest of days

Nothing particularly different on this occasion and all the species are common

Coal Tit (Parus ater)

Marsh Tit (Parus palustris)

Great-spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

Jay (Garrulus glandarius)

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)

Along the River Bank (In Winter)

2010-12-21T10:00:00.002Z

In October I took some scenes along a river bank in the parkland that I visit

(See link below)

http://fenlandwalker.blogspot.com/2010/10/scenes-along-river-bank.html

Then it was still nice and green and was quite a pleasant walk

This week it was not so nice, with temperatures around minus 3 celsius my pace was somewhat quicker as I made my way along

Although the recent snowfall had almost gone it was very "crunchy" with frost underfoot and there were just a few Mallards, Tufted Duck and Canada Geese along the river

Robin - 1000

2010-12-20T09:00:00.000Z

I took this the other week, but thought it would be nice to keep it for this,

my One Thousandth Post (1000)

Winter Sky

2010-12-18T10:00:00.012Z

(A Scheduled Post)

Gone in a Flash - Let that be a Lesson

2010-12-17T10:00:00.000Z

This was another one of those occasions when you have to "Shoot first and ask questions afterwards".

Looking around the side of a bush in a wooded area I caught sight of a small bird (a Goldfinch as it later turned out). I lifted the camera and took two photographs, only to find that I didn't get a second chance.

OK it was only a Goldfinch in dull conditions with a lot of noise on the image, but it may have been something rare and at least I would have got a record of it.

Twilight

2010-12-16T10:00:00.001Z

Although it is slowly thawing, there is still quite a lot of ice on the lakes which is just visible in this late afternoon scene above

Pochard Profile

2010-12-14T10:00:00.000Z

The Pochard (Aythya ferina)

A regular visitor to the parkland lakes that I walk around especially in winter.

However, they are never easy to get close to for reasonable photographs.

Because of the cold weather this one was using one of the last remaining patches of water not covered in thick ice.

Communal Water

2010-12-13T10:00:00.000Z

In times of need, varied species of birds tend to tolerate each other in close proximity, that wouldn't ordinarily be the case.

I took these images of a small circular patch of open water on the second largest lake in the parkland. You can see that there are a variety of birds there and in fact shortly before I got to a position to take these, there were about 40 Greylag and Canada geese on the same patch.

On one of the other and smaller lakes (which was completely frozen) this pair of Mute Swans doggedly stayed on their chosen small lake where they have been for several years and wasn't giving it up for nobody

Titchwell Marsh - Visit (Part 2)

2010-12-12T10:00:00.002Z

The second part of our visit to Titchwell Marsh Reserve in which I have shown all the birds of interest that I was able to photograph.

The Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)

A small flock observed moving about the marsh and feeding on the ground.

Its main food is small seeds.

An interesting bird that nests on high ground in the northern part of the country and moves down south and to the coastal areas during the winter. Its size approximately is, bigger than a Sparrow and smaller than a Blackbird.

The Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

A delightful small wader which I photographed as it was running about the beach. It feeds on tiny beach crustaceans and insects.

The Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

(or Peewit) as I use to call it as a boy in Somerset when it was a familiar sight nesting in the fields.

Farming practices have changed considerable, which has reduced its status to "vulnerable". That said, one can still observe large flocks flying about in winter and settling in open fields.

Six Dabchicks or correctly named Little Grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis) all sitting on the same little patch of water that wasn't quite frozen.

The most I have seen in one gathering, but they really had nowhere else to go.

I observed a small group of Long-tailed Tits (Aegithalos caudatus) moving about the reeds. They appeared amazingly, to find something to eat.

The Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

At this time of year its more difficult to identify if you are like me, not well versed in wader identification, but the black armpits when it flies is the easiest method.

The Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

A common wader that you will find on most shorelines around the country.

The Cock Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Observed on the path along the Fen walk.

Never a species to miss out on a chance of easy food. At the Reserve they walk about under the feeders and eat all the seeds that fall to the ground.

A solitary first winter Blackbird (Turdus merula) having found a suitable perch, looked like it was there for the night.

Ducks

A few Pintails (Anus acuta) and Shovelers (Anas clypeata) sitting on a very cold bed of ice.

The Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

A common sight which I observed down on the shoreline near the waters edge.

A loan Dunnock (Prunella modularis) perched on low scrub

Titchwell Marsh - Recent Visit (Part 1)

2010-12-11T15:30:00.001Z

This is a two part post about our latest visit to RSPB Titchwell Marsh

In the first part I have shown scenes only.

For those of you that know Titchwell, but haven't visited lately, I have particularly concentrated on views of the new Parrinder Hide that has been constructed.

External views of the hide reveal that it is the veritable "Hilton" of bird hides. If only we could have had a look inside, but its still not open yet.

With the future changes, this Brackish Marsh will become a Saltmarsh and the bank on which the new hide is situated will be the new sea defence wall.

The beach was not the most inviting place to be with the temperature well below '0' degrees celsius

It was so cold that only crazy people ventured on to the beach.{:)

Walking around the Fen trail was no joke either, but produced some frosty scenes

Getting near sunset it was time to travel home.....

always an amazing sight to view, these Pink-footed Geese were doing just that.

The second part of the post will show the bird species observed

High Tea - Robin Style

2010-12-08T20:00:00.000Z

"May I have a piece"

"I'll just take a small piece, if you don't mind"

"Looks very nice"

"Thank you"

"May I come back for another piece in a moment"

Frozen Sandy

2010-12-06T23:00:00.000Z

It was a cold day with the temperature around 1 degree Celsius as we set off down the motorway. The sky was completely cloudless, with a rather cold blue hue and looked quite promising for nature photography. The journey to the RSPB Bird Reserve at Sandy is around 40 miles and as we got within about 4 miles of our destination the sky ahead looked overcast and it was misty. What a complete contrast as we stepped from the car it was very cold with a visibility around quarter of a mile. (Not unlike stepping into a freezer) It soon became obvious that photography of birds would be limited and I should concentrate on frozen objects and scenery.

One of the few species observed was the Robin which was no surprise really

Dead ferns look attractive when covered in frost

As do oak leaves

Two chaffinch, a Blue Tit and a Great Tit all waiting to fly to the bird feeders

This Blue Tit was also feeding well and making numerous trips to the feeders

Another typical scene of visit

Who's bright idea was this trip anyway?

The Plight of Birds in Winter

2010-12-04T19:40:00.001Z

Its at this time you have to feel sorry for the birds whatever their size. With this extremely cold weather their main aim in life is to find and eat enough food during the day to last through the night. Providing they can get enough food most birds are well protected from the cold with their layers of feathers and down, although its more difficult for the very small species. You will notice that with especially small birds they tend to fluff up their feathers which helps to keep the cold out. Birds become less active and more sociable at this time. For instance to see a lot of Coots together as in my previous post and not fighting is very unusual. They are basically preserving energy and keeping together helps to keep them warmer especially at roost. Who knows, there may be something psychological about this as well, keeping together for protection and perhaps a better feeling of wellbeing.

The second largest lake on my parkland walk is almost frozen over now

A Moorhen searching for any food he can find around the frozen lake

A mournful looking Robin

A male Wigeon moving away from the edge of water (that wasn't frozen over) where it had been searching for food

A Jay scratching around in the snow wondering where he put that acorn about two months ago

A sad looking male Gadwall

A female Mallard wondering if she really needs to take that quick dip

The Tufted Duck always appear quite a hardy species

A Robin wondering if I am likely to give it any food

Graylag Geese typically finding some warmth crouching down in open grassland

I have never seen this area completely frozen over like this before

It leads to the largest lake in the parkland

Many species move South during winter to what they consider mild weather. Its at this time we get to see some that we never see for the rest of the year. I mean in particular the species that are normally in the North of this country or on the coast, like Siskins and if we are very fortunate Crossbills. Occasionally in this area we may see species of duck like Scaup and Goldeneye or Black-necked or Slavonian Grebes. Of course we get all the migrating species from elsewhere like Whooper and Buick's Swans, Fieldfare and Redwing, Barnacle and Pinkfoot Geese, just to mention a few.

The latest weather forecast is for continued extremely cold weather

Scenes from a Snowy Walk

2010-12-03T10:00:00.001Z

This weather provides different subject matter for posts so you have to take advantage of it when you can

This Mute Swan is taking a short dip in a communal small pool

Its OK it is a private line and there is a public footpath over it

Wigeon taking the day off and who could blame them

Its the Canada's turn in the pool

This was the area where I found the Siskin flock previously

Its that tree again

Like the Wigeon above, the Coots have decided to rest up

Siskins Galore

2010-12-01T09:00:00.001Z

The Siskin (Carduelis spinus)

A very photogenic species of Finch, its always good to get some images of this colourful bird

Winter is the time of year that you will observe the Siskin in flocks moving from the top of one tree to the next. They particularly like alder, spruce and pines and feed on the seeds contained in the cones

I observed a flock of about 20 when taking these shots which also contained a couple of Goldfinch

As you can observe from the images, they are great acrobats

Closer to the Arctic Circle

2010-11-30T10:00:00.000Z

In recent days East Anglia appears a little closer to the Arctic Circle

With snowstorms and daytime temperatures around the minus 4 degrees celsius this has provided some different photo opportunities

These few scenes I took yesterday on a brisk walk around the parkland areas

However, life is not so good for the wildlife and birds in particular

This below is one of the views I took of a snowstorm moving across in front of the late afternoon sun

Below is the last shot I took before I and my pocket point and shoot camera froze and seized up.{:)

Small is Beautiful

2010-11-28T10:00:00.002Z

Continuing with my theme of small is beautiful

(regarding small subjects in large frames)

I have posted these images which I took at RSPB Sandy this week

I suppose it could be considered a reproduction of what you may see with the naked eye

Chaffinch (male)

Chaffinch (female)

Blue Tit (possibly female)

Siskin (male x 2)

Blue Tit (possibly female)

Blue Tit (possibly male)

Great Tit (female)

A small Coal Tit (with a big seed)

Great Tits in conference

Dark Shapes in the Sky

2010-11-26T09:00:00.000Z

"Into the Sun"

A pair of Canada Geese below happen to pass over my position and I managed to catch them with the sun behind

"Hunter in the Sky"

This below was a fluke event

I had a 70-200mm lens attached to the camera. More in hope than anticipation I took a shot of this Common Buzzard that was soaring quite high in the sky. Oddly enough the light was quite reasonable at the time, but the sunlight must have just entered the end of the lens hood when I took the shot.

Birds in the Mist (2)

2010-11-23T10:00:00.001Z

The second of a two part series of images about Birds in the Mist

This Heron was quite content with me being around taking photographs

Unfortunately someone then walked along the other side of the river bank and disturbed him

This Blue Tit below was moving about these tall dry plants

This was about the only time he was in the open

I was located under a mix of tall trees and high bushes. I could hear Redwings in the distance coming my way. They didn't materialise, but this (first winter) male Blackbird did put in an appearance

What I thought moving about in low bushes was a Wren

It eventually revealed itself to be a Robin

I watched this Blue Tit feeding away at something around this stalk for a while

This was one of only two clear shots I took

Reflections in water are always interesting and worth taking

A male Wigeon (unusually) was quite close to the waters edge

The poor visibility didn't make it any better for the photograph though

Two views along part of the water's edge of the largest lake in the parkland

By mid day the mist became considerably worse and it was time to leave

Birds in the Mist (1)

2010-11-22T10:00:00.000Z

Dull, dank and dreary were three words that immediately came to mind as I stepped out of the car for a long walk around the Parkland

What an earth did I expect to see, what was I doing here, I was asking myself

Firstly, I replaced the 100-400mm lens with a 17-40 lens on the camera in the hope that I may see a few misty scenes that I could take to salvage the trip out

Then off I went

This Mute Swan in the distance that was catching a little light from somewhere looked interesting so I reattached the long lens

Then birds started to appear on a nearby hedge

They were common ones, but I needed to shoot something

Even so the result didn't look much on the back screen of the camera

On returning home later and having loaded them onto my Mac

I was much happier with the final outcome

The theme "Birds in the Mist" became apparent as a title

"Birds on a dull day" may have been more appropriate, but it wasn't quite so evocative

Sometimes a small subject if colourful, with a larger dull background, can look OK

You do need to click and enlarge to get the best effect

Male Chaffinch

Male Greenfinch

Robin

Male Great Tit

This male Blackbird was scratching around like an old Hen looking for worms and wasn't at all bothered by my presence a few feet away

A typical view below away from the lakes

In the summertime this is a great spot for dragonflies particularly Brown Hawkers

A passing Greylag disappeared into the fog

The Low Afternoon Sun

2010-11-20T10:00:00.004Z

At this time of year the Parkland looks quite different in the low afternoon sun

Most of these images were taken around the edge of the medium sized lake (of the three in existence)

This is an interesting time of day for scene photography

If you can choose a day with clear blue sky and have previous knowledge of the sunset direction, you can position yourself accordingly and look for a good backdrop

As for sunrise, Umm! whats that??

Goldfinch on Teasel

2010-11-18T11:00:00.000Z

This was one of those days when I went out with the camera bag and wasn't sure at first if I should take a long lens (100-400mm) on the camera or just use a 70-200mm.

Well I am glad I did decide to take the former, as within the first few minutes of the walk I encountered this Goldfinch on some teasel at a distance that would have been too far for the 200mm.

Parkland Walk - Second Part

2010-11-16T11:42:00.001Z

The Second of a two part post

The main river that runs through the Parkland is quite high at the moment

This Blue Tit was working hard to obtain some food from this old Haw berry

I walk by this wood carving of a Shepard frequently, but haven't posted an image of it before

You can depend on strong winds to provide a photogenic sky backdrop

The horizontal leaves of this Willow beside one of the lakes reveal the true force of the wind

A Black-headed Gull flying low over one of the lakes

A mad scrabble for some bread (thrown by a member of the public) by Mallard and Black-headed Gulls often causes mayhem especially when the weather is colder

Not much observed on this walk really, which is typical of this time of year

Parkland Walk in Two Parts

2010-11-15T22:00:00.013Z

The first of a two part post

On this walk it was not difficult to appreciate the changing scenes from Autumn to Winter. This was reinforced by the strong cold wind blowing at the time

Below is a typical scene around the edge of the parkland at the moment

I was observing a pair of Jays from a secluded position under trees

They were hopping from tree to fence post and onto the ground and then back to the same tree

Unfortunately my view was pretty restricted though and the light was poor in their location as well.

I had to relocate several times to get a reasonable shot of them

Yew berries having fallen from a clump of Yew trees litter the steps to an observation point in the parkland

Canada Geese on choppy waters

A female Mallard in the process of an untidy landing

Many of the leaves have fallen from the trees now and its also interesting to note that in a few months time the floor of this sloping woodland will be covered in Bluebells

From the Window

2010-11-14T09:00:00.002Z

Pouring rain, strong winds, grey and overcast

This can only mean one thing

Armchair birding and a post of my "From the Window" series

Collared Dove

Greenfinch

Chaffinch

Great Tit

2010-11-11T11:02:00.007Z

They went with songs to the battle, they were young

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow

They were staunch to the end against all odds uncounted

They fell with their faces to the foe

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We shall remember them

"From the fallen" by Laurence Binyon

Dental Cosmetics

2010-11-09T10:00:00.001Z

"I have just had my teeth whitened, do they look OK?"

"Yes, but you should have got your horns fixed, they are far too straight "

Scenes from a Cycle Ride

2010-11-07T22:00:00.010Z

We have just had the first reasonable day of fine weather for a while

So out on the bike it was

In this first scene can you spot the female Kestrel?

As you can see from the partially wet roads we did get rain during the night

Here is that female Kestrel which I took with a 70-200mm lens

On some occasions Kestrels will let you get fairly close before flying off especially if they are concentrating on potential prey

1/500 at f7.1. - 200mm. ISO400. Spot metering

I checked on the small flock of Jacob's and the lambs born in the spring have now gone from the field

More wet roads and trees beginning to look more brown than green

I observed another Kestrel down this lane, but I couldn't get close

I took this shot across the field of winter wheat as I liked the way the sun was shining on the trees

I did find a few more flowers surviving the elements

Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Hawkweed (Hieracioides)

The Dunnock below decided to stay in the bush and test my manual focussing

This Jacob's was easy though and didn't mind at all

A covey of Red-legged Partridge in the distance

These birds are never very cooperative and run off at the slightest movement

Note the Cock Pheasant in the distance

To end with, more big sky

Leaves, Leaves and more Leaves

2010-11-05T10:00:00.002Z

One Horse

Five Border Collies

The Return of the Nuthatch

2010-11-03T13:00:00.001Z

The Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)

In one of the woodland areas on the parkland that I visit, there is a tree stump that is regularly supplied with bird food by visitors to the area

It has been a feature in previous posts

It is one place that I use to observe the Nuthatch

Some two years ago was the last time I observed that species at this particular area so I assumed that they had deserted it for good

They had at that time nested in a hole in one of the large tree trunks

So it was a pleasant surprise to find one feeding at the stump yesterday

He made several returns taking a large beak full each time

Unfortunately the light was quite poor under the trees on a dull day, but I was able to put together enough reasonable images for this post

The Nuthatch is a resident bird and produces one brood between April and July

It eats seeds, berries and nuts so in certain circumstances will visit bird tables if your garden is situated adjacent to woodland

Its call (sharp, short whistles) will alert you to its presence

Scenes along the River Bank

2010-10-30T14:00:00.002+01:00

Scenes from a late afternoon walk along a river bank in the local parkland

Heron Hiding

2010-10-26T10:00:00.004+01:00

"I can see you Mr Heron"

(Scheduled post)

Woodie in Profile

2010-10-25T23:32:00.001+01:00

Spud Picking Made Easy

2010-10-23T22:00:00.005+01:00

A third of England's potato crop is grown in East Anglia

This Potato Harvester below certainly takes the back ache out of spud picking

A Walk in the Parkland

2010-10-22T10:00:00.002+01:00

Getting down low with the camera can produce interesting results

A Mute from the broadside

"Who you looking at"

"So who is the Kingfisher anyway."

Almost still waters

There are a few Pochard arriving on the lakes now

The male with its rich reddish brown head

The dull brown one could either be a non breeding male or a female

I can never tell the difference

Sign of the time

Food for the fastidious

Mrs Shoveler

A Chaffinch in the shade

I have taken this shot a few times

There was plenty of light on the day so it had to be done again

Changing

2010-10-20T10:00:00.009+01:00

Did you spot the Harlequin Ladybird?

A Jay Post

2010-10-19T10:00:00.000+01:00

The Jay (Garrulus glandarius)

Its a busy time of the year for the Jay

Acorns are plentiful so they are busily collecting and storing them in the ground for food in the winter

Two Jays in one photo

One bathing and one flying

Unfortunately they were quite a distance from my position

The Odd Shower

2010-10-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

I remember the weather forecast on the TV last evening

"You may get the odd shower in East Anglia"

It did catch up with me eventually

If that was a shower I dread to think what a storm would be like

I'm rather glad I was in the car

Which Way is Up?

2010-10-16T10:00:00.005+01:00

Wet Feathers

2010-10-14T10:00:00.003+01:00

A male Mallard in eclipse plumage

A ghostly Black-headed Gull

Another male Mallard making a perfect three point landing

A Black-headed Gull about to launch

A male Mallard in an argumentative mood

A Cormorant just getting airborne

An immature Great Crested Grebe bothering mother to get him some more fish

Immature Great Crested Grebes at this stage below haven't quite got the knack of using their webbed feet properly

They tend to flail them out sideways rather than underneath

especially when in a hurry

Quite amusing to watch

Grey Heron in Profile

2010-10-13T10:00:00.001+01:00

1/500 at f8. 400mm. ISO400. Spot metering

Parkland Walk

2010-10-12T10:00:00.017+01:00

Not much to see on the walk yesterday

However, I found a bit of colour to brighten up the day with this Clustered Bell flower (Campanula glomerata) below

Flowering from June to October its the only species of Bellflower that can be found in bloom now

It grows to a height of 25cm in South an East England

Fallow Deer

2010-10-11T10:00:00.001+01:00

Fallow Deer (Dama dama cervidae)

A small group of wild Fallow Deer which I observed at the edge of woodland

Their coats vary as there are some still in light brown and spotted summer coats and some changing to dark winter coats

The very light one on the right of the third photo is a juvenile from this year

Fallow are usually nocturnal most of the year

The best chance of seeing them is in the autumn

They have an acute sense of sight, smell and hearing and are always very wary

All the time that I observed this group of Does their heads were nervously and constantly turning in all directions

Four-legged Friends

2010-10-09T20:00:00.001+01:00

Robin Portrait

2010-10-08T10:00:00.000+01:00

1/400 at f5.6. 200mm. ISO400. Spot metering

The Conjurer

2010-10-06T10:23:00.001+01:00

Red Kite in Flight

2010-10-05T22:00:00.003+01:00

The Red Kite (Milvus milvus)

I took these shots the other day on my visit to the woodland area where I shoot the "From the Bird Hide" series of posts

I find that one of the best locations there to see the Red Kite, is to stand in the middle of a sloping field adjacent to the woodland entrance. They make regular visits to check out the area for rabbits

I am getting a little closer to this fork tailed raptor, but he was still soaring high enough to be a problem with my lens range

Butterfly of the Week

2010-10-03T14:48:00.004+01:00

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Thankfully one of the few species that are still flying

They can be found even into November

I found three on a large Ivy bush on the side of a remote fenland road

Its one of the few places I can usually locate them at this time of year

I only had my Canon G10 with me so it was a matter of creeping slowly up on them and getting some macro shots. With the bright sunlight and the sheltered location they were reasonably happy perched on the ivy fruits

Grey Wagtail - RSPB Sandy

2010-10-01T18:30:00.022+01:00

Yesterday we visited RSPB Sandy and I concentrated on observing from the bird hide, which is located centrally on the Reserve

Apart from Blue Tits, Great Tits and one female Great-spotted Woodpecker the main attraction was the bird below

The Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

Fortunately we get to see this species all year around in the British Isles

Whereas its cousin the Yellow Wagtail which some observers confuse it with, flies off to Africa for the winter

The easy way generally to identify the difference, if it has got a grey back its a Grey Wagtail, if it has got a green back its a Yellow Wagtail

I believe that this one is a first winter female, but I could easily be wrong

Jumping Jack Flash

It produces two broods a year, normally of 4 to 6 eggs between April and August

In the summer it is more of an upland bird, but moves to lower ground in winter

From the Bird Hide - Odds and Ends

2010-09-29T10:00:00.004+01:00

The final post in my current series of observations at the Bird Hide

I thought I would end this series with a few more regulars

The Great Tit (Parus major)

The largest of the resident Tit family and a common sight in a wide variety of habitats

The Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

Normally observed on the ground it was most unusual to see it visiting a table

This is the only location that I have observed that behaviour

Brown from a distance the Dunnock ( a resident species) has really quite nice markings close up

The Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

Our most common species of the Finch family

This resident bird can be observed in many and varied habitats

A gregarious species especially now and on into the winter

I hope that my next visit to the bird hide will reveal something more rare and that this has not been too boring a visit for you to my blog

From the Bird Hide - The Blue Tit

2010-09-28T10:00:00.003+01:00

The third in my latest series from the Bird Hide.

The Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)

Just about everyone's favourite and one of our most common resident species

A colourful little bird that can be found in most habitats

Its equally at home in gardens as in the remote hedgerows and woodlands

Tweaked in Aperture

From the Bird Hide -Marsh Tit

2010-09-27T10:00:00.009+01:00

The second in my latest series from the Bird Hide

The Marsh Tit (Parus palustris)

This image below provides a scale of size for this species against the Blue Tit

Marsh is its name, but you wont find this species in marshes

It frequents broadleaved woodland

From the Bird Hide - The Coal Tit

2010-09-26T10:00:00.017+01:00

Its Autumn now and that time of year when I occasionally visit "The Bird Hide"

This hide is located in a large woodland area (Fineshade Wood) maintained by the Forestry Commission

I am splitting up three species I observed into separate posts

On my recent visit only the usual suspects put in an appearance, so if you follow my blog you would have seen these before

However I was told on arrival at the hide by another birdwatcher that I had just missed a couple of Crossbills and would have been able to get some good photographs of them (I really needed to know that)

Anyway here is the first species I am posting

The Coal Tit (Parus ater)

The first image below provides a scale of size for this species against the Great Tit and the second image against the Blue Tit

The Coal Tit is one of our resident birds
An active and quite small bird that frequents woodland and parkland areas

Acorn Feast

2010-09-24T10:10:00.001+01:00

"These acorns are scrumptious"

Scenes from two Cycle Rides (1)

2010-09-22T10:01:00.001+01:00

These are a few scenes taken on a cycle ride recently

They were taken in areas just west of the fenland levels of north Cambridgeshire

The images above and below was recently a field of wheat

It has been replanted already with something

This old Oak tree makes a nice subject to photograph

More than slightly tweaked

Scenes from two Cycle Rides (2)

2010-09-22T10:00:00.003+01:00

Scenes mainly of country roads on another recent cycle ride

"Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men"

You may not know what that means

If you do then you are of a certain age

The church at Etton village

The crab apple tree add some nice colour to the entrance

Dinner is Served

2010-09-21T18:32:00.000+01:00

A Black-headed Gull on a fishing expedition

A Cormorant with a snack

Airborne Woodie

2010-09-19T10:00:00.001+01:00

Butterfly of the Week

2010-09-18T18:00:00.003+01:00

The Small White (Pieris rapae)

The other member of the Cabbage White family

It has a wing span of 48mm and flies between April and October

A common species that is found throughout the British Isles

Just a few more Sheep.

2010-09-16T14:00:00.001+01:00

Another small flock of sheep observed the other day. They were certainly a "mixed bag" consisting of a variety of breeds.

There were even a couple of Jacob's sheep amongst them.

Autumn Hedgerows

2010-09-15T18:00:00.000+01:00

I know its a dull time of year, but there are some things of interest to be seen especially in the hedgerows

We are at that time when blackberries, hips and haws brighten up the drab green hedges

There are still a few butterflies around.

The Speckled Wood below has seen better days, but helps to make this image

Hello, who is this?

A male Blackbird pruning and sunning himself deep in a Hawthorn bush

Impending signs of Autumn

Ripening acorns. A sight that will glad the minds of the Jay and the Squirrel

Oak Apples will please some insects

Sloe Gin anyone

Its him again

Hazel nuts. As a boy I use to pick pocketfuls of these

A Late Brood

2010-09-14T09:00:00.001+01:00

This is quite a late brood for Coots.

However all five look healthy and are feeding well.

This is probably a better time to be hatched as there is less competition from other birds of the same breed and food is plentiful

Common Darter Activity

2010-09-13T13:00:00.006+01:00

The Common Darter Dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum)

I have recently observed and photographed Common Darter activity

This was mainly along side a wide ditch in a woodland area

I have shown below various single images of the male which is red in colour

I have also photographed the male and female broadcasting eggs in a form of ovipositing

The male holds the female in tandem in the air just above the water

The female then releases eggs on to the water

Male

I have also photographed the female on a separate occasion (see below)

Common Darter (Female)

2010-09-13T12:59:00.001+01:00

Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum)

These females were sunning themselves on a barbed wire fence line. The male is coloured uniform red, which I have featured before this year.

The Common Darter flies well into November and is the only species you are likely to observe at that stage of the year.

It is common throughout the British Isles

Butterfly of the Week

2010-09-11T12:19:00.006+01:00

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Wingspan 67 to 72mm

I have not seen many Red Admiral this year and this one was difficult to photograph. It was high up on top of a Bramble bush. The angle wasn't that great and I was using a 100-400mm lens at 400mm.

A migratory species which arrives in May from the Mediterranean. With the second of two broods, September is when peak numbers exist. Some migrate back to mainland Europe, but most perish in the colder weather, although a few hibernate succesfully.

In the past I have certainly seen many in the month of October

The "Good news" story is that they are on the gradual increase each year, probably due to the milder climate

Latest Fenland Scenes

2010-09-10T14:00:00.001+01:00

The current Fenland countryside scene

Green and brown with straw and red berries

Blue and white skies and still a few flowers

A field of dead field beans and some rogue rapeseed plants from a previous years sowing

Wheat straw waiting to be baled

Round bales

and oblong bales

In this part of the fenland there are still many signs of WWII

Below is the roof of a hardened concrete machine gun post. One of two in the immediate area that were located to have view of the road on the bank in the right of the photograph

These relics from the last war would cost too much to remove and have been left over the years. This post is part of a "fire chain" dotted across this part of East Anglia. This was situated to cover the routes from the Wash and defend against Hitler's Army moving inland

The Yarrow Plant (Achillea millefolium)

This pretty little perennial plant grows on meadows to a height of 50cm and flowers from June to November. Common throughout the country

It is particularly important to keep dykes and drains clear and this work goes on all the time around the fenland

There is something about old gates I just have to shoot them when I get the chance

Haw berries create a nice colouring for hedgerows now

Heron Silhouette

2010-09-09T10:00:00.001+01:00

A Parkland Walk

2010-09-08T13:00:00.000+01:00

My latest Parkland walk on a day when storms threatened and signs of autumn were present

You don't often see a Great Crested Grebe's wings open like this

All the Tufted Duck on the lakes appear to be getting in plenty of flying practice at the moment

Taking off, doing a few circuits and then landing again

I never seem to be able to get a Treecreeper in good light

This one was close enough, but in a shaded area of the Wood

There were certainly some strange looking cloud formations about

Signs of storms coming and going

My brief encounter with the rear end of a Muntjac deer (appropriately a hind)

Joe Crow in monochrome

Just about the only butterfly I see recently (the Speckled Wood)

Going fishing (Cormorant)

1/2000 at f7.1 - 285mm. ISO400

A view of one of the waterways in both directions

A distant Dabchick (Little Grebe)

Its that time of year again when I regularly check on the tree stump where people leave food for birds in a wooded area

Sure enough one of the regular visitors (Cock Pheasant) was already in attendance and feeding his beak

One of the group of unattached Mute Swans on the lakes practising take off and landings

This Robin will soon be recovering from the strenuous nesting and rearing time and in a few months will look really colourful again

It was one of those days when I had to keep one eye on the weather.

This approaching storm convinced me to leave for home

A classic example of a ruined photograph.

If only I could have got this Woodpigeon properly in the frame as it took off

Migrant Hawker Dragonfly

2010-09-07T09:00:00.001+01:00

Preening Barnacle

2010-09-05T16:33:00.001+01:00

A familiar figure around the various local lakes, this Barnacle Goose which I have featured before remains with the local flocks of Greylag and Canada Geese. It would appear to be an escapee and I have personally observed it on numerous occasions for several years now.

Having had a preening session it went back to sleep (on one leg?) along with the Greylag around it.

Green Woodpecker

2010-09-02T08:04:00.000+01:00

Normally Green Woodpeckers are not very cooperative for photography purposes and you have to approach by stealth.

This male below was the exception to the rule and seemed intent on searching for food as long as possible, as I slowly walked towards it over open ground. As I approached I continued to take shots to make sure I actually got some before he flew off.

This bird is looking quite rough at the moment and typical for this time of year.

Rearing young is a demanding task and birds just don't look at their best during and after that time.

He eventually decided I was standing too close to him for comfort and he flew off low and then swooped up into the edge of a wood.

Scenes of Yesteryear

2010-08-31T17:20:00.001+01:00

Well OK, it was yesterday.

Meadow Crane's-bill

2010-08-30T20:30:00.003+01:00

The Meadow Crane's-bill (Geranium pratense), a perennial flower which grows to a height of 75cm.

A lot of flora has disappeared now and one of the few nice colours left to be observed is this.

This plant is a meadow flower that blooms from June to August.

It has five petals that range from blue to lilac with the colour change being caused by the ageing process.

It is a variety of a family of flowers that in various forms are also grown in the garden.