Walks and Wildlife

South Lakes Wild Animal Park

2011-12-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

We had visited here to hopefully get some nice Tiger photos, unfortunately they were well hidden, but the magnificent Lions were great to photograph

And a few of the other residents of the Park

2 week old Rhino, Indiana

Giraffe with beautiful eyes

Baboon close up

Giant Otter

Macauw

First Snow of Winter on Snowdon

2011-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterdays walk was meant to be the Snowdon Horseshoe, we by-passed Crib Goch due to the wintry conditions, snowline was down to about 600m, and despite the clag it was a stunningly, cold and wintry day on Snowdon and back down via Y Lliwedd.

Early morning sunrise over the Glyders from the Pyg Track

Very cold at the summit

Yours truly

Y Lliwedd

view coming off Y Lliwedd

Crib Goch across from Y Lliwedd

the snow capped Glyders

Moel Siabod

2011-12-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

A few shots from a recent walk/Scramble onto Moel Siabod

A shot on the way of one of my favourite mountains, Tryfan

The route to the summit up the left hand ridge

THe Snowdon range from the top of Moel Siabod

The Snowdon Horseshoe in close up

Close up of Crib Goch

RAF rescue helicopter busy near Tryfan

The Deer of Tatton Park

2011-12-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

A memorable visit a couple of weekends ago to Tatton Park to photograph one of my favourites, Red Deer and the bonus of getting some Fallow Deer in front of the lens

Firstly, the fallow deer

And the Red Deer

A bad weather day rescued!!

2011-12-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

After a lovely walk across the Arrans in awful weather, the rain and clag lifted back at the car, and a delightful stretch of the Afon Twrch had me reaching for the camera

Glorious late autumnal colours

Aber Falls

2011-12-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

I just love running water, and more especially spectacular waterfalls, which is why i really love visiting Aber Falls.

Birchwood Birds

2011-12-03T06:38:00.000-08:00

A few shots from the Bird feeding area at work

A lovely Robin

Bullfinch feeding on tree buds

Tiger

2011-10-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky to have quite a few of my photos painted in various guises by some talented artists, but this reproduction of a recent photo of one of the Tigers at Chester Zoo by Sharon Whitley is stunning!

A gloomy Martin Mere

2011-10-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

As i was passing Martin Mere at the weekend, i called in to see if there was any sign of the Whooper Swans returning from Iceland, sadly there was only a few early arrivals, and the gloomy drizzly weather meant not a great photography day, but still managed a few shots

Early arrival Whooper feeding on potatoes

They reckon there are 12,000 Pink Footed Geese on the reserve at the moment, lots about on my visit, coming in to feed on the spuds!

I counted six Whoopers in total, but i am sure they will be arriving in great numbers fairly soon

A distant shot of a pair of Peregrine falcons resting

My favourite duck, the male Eider

Eider feeding frenzy

Red Crested Pochard

Trotters World of Animals

2011-10-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

A few shots from my recent trip to a beautiful little wildlife park, called Trotters World of Animals which is located near Bassenthwaite in the Lakes. Here they have a small selection of various domestic and exotic, but what really caught my attention was the Birds of Prey and the flying demonstraion.

Bald Eagle

Golden Eagle

Eagle Owl

Harris Hawk

Burmese Python

And a very cute Meerkat

More recent out and about shots

2011-10-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

The wildlife photography seems to have taken a back seat more recently as I have been out and about walking a bit more, below are some shots from my late summer wanderings

Sunset over Snowdon, taken from the top of Moel Famau

A wider shot of Snowdon, Tryfan and the Carneddau

sun setting behind Tryfan

now dropped behind

the clouds turned a lovely deep red

A Buzzard just off the path up to Moel Famau

A stunningly beautiful place, Llyn Cau, beneath Cadair Idris

Llyn Cau from the climb up onto Cadair Idris

Waterfalls from Llyn Cau

A stunning sight, Llyn Cau in the glaciated bowl beneath Cadair Idris

One of my favourite mountains, Tryfan

yours truly on the Cannon Rock on Tryfan

waterfalls coming down from Tryfan

Out and about

2011-09-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

This post is a series of highlight photos from some recent trips out, first off is some shots from Sharp Edge and Blencathra where I wild camped overnight next to Scales tarn, an incredibly special place!

Sharp Edge, an awesome ridge to cross

The outlet waterfalls from Scales tarn

Scales tarn with Sharp Edge to the right, a truly amazing place

Up on Sharp Edge looking back to Scales Tarn

Sharp Edge and Scales Tarn from the climb off Foule Crag

Skiddaw from Atkinson Pike

Sharp Edge and Blencathra from Bannerdale

Scales tarn as the sun sets

The light fades further over Scales Tarn

Profile of Sharp Edge against the setting sun

Sunset over Derwent Water from the Keswick landing stages

A few photos from Aber Falls in North Wales, the falls in full spate after recent heavy rain

Chester Zoo cont....

2011-09-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Another post of photos from my recent visit to Chester Zoo, starting with my favourites, the Elephants and a pair of very cute youngsters

Chimpanzee

Orang utang

Giraffe

Cheetah

Spectacled Bear

A very sleepy Lion

Weaver Bird

Zebra

Glorious Butterfly, but not sure what type!

Chester Zoo

2011-09-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

I took a trip recently up to Chester Zoo, a lovely day sauntering around with the camera, i had a few target species in mind to try and photograph, namely Elephants, Rhino, Meerkats and the first photos in this post, Tiger.

Meerkat

Rhino

Elephant to follow ...............

Kentmere

2011-06-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I was up in the Lakes and walked the Kentmere Horseshoe, a 20km walk with 3000ft of ascent. A great walk taking in Kentmere Pike, Harter Fell, Mardale Ill Bell, Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yolk. After a showery start it brightened up into a lovely day but a little breezy, and all the way round I was serenaded by Skylarks.

A couple of the locals posing in front of Ill Bell

Didnt have a long lens with me on this walk, this is the nearest i could get to one of the many Skylarks I saw and heard all the way round

Small water, with High St beyond

L-R Yolk, Ill Bell and Froswick

Small water with Haweswater beyond

Nan Bield Pass

Ill Bell

Small Water with Haweswater beyond

Thornthwaite Beacon

Looking down to Froswick and Ill Bell, with the Tongue and Windermere beyond to the right

Big rocks and big clouds over Kentmere

Kentmere through the Bracken

And through the Foxgloves

Bog rock deposited no doubt during the last ice age, with Kentmere church in the background

NATIONAL THREE PEAKS 24HR CHALLENGE

2011-06-13T01:38:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE 2011

On the 2/3 July this year I will be leading a team having a crack at the National Three Peaks 24hr challenge. That is climbing the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis 4409ft),
England (Scafell Pike 3209ft) and Wales (Snowdon 3560ft) all within 24 hours.

My team are all undertaking the challenge to support the National Children’s charity, Brainwave, who have their Northern Centre here in Birchwood, where I manage Birchwood Shopping Centre.

More details on the charity and the amazing work they do for children with brain injuries such as Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome or Developmental Delay can be found on their website
www.brainwave.org.uk

I would be extremely grateful if you were able to support me in attempting the challenge and donating could not be easier and safer by going to my just giving page below, and I thanks you in advance for your support.

My just giving page can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/GaryJones6

Many thanks

Gary

Sand Martins

2011-06-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

Some shots from my recent visit to the banks of the River Ribble just outside Preston, conscious of not disturbing the birds I nestled myself in to the bank side vegetation and spent a delightful couple of hours watching the Sand Martins in and out of their burrows.

More from The Farne Islands

2011-06-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

The last post of images from my recent trip to The Farne Islands. The first bird featured is The Shag, not a bird thought of as particularly good looking, but very unique especially when viewed close up, and how prehistoric the young chicks look!

Feeding time

Graceful in flight hugging the waves

Next, Guillemots that are extremely numerous on the Islands

The dreaded walk through the Arctic tern colony was as hazardous as expected, frequently had my head attacked and this time well and truly shat on!!

I think my favourite Duck is the Eider, despite being so handsome I just love the call of the male birds.

not sure if this nest was abandoned or the female was away from it

Next bird featured is the Razorbill,not as numerous as the Puffins and Guillemots,but still a fair few breeding on the sea cliffs

Amongst the seabirds already featured there is a lot of Kittiwakes nesting, sometimes on tiny ledges which really make you wonder how they dont fall out of the nests a long way down to the sea

Lastly a few shots of the sea cliffs and stacks that the birds return to each year to breed on

And finally my transport for the day was Billy Shiels 'Glad Tidings 2', very nice boat ride

Farne Island Puffins

2011-06-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Next post from last weeks trip to the Farne Islands, in all I must have took 500+ Puffin photos, I just love these little birds, they spend most of the year braving the high seas and come back to these Islands each year to breed and then head back out to sea. They are real enigmatic characters and such fun to watch, a difficult task choosing a set for the post but have tried to include a variety of shots.

Not want you want to see falling as the bird approaches!!

A bit of mutual bonding

Something a bit bigger than a sand eel?

When the Puffins land with beakfulls of eels they then have to escape the marauding gulls and get in their burrow before their catch is stolen

more shots coming soon of Arctic Terns, Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags.........

The Farne Islands

2011-06-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I made the long journey up to the Farne Islands, I just adore these Islands and the boat trip across. It was a glorious day, wall to wall sunshine and clear blue skies. I vowed that on this visit to take in the whole atmosphere of the islands a lot more, but I still managed to rattle off 2000+ shots in the 4/5 hours I was on the Islands. This first post is some shots of the many Grey Seals that inhabit the Islands, cumbersome on land but ever so graceful in the clear blue waters of the islands. Seabird shots to follow later.

RSPB Leighton Moss & Garden Blue Tits

2011-05-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Took a trip up to Leighton Moss to hopefully get some nice shots of the Marsh Harriers, a real frustrating trip as no matter where I went they were always out of range, so only managed record distant shots. Although I did witness a male and female mating and got some shots from a distance. But it was a lovley morning at one of my favourite places, saw and heard lots of warblers, Chiff Chaffs, Blackcaps, and got a nice clear shot at a singing Sedge Warbler.

A distant shot of a pair of Marsh Harriers mating, the first couple are the male approaching the awaiting female on a low tree

Landed and doing the 'business'

Job done and they are both back in the air

Spent a while watching a family of Greylags

Very cute goslings

A nice shot of a Greylag in the yellow iris

But it was the Harriers I wanted to capture and it was frustrating they never came in to range

Part 2 of this post, is the start of Operation Blue Tit, i have a pair of Blue Tits that have nested in a box on the back of the house. Over the coming weeks before they fledge I want to try and get some nice shots of them coming in to the box and leaving. My first attempt was in not so ideal conditions, a little gloomy which meant a high iso to achieve a fast shutter speed, but hopefully I will get some nice bright days to get some crisper shots..... watch this space

While the adults were away from the nest, had a quick check and was nicely surprised

Air brakes on as it nears the hole

Leaving with a poo sack

Coming in with a nice juicy catapillar

Meant to add the shots are through the conservatory window which does detract from the quality.

The Roof of England

2011-05-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

My latest walk up in the Lake District was a monster one, about 13 miles with 4500ft of ascent across the roof of England, from Seathwaite I walked the Corridor Route up onto Lingmell, then up Lords Rake and the West Wall Traverse onto Scafell, then across to Scafell Pike. A cracker of a walk, in glorious weather, shorts and T Shirt all the way.

Early morning looking up Grains Gill

Stockley Bridge

Looking across Styhead Gill to Lingmell and Scafell Pike

Waterfalls on Styhead Gill, with Great End in the Background

Styhead Tarn

Lingmell and Piers Gill from the Corridor Route path

Great Gable across an un-named tarn

Lingmell across the same tarn

Looking back from the top of Lingmell to the Corridor route and Styhead tarn in the distance

the northern face of Scafell from the path beneath Pike Crags

Wastwater from the same point

At the foot of Lords Rake

The large chockstone is still wedged at the top

Looking back down Lords Rake

Lots of loose boulders in the Rake, scary!!

Scafell Pike from the West Wall Traverse

Surprisingly still some snow and ice in Deep Ghyll

Some big rocks in Deep Ghyll waiting to slide down, thankfully not while i was in there!!

Out the top of Deep Ghyll, looking back down

Wastwater and Burnmoor tarn from the top of Scafell

The valley of Mosedale from the top of Scafell

Scafell Pike from a very dry Foxes Tarn

Looking back at Scafell from the climb to the top of Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike summit trig point

Skiddaw and Blencathra in the distance from Scafell Pike

Great Gable and Kirk Fell from the descent of Scafell Pike

The north face of Great End and Central Gulley, a small patch of snow and ice still there, reminded me of when I ice climbed it a few winters ago

Waterfalls on Grains Gill

This was a lovely pool and waterfall, a bit warmer and I would have been in for a cooling dip

Lots of Spring Lambs at Seathwaite farm

So cute !!!

Nuthatch

2011-05-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

I have somewhat neglected my blog over the last few months, as the Wildlife photography has unfortunately taken a bit of a back seat, but a few trips are planned over the coming months and I hope to get out and about a bit more so hopefully the pictures will apppear more often

I have been hopeful that I could attract nuthatches to my garden feeders as we are not far from woodland, so it was a nice surprise to see one feeding, and even better to grab some shots in the rather poor light.

Last years favourites

2011-02-18T08:07:00.001-08:00

Whilst the weather has been a bit grim latley and opportunities to get out with the camera have been sparse, I have spent some time sorting through last years pictures and pulling out some of my favourites,some great memories of some special days out.

The first was from a magical morning at RSPB Leighton Moss watching the Red Deer as the sun rose, this stag waded across the pool in front of me.

This stag put his head out of the reeds for a moment then disappeared back in

A few shots from an amazing trip to the Bass Rock to see the Gannet colony, loved every minute of it.

A few close ups of this stunning bird

And diving for fish

Next, Kingfishers at Meresands Wood

A big invasion of Waxwings from Scandanavia this winter

Another memorable trip last year was to the Farne Islands, great memories of the Puffins and Arctic terns

Right place at the right time to see this Tawny Owl at Leighton Moss

Little Egret in Morecombe Bay

Heron on my local pond

Mardale and Newlands Horseshoe

2011-02-10T02:54:00.000-08:00

At last got a chance to get my last two walks posted, they were two crackers, the first was up to Mardale, I think probably my favourite area of the Lakes and on a nice day it is a really stunning place, and home to the only Golden Eagle in England, although I didnt see it this time. The second walk was the Newlands Horseshoe in the North western lakes, taking in Cat Bells, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Dale Head and Hindscarth. This was a glorious morning and the photos dont really do it justice, it was just a pleasure to be up there.

MARDALE

Started this post with one of the last photos taken showing how the day turned out, a stunning view across to Rough Crag, Riggindale and Kidsty Pike

It was a lot grimmer when I started first thing at Mardale Head at the head of Haweswater

My route was off the main path following the course of Blea Water Beck, up to Blea Water, one of the waterfalls along the beck

The photo below is on the approach along the beck to the outflow of Blea Water, Blea water crags in the background

A from a little higher up, Blea water and my route up onto Long Stile at Caspell Gate and then up onto High Street

Looking down on Blea Water from Long Stile

Very cold on High Street

Typical, by the time I walked to Mardale Ill Bell and looked back the summit of High Street had cleared

Looking down into Kentmere from Mardale Ill Bell

Harter Fell from Mardale Ill Bell

Looking down my route of descent, to Small Water and Haweswater

The Kentmere fell ponies on the slopes of Harter Fell

looking into the Kentmere valley at the Nan Bield Pass

Small Water on the descent from Nan Bield

Very cold out of the sun down at Small Water, a majestic place

Waterfalls on the beck out of Small Water

Haweswater, with glacial Drumlins in the foreground

One of the most stunning views in the Lakes, looking across Haweswater to Rough Crag, High St, and Kidsty Pike

The valley of Riggindale, stunning place and home on the crags to the Golden Eagle

The last view as I leave

Todays route

NEWLANDS HORSESHOE

This was a cracker of a walk, in great conditions, I had hoped for an inversion and an early start from Preston in thick fog was promising. When I arrived at Hawes End to start the walk up onto Cat bells the mist was lingering over Derwent Water, but it wasnt the full inversion I had hoped for. But nonetheless a great walk, the photos dont really do it justice.

Looking over Derwent Water towards Blencathra as the sun starts to rise

Same view a little higher up

Looking over Derwent water to the High Seat fells

Beautiful colours as the rising sun hits the side of Cat Bells

My route up onto Cat Bells

A great view from the climb to Maiden Moor, Skiddaw and Blencathra across Keswick and Derwent Water

Skiddaw and Blencathra from the summit of Cat Bells

looking across Cat Bells to Skiddaw and bassenthwaite lake covered in mist

Blencathra catching the early morning sunshine

Skiddaw

Dale Head from High Spy

The north face of Dale Head

Bowfell, centre photo from Dale Head

Great Gable and Kirk Fell from Dale Head

Looking down the Newlands valley from Dale Head

The Newlands valley from the walk off Dale Head to Hindscarth

From the same point looking into the Buttermere valley

Grasmoor and the north western fells from Hindscarth

The Newlands horseshoe route

New Year walks

2011-01-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

My first walk of 2011 was a trip up to Coniston, to revisit a walk I did in October last year, where I went up onto Dow Crag via South Rake, and then round onto The Old Man of Coniston, that was a very misty and viewless day so a return on a clear day was in order. This is a great walk and a great way to get up onto Dow Crag, an exciting scramble up South Rake amongst the tall cliffs and crags of Dow Crag, this is really climbers territory but the Rake gives you a feel for it but is an easier scramble. My second walk was up onto Bowfell, more details below.

Dow Crag and The Old Man from the drive through Torver

Dow Crag from The Cove

The waterfalls from the outflow of Goats Water, the crags of Dow Crag in the background.

The steep climb up the scree to locate the stretcher box at the foot of the crags

Goats Water

Climbing the scree to the stretcher box

getting nearer

A brief rest at the stretcher box before heading up South Rake

At the start of South Rake

Climbing higher up the rake

Looking back down the climb

At the exit of South Rake onto the Dow Crag summit ridge

Looking along the ridge to Brown Pike and Buck Pike

The Duddon Estuary

The Scafell range from Dow Crag

Scafell Pike

Scafell

The Scafells from a very icy Goats Hause

Dow Crag and Goats water on the path up to the Old Man

Dow Crag from Coniston Old Man

Same photo with my route of ascent up South Rake marked on

The Old Man of Coniston summitt

Looking over Small Water towards Wetherlam

Coniston and Coniston water far below

Brown Pike, and Blind Tarn just visible

A very frozen Small Water

Long abandoned mine buidings

My second walk of the New Year was planned to be from Langdale up Oxendale onto and over Crinkle Crags and then up onto Bowfell, and descending via the Climbers Traverse. But the weather conspired against me, on arriving early it looked really good the fells were snow covered and the forecast was good until late afternoon when more heavy snow was forecast. I got up to Red tarn fine only to see a heavy weather front coming in over the Coniston fells, deciding to push on up onto the Crinkles the bad weather came in really quickly and I decided to turn around on the first crinkle, in knee deep snow and a complete whiteout in blizzard conditions, it would have been suicidal to carry on, so I retraced my steps thankfully my crampon tracks were just visible. A wise decision I think, and the mountains will always be there another day,

Looking good coming down Langdale, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell covered on snow

Its really tough during the winter up here, this sheep falling foul

''You think you are coming through here''!!

A very friendly Shire horse at Stool End farm

Looking back down the beck in Oxendale from the bridge, a very different view later!

All the waterfalls were laden with ice

strange ice structures

Looking over Hell Gill to Bowfell

More icy waterfalls

Looking over a frozen Red Tarn to wetherlam, the clouds are coming in

The Langdale Pikes clear at the moment

The black snow clouds now coming in quickly over the Coniston fells

Pike O Blisco as the weather closes in

Crinkle Crags start to disappear, I got up onto the first crinkle but the snow really came down and navigation was all but impossible, the sensible thing was to bin it and turn round, not something I like doing but I like living more!!

Managed to get to the top of Cold Pike before that got obliterated by snow, cold by name cold by nature, it was flipping freezing by now

The snow was catching me up as I descended, again looking over to the Langdale Pikes

A rather different view down Langdale when I got back to the bridge

And looking up into Oxendale

The Shire horse I met on the way up, looked thoroughly fed up in the snow

The Crinkles and Bowfell now disappeared into the heavy snow clouds

When I got back to the car, decided to have some butties before leaving, as soon as they were out the Robins were on the scrounge, really tame and happy to feed off my hand.

The wing mirror, and my head at times were a handy perch

Couldnt entice the blackbird to feed off my hand though

Garden Birds Christmas Special

2010-12-22T01:04:00.000-08:00

As the extreme winter conditions continue it is becoming more and more difficult for the birds to feed themselves as the ground is snow covered and frozen. As a result more birds are being forced to visit our gardens to find food, harsh times for them but great for wildlife photographers to take advantage of. My own garden has got busier and busier as the bad weather continues, and it is great to see new visitors on a regular basis, such as Bullfinchs and Marsh Tits. A tough time so it is really important that we offer food in our gardens to see them over this tough time.
I would like to wish all my followers and readers of my blog a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Lots of Robins in the garden, constantly bickering and chasing each other

Brilliant to see Bullfinchs coming in regularly

A bird that I have not seen in the garden until recently, a Marsh Tit

Small groups of Long tailed tits descend onto the fatball feeder

My perennial favourite, Blue Tit

The blackbirds are slowly stripping the berries from the bushes

Another berry down the hatch!

Great Tit

Dunnock

Coal Tit

Chaffinch

Blencathra Via a very Icy Sharp Edge

2010-12-14T03:47:00.000-08:00

On what was forecast to be a clear morning, decided to go up onto Blencathra via Sharp Edge and back down via Halls Fell Ridge, one of the classic mountains days in the Lakes.A trip of two contrasts, it was cold, claggy and snowing all the way up to Sharp Edge and sunny and bright back down Halls Fell.
I knew getting up to Sharp Edge it was going to be touch and go if I went across it, it was extremely icy all the way across, but the crampons gave me good grip and it was a great buzz. Once on the Summitt of Blencathra hung around a while as the cloud was clearing and the views opening up, and then it cleared the sun was out and it was a very pleasant decent of Halls Fell ridge.

Arriving at Scales tarn, Sharp Edge looked quite dramatic in the cold misty air

The steep climb up to the start of the arete

The icy climb up onto the ridge

Looking down the arete, to the climb out up Foule Crag

It was very icy across the ridge, certainly not for the faint hearted or inexperienced

Approaching the 'Bad Step'

Looking back after negotiating the bad step

The Bad Step!!

Looking back down the arete

Now just the steep climb up Foule Crag to the summitt ridge

Sharp Edge disappears into the mist below as I climb Foule Crag

Cold with no view at the summitt, although it did start to clear so I hung around a while

Starting to clear, blue sky and the distant Pennines

My route of descent down Halls Fell ridge

Further down Halls Fell looking back up

Blencathra from the waterfall at the foot of Middle Tongue

The view across Scales to the North Western Fells

A great mountain day out, superb over Sharp Edge, but I would not recommend it to the inexperienced or faint of heart!!

Garden Birds

2010-12-10T09:19:00.001-08:00

All this recent bad weather has meant that the supply of food for birds becomes more of a problem, and my garden feeders have certainly been a lot busier as a result. So recently spent a little time with the camera in the garden, and if nothing else it really made me appreciate the beauty and real pleasure watching them brings, that I normally take for granted. Also the free food on offer is also attracting some rarities for my garden. Lastly, I have included some pics of a very friendly Robin that I met up at RSPB Leighton Moss recently, it was an absolute thrill to have it feeding out of my hand.

Goldfinchs are always welcome, and I do get alot feeding on the Sunflower hearts

It was a nice surprise when this Wren popped up on the feeders

I just love Blue Tits

A real treat to get Bullfinchs of both sexes coming in to feed

Once again I am struggling to identify, either marsh or willow Tit?

Lastly, an extremely friendly Robin up at Leighton Moss, loved my butties and also posing for the camera

Fallow Deer

2010-11-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

Spent a delightful morning recently up at Dallam Park, near Milnthorpe, primarily to photograph the herd of Fallow Deer that live in the parkland. It is a lovely place and it has some great walks around the surrounding area and stunning views across to the southern Lakes.

The purpose of the visit was to photograph the Fallow Deer, who were very difficult to get close to on the open parkland, but with a little patience and stealth got the shots I wanted. This elegant stag was obviously the dominant stag with a huge herd of hinds and some juvenile stags

Locating the herd in the vast parkland was the first job, and rising a crest was met by a lot of eyes looking at me

But they soon settled and by slowly creeping around got plenty of opportunities for pictures, which were a lot better when the sun came out really picking out the colours on their coats.

I came across these stags on the other side of the river, I assume that these have been ousted by the dominant stag during the rutt and are now living a solitary life away from the herd.

The parkland is vast in size, this being the view down to Dallam Tower, the herd moved down to the left.

The weir down on the River Bela as it flows towards the estuary

The view to the southern and eastern fells from the top of Haverbrack

On the top of Haverbrack spent some time watching 3/4 Buzzards circling, until they were buzzed by the local crows

The area around haverbrack is home to thousands of Pheasants, bred for the shooting fraternity, but i think they are stunning birds, and the sun through the wood really highlights their colours.

Then back down through the woods, here a long tailed tit

Marsh Tit or Willow Tit, i am not sure, can anyone confirm?

A superb walk, and a real pleasure to get so close to the Fallow Deer.

Waxwings in Preston

2010-11-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

Reading various websites it was apparent Waxwings had arrived also in Preston city centre in good numbers this year, so in the hope of seeing some more after the previous weeks visit to Barrow I visited Ribble Bank Street where there are quite a few Rowan trees covered in berries, and after a bit of tracking down found a group of maybe twenty birds. But unlike the flock from Barrow these birds where quite skittish and only came down to the berries for short periods and the slightest disturbance sent them off into the higher tree tops. Nevertheless it was great to see them in such an urban environment and i managed some shots in what was a quite gloomy morning.

Waxwings

2010-11-09T02:32:00.000-08:00

This Autumn has seen a big influx of waxwings into the country, a flock had been reported as feeding on Rowan Trees in Barrow village near Whalley, so having never seen a Waxwing never mind photographed one I took myself across to Barrow on a lovely sunny cold morning, and boy I was not disappointed. Took 1000+ shots of which about 100 or so where to my satisfaction.

WWT Martin Mere

2010-10-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

Another visit to one of my favourite sites, Martin Mere, especially at this time of the year as 30,000+ Pink Footed Geese have arrived to either stay here for the winter or to rest up before moving on further south. And also the arrival from Iceland of the Whooper Swans who over winter at Martin Mere. I just love watching these stunning birds flying in to the Mere, and then settling down to feed and roost.
Lots of photos, difficult to choose what to post!!

The fields are full of feeding Pink Footed Geese

More and more coming in to land

Lots of opportunities for flight shots

Now to the Whooper Swans, there are to date about 700 arrived from Iceland, but more are arriving daily, amazing birds, graceful in the air as they come in to land

Take off time, a long run up across the Mere

Nearly there

Take off!!

On a busy Mere picking your landing spot is important

Another 3 coming in

Stunning birds in the late afternoon sun

A series of close up shots

A juvenile bird on his/her first of many visits to Martin Mere

The serrated teeth along their bills visible in this shot

Lots of Whoopers feeding on the grain thrown down for them around the Mere edge

A juvenile bird

Stunningly beautiful

A noisy family reunion

Feeding time in the late afternoon sunshine

G3S feeding on the Mere edge

Other birds on the Mere included Shelduck

Pintail

Lots of Graylag geese

And the added bonus of a Kingfisher that landed on the fence across from the Ron Barker hide

A Circuit of Martindale and lots of Red Deer

2010-10-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

Circuit Of Martindale

8 miles 2300ft of ascent

The planned walk was a circuit of the fells around Martindale, taking in Beda Fell, Angletarn Pikes, Brock Crags, Rest Dodd, The Knot and then back down the High St ridge to our starting point at Martindale Church. It was quite a gloomy morning with heavy grey skies but it was hoped that the weather might improve, and on the more than average chance of seeing Red Deer i lugged my 500mm lens around just in case. The weather didnt really improve as we set off onto Beda Fell, and by the time we came off Brock crags the rain had really come in. But nevertheless it was a magic walk, the still air was full of the resonating sound of Red Deer stags roaring below in the valley. So we decided to drop down out of the bad weather into bannerdale, stooping raining as we reached the valley floor, and we were really rewarded with large herds of deer in the upper valley, and stags competing with each other for the ladies. And I managed to fulfill an ambition and get some shots of stags fighting, magic!!

from the road bridge over Howegrain Beck, near martindale church looking down Martindale

Zoomed in shot from the road bridge over Howegrain Beck, near martindale church looking down Martindale the Nab to the right

On the same bridge looking across to the left and the bracken covered slopes of Steel Knots

the start of the climb up the bracken covered slopes of Beda Fell

Looking back to martindale church as we start the climb up onto Beda Fell

Ullswater from the climb up onto Beda Fell

Beda Fell summitt with Ullswater in the Background

The head of the Bannerdale valley and The Nab

Looking back up to Beda Fell

The rain is on the way, coming in over Glenridding

its going very gloomy as we approach Angletarn Pikes

Brothers water from Angletarn Pikes

Angle Tarn from Angletarn Pikes

From Angletarn Pikes, are next target was Brock Crags to the right

Brothers Water from Brock Crags

Yours truly on Brock Crags, the rain is starting to come in over Brothers Water

Looking back to Angle Tarn from Brock Crags

A gloomy High Street over Hayeswater

The head of Bannerdale, a stunning remote valley with the sound of Red Deer stags roaring all around. We had descended into the valley at the top left of the picture, it was pouring with rain all the way down, and as we reached the valley floor it cleared up!! From here the big lens came out again and it was deer stalking time, with some great shots if a little grainy in the gloomy light.

Then it was Deer all the way in the upper part of the Bannerdale valley

These two stags squared up to each other, and I fulfilled an ambition to get some shots of two Red Deer Stags fighting at the Rut, crackin!! the following shots record the fight and the loser being chased off

Lytham Sunset

2010-10-13T01:55:00.000-07:00

This spell of fine weather has produced some stunning sunsets over the last few days, the shots below where taken last evening from the end of the jetty at the RNLI station at Lytham, it was an amazing sight watching the sun slowly turm into a red fireball and slip closer to the horizon.

The windmill as I arrived starting to glow red as the sunsets.

As I was leaving it glowed with the reflection of the now red sky to the west.

A skein of Pink footed geese that I was willing to fly across the setting sun to give a great shot, but wasnt to be!!

Red Deer and Bearded Tits

2010-10-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

Another visit to Leighton Moss, this time a real early start and i was in the Griesdale hide at sunrise in the hope of getting some shots of the Red Deer stags. It was a beautiful morning as the sun rose over the hills opposite, and the sound of the stags roaring in the cold still air made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, but unfortunately the real big fellas stayed hidden away but there was still plenty of Deer movement early on. Also I wanted to try and get some shots of the Bearded Tits that were reported to regularly visiting the grit trays put out for them. First a selection of Red Deer shots. This is what the Stags are now intersted in herding up the hinds and fighting to keep their hareem. A younger stag with smaller antlers A youngster, possibly one of this years offspring This fella appeared out of the reeds and stood for ages watching what was going on before revealing himself, and then disappeared back into the reeds. This group of hinds and youngsters were quite relaxed lounging in the late morning sunshine. A youngster still with the characteristic spots This stag keeps a close watch on his ladies!! He relaxes but never too far away from the hinds When the deer watching quitened off I wandered around to the causeway to see if Bearded Tits were visiting the grit trays, and I was not disappointed. When this Heron wandered by I held my breath and got some great close up shots. Lastly, whilst watching the deer saw something move out the corner of my eye, by the time I had swung the camera around caught this stoat in mid air escape!

RSPB Leighton Moss

2010-10-01T03:13:00.000-07:00

I think Leighton Moss is quickly becoming one of my favourite places to visit, I returned again yesterday on what I had hoped would be a nice sunny dawn, but it was a grim drizzly one, and i had hoped as on my previous visit last month to get some shots of the Red Deer who are now starting the Rut. I was in the hide by 7am, and there was plenty of stags roaring in the reeds but none visible, after my previous visit when there were stags in the open everywhere, sights where few and far between, and the best view I got was of a couple of stags that waded across the pool in the distance. Some of the shots are a bit grainy due to the low light conditions and the need for a high ISO. But they are more record shots than portraits, but nonetheless very enjoyable, especially with the anticipation of one of the big roaring stags appearing. Afterwards called in to the Eric Morecambe hide, lots of Godwits, Redshank, but a very busy hide meant a short stay!!

The first sighting in the early morning gloom, a young stag

A hind appeared out of the reeds

she was followed by her youngster, born this year no doubt

This stag appeared for a short time out of the reeds, his breath rising in the early morning chill

A couple of stags appeared at the end of the far pool a good distance away and waded across before disappearing into the reeds again

The bigger of the two was a real big fella, with at least 13 points to his antlers, maybe 14

Then they both disappeared off into the reeds again

During the long periods between deer sightings, as well as watching the numerous Teal feeding outside the hide, there were still a lot of Dragon Flies active, not easy to follow with the long lens but managed to catch this one, but need some help identifying it?

Then it was time to head off but quickly called in at the coastal hides, the Eric Morecambe hide was very busy and once I got past all the tripods etc had a quick scout about.
There was a big flock of Godwits in the centre of the pool but closer in where Redshank and Greenshank

Quite a few Wigeon nearer in, just starting to come out of their eclipse plumage to their winter colours

Not many Egrets about, these were over the far side of the pool

Not as successful a visit as I had wanted but I shall return over the next couple of weeks when hopefully the Deer, especially the rutting stags are more visible, but still a great morning.

Blencathra Via Sharp Edge

2010-09-18T03:29:00.000-07:00

A stunning walk today up Blencathra, via Sharp Edge and back down Halls Fell Ridge.

Sharp Edge from the A66

A stunning location, Sharp Edge above Scales tarn

Sharp Edge from the approach path

Looking up Sharp Edge to Foule Crag

The notorious 'Bad Step' from the rock tower, but not too bad!!

The climb off the ridge up Foule Crag

Looking back down Sharp Edge

A stunning view down to the arete and Scales Tarn

Sharp Edge from the path to Blencathra summit

and a bit further along

Looking across Gategill Fell to the North Western fells

View across the summit ridge to Skiddaw

Looking down the Vale towards Thirlmere

Zoomed in shot of Grisedale Pike

Route of ascent down Halls Fell Ridge

The north western fells

Meresands Wood - Kingfishers

2010-09-06T01:05:00.000-07:00

After getting the briefest of glimpses of a Kingfisher up at Leighton Moss last week, I took myself off to Meresands Wood, a haven for Kingfishers in the hope of getting some nice shots. I had a full morning to patiently sit it out waiting for Kingfishers to land on the branches outside the hide. And my patience was well and truly rewarded with the Kingfishers busy all morning. But these shots were only achieved with a little patience, so many people were in the hide asking ''any kingfishers about?'' and then giving up after 5 minutes and moving off, just shows all good things are certainly worth waiting for. Whilst waiting for the Kingfishers was amused watching a Grey Heron constantly getting chased off by the resident Canada geese, and also the abundance of Dragon flies, a great place to visit with the combination of ancient oak woodland and the large lake.

First Kingfisher of the morning brings in his catch

The next bird certainly bit off more than he could chew, I honestly dont know whether it managed to swallow it, he spent a good 5 minutes perched with it in his beak obviously contemplating '' i've caught it now what do I do with it!!''

This silver birch branch has been ideally positioned for the birds to perch and fish close in

A alternative view, that clearly shows off that vivid orange breast, stunning.

As mentioned this Grey Heron was only after a peaceful mornings fishing but wherever he landed the Canada Geese saw him off!

Lots of different Dragon flies about, great to watch but almost impossible to catch with the camera, managed a few but not a clue what they are if any Dragonfly experts could let me know, thanks

Leighton Moss - Red Deer

2010-09-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful Bank holiday morning I made the early hours trip up to Leighton Moss to get in the hides as the dawn broke, to hopefully get some nice shots of the Red Deer, hopefully some good stag shots. What a morning it was, with not a soul around there was a lot of Deer out in the open around the pools, and being quiet moving about I was rewarded, and well pleased I made the effort of getting up at 5.30am on a bank holiday morning.

This elegant stag waded through the pool right in front of me

His antler points are nicely sharpened for the forthcoming rutt.

I dont think that they will be this friendly to each other over the coming weeks

A hind with her offspring

This hind came so close to me, within 10 yards, I was holding my breath as i fired the shutter!!

I saw this Marsh Harrier flying low across the reed beds towards me, hoping it stayed on course and flew close by, thankfully it did

I think this is a Whitethroat, that refused to fully expose itself out of the reeds.

Down at the Eric Morecambe hide overlooking the saltwater pools, there was lots of Little Egrets, Redshank, and a Kingfisher just not close enough to the hide, but nice to see nonetheless.

This one had a good shake and fluffed up all its feathers

On the way home called in at Warton Crag, in the faint hope of catching a Peregrine, and there was one perched high up on the cliff face, well out of range for a decent shot, but pleased with the record shot

A superb morning at a delightful place, and so glad I made the effort to get up early, those arriving as I left dont know what they missed!!

Leighton Moss

2010-08-28T02:04:00.000-07:00

An early morning visit to Leighton Moss primarily to try and get some shots of the Red Deer, I was up and in the Griesdale Hide by 8am and a small group of hinds were on the edge of the reeds about 50 yards opposite, with one of this years young, although the light wasnt great managed to get some ok shots and then lower down in the long grass movement caught my eye, an even smaller youngster who did get up but didnt really get any clear shots. It was a relatively quiet morning bird wise, the highlights were a couple of Marsh Harriers in the distance, and the Little Egrets on the Pools from the Eric Morecambe hide.

Lots of Little Egret on the Pools today

Canada Geese

Heron feeding on the pool edge

Pheasant basking in the sun

Lots of butterflys around today, I think the first is a Tortoise Shell, but not sure of the others if anyone can put me straight, not my speciality!

Blackpool Air Show

2010-08-10T01:32:00.000-07:00

A slight deviation from the theme of the blog, although not wildlife they do have wings!! Me and the lad went across to Blackpool on Sunday to watch the annual Air show on the sea front, parking up near St Annes and biking it in to avoid the queues as 100,000 others made their way to the prom. It was a lovely sunny warm afternoon but the blue sky disappeared which would have been a nice background to photograph the planes against, but an enjoyable afternoon nonetheless.

First set of images are veterans of our skies and the Second World war, a Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane, which make up the Battle of Britain Fleet.

Of the 100,000 people watching, best seat in the house this one I think!!

Next set is the Brietling Wing walkers, absolutely amazing and very brave, the two ladies performing on the wings of the Bi Planes

Then it was the highlight of the show, The Red Arrows

Farne Islands

2010-08-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

Its the school holidays and my time for getting out with the camera is severely limited, but with all the wet weather recently it has given me a chance to sort out some of the thousands of images I have taken, I am normally quite organised but I had so many pictures to sort through and file, and while doing so realised the number of decent ones there was that i never gave a second glance at the time. The first set of these is from my last visit to the Farne Islands last summer, a few favourites but mostly new images not publicised, hope you enjoy.

One of my favourites and many other peoples, the Puffin.

Guillemots

Lots of Eider ducks on and around the farnes

My abiding memory of the Arctic Terns was getting my head pecked several times, as they protect their nests very close to the path

A splendid pair of razorbills

Another highlight of the trip was the large seal colonies around the Islands.

An amazing experience, unforgettable and i look forward to my next trip there.

Garden Toads

2010-07-27T01:43:00.000-07:00

As much as I really enjoy getting out and about with my camera, sometimes I really enjoy just sitting in the garden with the camera and seeing what appears. Over the years I have tried to create a garden that is both practical for family use but also an attraction to birds and wildlife. I get all sorts of bird species visiting now, but since the creation of my wildlife pond I get a lot of new creatures to photograph. More recently frogs and damsel flys and over the weekend obliging Toads who posed nicely for the camera.

Common Frog

I am not too hot on Damselflies, if anyone can identify this one please let me know

Its gone a lot quieter over the last few weeks on the garden bird front, the young have all fledged and the adults will be going through their annual moult, but a visiting Great Tit presented a few photo opportunities.

Bass Rock Gannets 'Revisited'

2010-07-23T02:28:00.000-07:00

No not another visit to the Bass Rock, if only! but I have had a bit more time to sort through the 1000+ pictures I took on my recent visit, the earlier post describes in a bit more detail about my adventure that day, but I have posted an assortment of some more pictures.

Tawny Owl and Marsh Harriers

2010-07-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

Having switched my day off to the most promising good weather day this week, took a trip up to Leighton Moss, one I did last week but forgot to pack the camera memory cards!! having got some good sights of the Deer I vowed to myself to return this week to get some photos. Arrived at Leighton Moss at about 7am on a gloriously sunny morning, one of those its good to be alive mornings. Got to the Griesdale Hide where the deer where last week, you've guessed it not a sight, waited patiently watching the distant Marsh Harriers, and a couple of hours later decided to take the long walk to the other end of the reserve to the Lower Hide where I knew I had a chance of some close shots of the Marsh Harriers, and I wasnt disappointed. plus on the walk down there got the unexpected bonus shot of a Tawny Owl, was I a happy bunny.

The owl was roosting about 20ft away from the path, at first I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye and froze to the spot, fortunately there was a bench on the path at that same spot, so I carefully sat down and spent a good 20 minutes watching it, until it got spooked and flew off to a more secluded roost.

Then it was off to the Lower hide for the Harriers and i then spent an enjoyable couple of hours watching these majestic raptors. The male and female frequently being joined by their off spring hunting and displaying over the reed beds, I prayed for a close fly by and was rewarded when either the female or a juvenile came over to hunt at the water side about 50 ft from the hide. Falling onto its prey and then spending an agonising 40 minutes out of sight, no doubt consuming it before making an appearance.

Excitement levels increase as one moves in close to the hide

Down it goes, the autofocus let me down for this shot!

And it disappeared with its meal for a good 40 mins

Across the lake another was homing his attentions on the ducks on the waters edge, I think this is a juvenile as it seemed a little clumsy and in need of improving his hunting skills

When they take to the air they are such majestic flyers

Lastly not a sight I have seen before, a Heron up a tree!!

Frogs and Lapwings

2010-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

A bit of a strange combination, but a post to include two separate sets of photos, had the chance of a brief visit to my local Newton Marsh, wasnt a lot about as a lot of the pools are now dried up, but there were some Lapwings quite close in that posed nicely. When I got home, a frog at the side of the garden wildlife pond obliged for some nice close up shots.

Slideshows of the above images below

Common Terns

2010-07-07T03:01:00.000-07:00

As you may have seen in previous posts, I have been watching the Common Terns that have been nesting on the breakwaters in Preston Dock. The juveniles are now not far off fledging so I took the chance to nip down and get some last pictures of the youngsters and parents before they disappear back out to sea. They are now out of the tyres that had been put onto the breakwaters for them to nest in, and the youngsters are out on the breakwaters, stretching their wings and building up their energy levels for their forthcoming life at sea. They are now big enough to be safe from the many marauding gulls around the docks, but the parents still protect them, one always being around.

This parent was perched close by keeping an eye on the youngsters

The juveniles are now out of the nest on the breakwater, this one calling for food!!

Lots of wing stretching and exercising the flight muscles

The male, I think, brought a fish in that did look a bit big for the youngsters, but mum soon polished it off!

Below is a slideshow of all the images, that you can click the icon in the bottom right hand corner to get a full screen show.

Bass Rock

2010-06-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

Having booked this trip over six months ago it was a long time coming and one that I had really looked forward to. It was an early, 2.30am start to make the long drive up to Dunbar to be at the harbour side for the 7am departure of our boat to the Island. I had been anxiously watching the weather forecast all week as the long dry sunny spell was due to break and heavy rain was forecast that night but would clear by 7am, it poured down all the way up and was still raining as we arrived at Dunbar, but as we boarded the boat it had stopped and clear skies were coming in from the east. As we reached the Bass Rock blue sky was coming over and the rest of the day was a mix of blue sky and light cloud. What a trip it was, all I read about the Bass Rock and the Gannet colony was true, and the whole experience is difficult to put into words, other than it was a real priveledge to spend time so close and in the company of amazing birds. I took 1000+ photos, and it has took some time sorting out my favourite images, below are some record shots of the day, and for my ease I have split them into sections which will become apparent. I hope you enjoy the photos, but they really dont bring to life the true experience of being there, but they will help rekindle the memory.

OUT OF DUNBAR

Dunbar harbour on a damp grey morning, at this stage I was seriously doubting the forecast for good weather

The fisherman are busy sorting last nights catch, the local gulls getting all the scraps

The first views of the Bass Rock bathed in sunshine

Coming in closer getting ready to land, the smell starts to hit you, the noise and the spectacle of so many birds

Once safely onto the island to get up to the Gannet colonies we had to run the gauntlet of the Gulls that were nesting lower down and extremely protective of their young, if you get too close they launch themselves at you beak first followed by a dosing of Poo!!

Once we got further up the true enormity of it all hits you as it takes a long while for it to really sink in how many gannets are are on the Rock, we were on the western side and saw only a small proportion, who knows how many there are over the whole rock, tens of thousands I would guess if not many more, the next section of pictures are some of the many flight images I took.

FLIGHT IMAGES

And a few juvenile birds in flight

At this time of year the Gannets are on the Bass Rock to breed and raise their young and lots of birds were sitting on basic nests made out of twigs and bits of seaweed that they were constantly bringing in to repair the nests.

As I mentioned the Gannet colony on the Rock is vast, and we were only allowed on a very small controlled area, but even so the number of birds around us was immense.

It is only when you get the chance to sit quietly so close to these birds that you truly then realise what beatiful birds they are, and so well designed for what they have to contend with out on the high seas.

CLOSE UP IMAGES

on this next image the eye lids are visible that come down over the eye to protect it when they dive.

A very strange pose!!

The eyes are stunning close up

Gannets like a lot of birds pair up for life, and the bond between them is very close, and as one of the birds return to the nest that bond is strengthened with a sort of head rubbing ritual.

After 3 hours up in the Gannet colony it was time to head back down to the boat, again trying to get past the gulls without being pecked or dumped on, although their chicks are very cute

These two have a grandstand view from the window of a derelict building

Going back down to the boat, I wandered across to get some pictures of the stunning cliffs on the southern side of the Rock.

Then it was onto the boat and away from the Rock, the tide had dropped about 10ft in the three hours we had been there.

Just off the boat where a group of Razorbills and Guiilemots.

It was then time for the 'Chumming' this is where the boat skipper throws fish of the boat encouraging the gannets to come down and dive for them. At first it just attracted lots of gulls, but the Gannets were soon down diving close in to the boat, the hard job was photographing it as they entered the water at terrific speed.

The Gull beat the gannet to the fish on this dive

Two Gannets after the same fish, dangerous with those big bills.

The fizz of bubbles as they enter the water

Even after chumming had finished this Gannet followed for a while on the off chance of more

And then a last look back at the Bass Rock as we steamed back to Dunbar Harbour

Once back at the harbour, had a quick look at the Kittiwake colony that are nesting at the harbour entrance, again lots of young in the nests.

To follow are some short videos from the trip, the first off the back of the boat, if you look quickly you will see some gannets diving, filmed it right near the end when I had put the camera down!

An amazing trip and experience, as I already mentioned it was a real priviledge to spend time on the Bass Rock with its inhabitants.

Common Terns - Preston Dockland

2010-06-22T03:31:00.000-07:00

A previous post contains some pictures taken recently down at Riversway, Preston Dockland, it was a lovely sunny evening so had the choice of a quick wizz around the dock or pushing the trolley around Morrisons, so left the other half to the shopping and hot footed it round to where the Common Terns are nesting in the car tyres put out for them on the breakwaters.

A few of them were up flying close to the waters edge

I was really annoyed with myself as this was the only chance I got of an adult feeding the young a fish, and I managed to get it out of focus!!!!

Having fed the young it was back off fishing again

They are extremely protective birds, and any gulls that strayed into the air space around the nest got dealt with despite the size difference!!

Whilst walking round the dockside, heard some young birds calling from an iron walkway just above the water, they were fledgling swallows lined up on the iron work waiting for the parents to come in and feed them. When the adults came in I expected them to land an feed them, but such is the agility of these birds they came in and fed them on the wing without landing, stunning. Pictures are a bit grainy as I was stood in bright sunshine shooting into dark shade.

As I was walking back noticed the Mute swan family from my previous post, still with 3 healthy cygnets getting bigger.

The Cob gives me the eye as I get too close!!

Then in preparation for my trip to the Bass Rock next week, took some time to practice some flight shots of the many different gulls that are numerous around the dock being fed by the visitors.

A black headed gull, a bit of a mis-name as up close it can clearly be seen their head is actually brown.

Lastly not a bird, but has two wings! this plane had been around the area all day, no doubt flying from Britsh Aerospace at Warton, I am told by my good friend Tom who works there, that it is a DC-10 tanker, means nothing to me but looked spectacular flying so low over the docks.

Lake District Ospreys

2010-06-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

Sods law, Murphys law or whatever its called, but it has been nice and sunny all week, come my day off its all cloudy and gloomy on the drive up to Dodd Wood to see the Ospreys that are nesting overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake. Nevertheless I had promised myself a visit so in the hope it brightened up I lugged all the camera gear up to the Upper viewpoint. It is a lovely walk up from the Dodd walk car park at Mirehouse, up through the coniferous forest onto the fellside overlooking the plantations below and out over Bassenthwaite to the north western fells. Passing the lower viewpoint made a mental note to call in on the way back as they have feeders out for the birds and Red squirrels, and I'm glad I did, more on that later. Reaching the upper viewpoint, the volunteers have an array of telescopes out for visitors to use, and it was fairly busy already. I must admit the nest platform is a lot further out than I envisaged, but i guess it has to be to avoid disturbing the birds, but the telescopes give great views. I wasnt really sure how good my pictures would be in the poor light but settled down with the camera on full 500mm zoom and got some shots, the quality isnt great as a high iso was needed and the pictures have been further cropped. But nevertheless enjoyed the couple of hours I stayed watching the Ospreys feeding the two youngsters in the nest and chatting to the knowledgable volunteers.

To give you an idea of the distance the nest platform is from the viewpoint, the picture below is taken at 150mm, the nest platform is almost centre picture, I was told it is 400m away but it does seem a little further.

The female sits to the right of the nest whilst the male is off fishing

Thats him up above the tree line

Take off time for a wing stretch

landing back at the nest a few minutes later

The male is back after a successful fishing trip

Having dropped off the fish he leaves the female to feed the chicks and he's off again.

The female was soon off the nest and rose quickly on the thermals to tackle a Buzzard who was circling the nest

Once tackled the buzzard was off suitably chastised.

Then it was straight back to the nest to look after the chicks

After a really enjoyable couple of hours watching the Ospreys I called in at the lower viewpoint, although you cant see the nest from here, there is always the chance the Osprey will pass to hunt down on Bassenthwaite, and also there is an array of feeders set up in front of the viewing area. This Carrion Crow was lurking in the conifers deciding where to drop in to

This Jay was stealing the hazel nuts put out for the Red Squirrels which unfortunatly didnt appear while I was there, maybe next time.

I was really pleased I had stopped at the lower viewpoint when this Redpoll appeared.

It then hopped onto a nyjer seed feeder to join a male Siskin

Then a Goldfinch joined the party, a feeder full of quality birds, outstanding

When I got home the garden was alive with birds, so had an enjoyable half hour to add to the day, this female Bullfinch in the Hawthorn tree was the highlight

Cant resist taking pictures of Blue tits and Goldfinch, both of which I get in abundance

A great day, and if you have the time and energy to make the steep walk up to see the Ospreys, I guarantee you will enjoy it. Unless an opportunity arises before, my next trip is to the Bass Rock on the 29th to see the huge colony of Gannets, trip of a lifetime I am told, needless to say I cant wait!!!

Various Photos

2010-06-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Having sorted through my memory cards found some photos taken recently in the garden and down by Preston Docks. I really enjoy getting out and about with my camera, but equally I do enjoy peacefully sitting in the garden with it by my side in readiness for what my call into the garden, especially at this time of the year the feeders are very busy with parent birds back and forth feeding youngsters.

The blackbirds have been extremely busy in the garden and always leave with beakfulls of food

And these chicks were the fruits of their labour

Oi dad wheres my dinner!!

This acrobatic blue tit was picking small spiders out of the Hawthorn tree

As you can see from previous posts I gets lots of Goldfinch in the garden and never tire of photographing these beautiful little finches, especially when the hawthorn tree it is in is in blossom

lots of juveniles are now starting to appear in the garden

House sparrow, followed by Chaffinch in the Hawthorn trees

Female Siskin and male Greenfinch on the Sunflower kernal feeder

An earlier post has some pictures from a recent visit to Preston Dock, this is a great place for me to walk around whilst the other half does the shopping in Morrisons, this weeks visit was a lesson in the harsh reality of how cruel nature is.

This Coot chick looks like it had just hatched but for some reason ended up in the water, and proceeded to try and get back up to the nest encouraged by its parents.

It made it back up onto the breakwater where the, ''recycled nest'' was, and it almost made it back to the nest, but out of nowhere a Great Black backed Gull picked it off, and a scrap followed as others tried to get a stolen feed.

Day off tomorrow, weather looks good so its off to Bassenthwaite to see the nesting Ospreys.

Marsh Harrier and Peregrines

2010-06-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Off the back of a weather forecast for bright sunny conditions I decided to go up to RSPB Leighton Moss, primarily to try and get some pictures of the Marsh harriers but also to try and get some pictures of the Otters reportedly seen. It turned out to be a trying morning, firstly the weather forecast was far from right and it was a bit dull all morning, and secondly I got some great views of the Marsh harriers hunting over the reeds but they didnt come close enough to get decent pictures, except for one unexpected pass by the hide which resulted in a rushed picture that I wasnt ready for, hence the blurring and dark image, but at least I got it. Then on the way back I called in at Warton Crag to have a look at the nesting Peregrines. It was great to watch the male hunting up and down the cliff face, harassing the nesting Jackdaws. Again the photos were not great due to the distance they were up the cliff, but a real treat to watch nonetheless. And the otters no doubt appeared after I had left the hide having sat there for 2 hours!!

If only I had been ready for this male Marsh Harrier coming past the hide!!!

There was not a lot else out on the lakes, over on the coastal pools outside the Eric Morecambe hide there were quite a few Black tailed godwits and a pair of little Egrets.

I had heard that a pair of Peregrines always nested on the steep cliffs of Warton Crag, so as I was passing I went in to have a look and found the pair, the female sat above the nest and the male off to the right.

Talking to a guy who had been watching for a while, he informed me there are two chicks, and I had just missed a feed, typical!!

After a while the male bird was up in the air and hunting up and down the cliff, harassing the many Jackdaws that are nesting, looking to get to their chicks no doubt.

They are so quick, especially when they go right high and drop with their wings folded back, I am amazed I caught the shot below as it drops like a stone.

No luck this time, so he perched up away from the nest for a rest and preen.

Next trip is up to Bassenthwaite to see the nesting Ospreys.

Meresands Wood

2010-06-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

After leaving Marshside time was on my side so I decided to call in at Meresands Wood

http://www.lancswt.org.uk/Our%20Reserves/mere_sands_wood.htm

in the hope of seeing some Kingfishers. Not in luck today, I hotfooted across the reserve to the Rufford Hide where I have seen them from on previous visits, and barring a quick glimpse of one flying past, none settled within range to photograph. But i was treated to some great views of a couple of Jays, and on the way back across the reserve witnessed a Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding its young, so the visit wasnt wasted!!

A fine display by a couple of Jays right outside the hide.

Walking through the wood i could hear a strange calling, and what sounded like a Woodpecker calling in the canopy. Looking around the trees I found the source of the strange call, it was a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker calling from its hole in a dead tree, the parent was obviously waiting for me to pass by before coming down to feed it. I hid myself behind a tree and was treated to watching the feeding.

Wheres my food????

I'm just waiting for him to go!!!

I'm coming!!

From a different angle, revealed this bird has been caught and rung.

All the boxes in the wood seemed to be occupied by Blue Tits busily back and forth feeding.

I am now looking forward to later in the month when I am off to The Bass Rock, hopefully on a nice sunny calm day, and lots of Gannets.