Sunday 25 April 2010

Fulmars at Bempton

Almost a year to the day since I was last at Bempton I returned for another look. This time I was hoping for some better light and the opportunity to get some photogarphs of Fulmars. I was not disappointed on either count. It was less windy than last time which meant the birds were not as active or as high - but I had a grand day, and was very pleased with the results. This was one of my favourite flight shots of the day.

Sunday 18 April 2010

Even a volcanic cloud has a silver lining

I do feel sorry for all the hundreds of people who are stranded with no planes, but this weekend has been so peaceful! Even better, the weather has been gorgeous, so I've spent a happy couple of days in the local park. The birds seem to be enjoying the quietness as well, with lots of singing and unprecedented flurries of activity. Yesterday I had nearly twenty minutes with my local kingfisher (foolishly I had no camera with me at that stage - although it was never really close enough for a decent shot)!



Today I'm pretty certain that I managed my first chiff-chaff. It didn't sing, so I'm not entirely sure - but there were a lot of them around and in appearance it fits the bill.



I was also entertained by a pair of yellow wagtails. Hopefully I can return to get a better shot of them later in the week now I know where they are.

Saturday 10 April 2010

Pochard Portraits

The last few days have finally been beautiful. Spring has truly arrived this week! Today I got up early and headed to Bushy Park. Always a wildlife hotspot, today it seemed extra specially busy, as if the birds were as excited about the sunshine as I was.



I took quite a lot of pictures today, but I was especially taken by this pair of pochard portraits. There were a small group of red crested pochards swimming out in one of the ponds. Once I sat down they became bolder and this male swam almost right up to me.

Sunday 4 April 2010

Back-lit Dunnock

Since the accident I've rather fallen off from my posting schedule. This is partly because I've not been out much with the camera - and partly because of other preoccupations. Sorting out a new car. Sorting out the insurance on the old one. Other such niggles!

Today however, I made it across to Kempton Nature reserve - and despite dire predictions regarding the weather this weekend, it was actually a lovely afternoon. Not a lot going on while I was there, but it was nice to be out in the sun. With not a lot of activity on the water I contented myself with shots of small birds. The highlight of the afternoon was this back-lit dunnock which came in to feed directly in front of the hide.

Dunnock