Saturday 19 June 2010

Wetlands and woodpeckers

Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the Wildfowl and Wetlands trust centre at Arundel in West Sussex. It was a highly relaxing day, with a lot of action from the hides. Strangely though for a wetland centre the highlight of the day for me was a greater-spotted woodpecker. I see these birds frequently but have seldom managed to get close enough for a photograph.



The wetland centre, however, has a small bird feeding station and whilst I was there watching numerous finches and tits squabbling over the feeders, this greater spotted flew in to see what all the fuss was about. The area was quite dark - but after a while it moved round to the lighter side of the trees and afforded me a few decent shots.

Sunday 6 June 2010

Stonechats at St Aldhelm's

Stonechats are wonderfully curious birds. They seem to like to know what is going on. Other birds often sing from inside a bush, and are hard to spot. In contrast Stonechats will find the highest point and sing from there. Better yet, often as you walk to investigate they will fly to a perch nearer to take a good look at you.

Last week at St Aldhelm's head I met a couple who were very tame indeed allowing me to get closer than usual. An absolute delight to see.

Stonechat