tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2428522946737039882024-03-13T19:28:48.051+00:00Wild About.....the flora and fauna of Bedfordshire and a little further afield.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-69039120066781802822015-01-19T08:59:00.001+00:002015-01-19T11:24:42.112+00:00Box End Park WeBS: 18/01/2015It was Great Duck Hunt day in Bedfordshire so everyone was out counting wildfowl at the local waterways. This is done to try to get an overall view of the number of wildfowl in Bedfordshire. It is deliberately run alongside the WeBS weekend so that many of the sites are already counted.<br />
<br />
It was a cold start with the temperature around freezing there were a good number of Lapwings at roost on the Spit when I arrived and as usual they all got up, swirling around, making it tricky to count. After various attempts I came to an estimate of 200, the biggest count of the winter so far. They stuck around for quite some time before heading off west. A few minutes later some of them were back and they settled back in on the Spit until just before I left the site.<br />
<br />
A Snipe got up, while the Lapwings were swirling about, and did a circuit of the park before heading off east.<br />
<br />
The 3 Little Grebes and 3 Gadwalls were a nice surprise and the Black Swan was back again, hanging out with the 10 Mute Swans.<br />
<br />
Here are the morning counts for WeBS.<br />
<br />
Black Swan 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Black-headed Gull 8<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Buzzard 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Canada Goose 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Coot<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Cormorant 16<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Gadwall 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kingfisher 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Lapwing 200<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Little Grebe 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard 45<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Meadow Pipit 4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Moorhen 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan 10<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pair with 5 cygnets and 3 other adults.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Skylark 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Snipe 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
Total number of species: 17, Individuals: 302<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-synvTj57DqM/VLzDPwtHBxI/AAAAAAAAGNA/8ZDHj2eLDb8/s1600/20150118_Black_Swan_1D44240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-synvTj57DqM/VLzDPwtHBxI/AAAAAAAAGNA/8ZDHj2eLDb8/s1600/20150118_Black_Swan_1D44240.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Swan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.124978612436088 -0.5224084854125976652.122541612436088 -0.52745098541259761 52.127415612436089 -0.51736598541259771tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-47031489873842128752015-01-14T19:52:00.001+00:002015-01-14T19:52:37.049+00:00Priory Country Park: 10th and 11th January 2015<a href="http://priorycountrypark.blogspot.com/2015/01/10th-and-11th-january-2015.html?spref=bl">Priory Country Park: 10th and 11th January 2015</a>: A brief update from the weekend: At the weekend the 8 Red-crested Pochard which had arrived on Friday were still around. I am told the mal...Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-83940334883426754052014-08-10T16:06:00.001+01:002014-08-10T16:06:44.723+01:00Box End Park WeBS: 10/08/2014I just about squeezed in my WeBS count this morning before the heavy rain arrived, just got a little bit damp as I headed back to the car. Quite a few changes in the park where the Hay has been cut and the Spit has had a hair cut since my last visit.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what affect the cutting on the Spit had as their were 3 small Oystercatcher chicks last time, now there is just one well grown youngster with the 2 adults. I was pretty sure there were Common Tern chicks on there too but they may have been developed enough to fly by the time the cutting took place. There were certainly a few juveniles around this morning, perched on various bits of hardware around the lakes. <br />
<br />
It was fairly standard stuff this morning although the Pied Wagtail numbers were good with a number of juveniles on site and the Coot numbers were impressive with 2 more new broods and 3 older broods as well as 19 adult birds. I also spotted one of the adult Coots with nest material so maybe still time for another brood! It's been an exceptional year for Coots in the park.<br />
<br />
The resident pair of Mute Swans have moved onto the river with their 7 cygnets.<br />
<br />
Black-headed Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Buzzard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Minimum count, possible family party in the area.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Common Tern<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>12<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One dead bird floating in the lake, no rings.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Coot 19<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Broods of 3 and 5 small chicks and 3,3 and 1 older chicks not included in count.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Cormorant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kingfisher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Lapwing<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>31<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Moorhen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Broods of 1 and 2 well grown chicks not included in count.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pair with 7 well grown cygnets. One of the adults is Orange 744.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Oystercatcher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2 adults and one juvenile.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>11<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rarer species<br />
<br />
Total number of species: 13, Individuals: 89<br />
<br />
Other birds of note:<br />
<br />
Stock Dove<br />
Reed Warbler<br />
Sedge Warbler<br />
Chiffchaff<br />
Green Woodpecker<br />
House Martin (best count of 37)<br />
Swallow (a few feeding before the rain arrived)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126061691012005 -0.5217398676758193752.116314191012 -0.54190986767581939 52.135809191012008 -0.50156986767581935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-92197961881103595302014-07-24T08:48:00.000+01:002014-07-24T08:48:34.971+01:00Box End Park WeBS: 13/07/2014It was noticeable from arrival at the lake side that the Common Terns were much more aggressive this month. I was being dive bombed and any passing Corvid was chased off. The vegetation is so thick on the island I can't see any Tern chicks but I'm sure they are there. The pair of Oystercatchers are still on site with their fully grown offspring but they had a surprise for me at the end of my survey when 3 young chicks came out of the vegetation on the island!<br />
<br />
There were a lot a Mallards on site , not unusual at this time of year when they are going through their moult. There were also three females with small ducklings, probably the last ones this year.<br />
<br />
I finally got to see all of the Mute Swan cygnets and was surprised to see 7 of them. I had thought there were 6 max which just goes to show how thick the vegetation is on the island this year. The Black Swan was also present, hanging around with the Mute Swan family which seemed to tolerate it quite happily.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of Coots present with five family groups, having 5,1,1,2 and 1 young, and at least one pair still nesting. I've not seen this number breeding here before and I wonder if it is due to the increased vegetation on the island.<br />
<br />
Black Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Common Tern<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>14<br />
Coot<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>12<br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3<br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>94<br />
Moorhen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4<br />
Oystercatcher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3<br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<br />
<br />
Total number of species: 10<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Individuals: 137<br />
<br />
It was also nice have a Little Owl calling from the west side of the park when I arrived. Another highlight of the morning was the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly seen while I was walking along the river on the east side of the park. It's the first one I have seen and was a very impressive beasty!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126167078306274 -0.5220831904297256252.116419578306271 -0.54225319042972564 52.135914578306277 -0.5019131904297256tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-74369596833540087632014-07-05T16:05:00.000+01:002014-07-05T16:05:00.284+01:00Farne Islands: Part 2 (04/06/2014)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So a couple of days on from the first trip out to the Farnes and it's time to go again. The forecast was terrible and the forecast rain was with us from the start. I think this put off a few people and the boat was much less crowded as we headed out. I was glad for the waterproof cover covering my lens and camera, as well as my own waterproofs, as the rain came down even harder. Again I had gone with the 100-400mm zoom lens and I ended up shooting with it all day as conditions were not favourable for a lens change!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I grabbed a shot of the Longstone Lighthouse as we went past and you can see how grim it was as the light is clearly visible mid morning! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5_x3Pr1IgU/U6w4wQ2WQqI/AAAAAAAAGGg/Axx74X9Mdlw/s1600/20140604_Longstone_Lighthouse_1D49565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5_x3Pr1IgU/U6w4wQ2WQqI/AAAAAAAAGGg/Axx74X9Mdlw/s1600/20140604_Longstone_Lighthouse_1D49565.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longstone Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As usual the seals were unfazed by the weather and we got better views compared to the first trip with some nice close approaches to the rocks. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xffEDf3PIZA/U6w4tk2qRWI/AAAAAAAAGF8/wxoc5gJOxdc/s1600/20140604_Grey_Seal_1D49606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xffEDf3PIZA/U6w4tk2qRWI/AAAAAAAAGF8/wxoc5gJOxdc/s1600/20140604_Grey_Seal_1D49606.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Grey Seal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6LEbE8pUGE/U6w4t_2ZnwI/AAAAAAAAGF0/fLh2kWukfzI/s1600/20140604_Grey_Seal_1D49607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6LEbE8pUGE/U6w4t_2ZnwI/AAAAAAAAGF0/fLh2kWukfzI/s1600/20140604_Grey_Seal_1D49607.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Grey Seal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I didn't do very well with Guillemots on the first trip out but managed this nice portrait on the way out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRSI5LrNHJ4/U6w4uRiSCzI/AAAAAAAAGGM/CdwytCUp1UU/s1600/20140604_Guillemot_1D49492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRSI5LrNHJ4/U6w4uRiSCzI/AAAAAAAAGGM/CdwytCUp1UU/s1600/20140604_Guillemot_1D49492.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guillemot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really like this Puffin against the black rocks, it's one of my favourites of the whole trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29ZewtY9z_A/U6w4r9a45vI/AAAAAAAAGFs/rHvQ0wCFewk/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-29ZewtY9z_A/U6w4r9a45vI/AAAAAAAAGFs/rHvQ0wCFewk/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49519.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Puffin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjtNAxPwzDM/U6w4tFthI9I/AAAAAAAAGFk/yHAciZh5dlI/s1600/20140604_Farne_Islands_birds_1D49639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjtNAxPwzDM/U6w4tFthI9I/AAAAAAAAGFk/yHAciZh5dlI/s1600/20140604_Farne_Islands_birds_1D49639.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A busy morning around the Farnes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And just to show what the rain was really like, here's a Shag having a preen in the shower! Another favourite of mine from this trip.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amQVRnF_fwA/U6w4ytNF0II/AAAAAAAAGHE/16cwHDtgCbE/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amQVRnF_fwA/U6w4ytNF0II/AAAAAAAAGHE/16cwHDtgCbE/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49667.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorant preening in the rain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we got to Staple island I was determined to get some decent shots of Kittiwakes and this pair provided some good opportunities. I sat with them for quite a while watching the male depart and return with nest material and the pair bonding between trips. It was quite beautiful to watch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ0qqt55hlU/U6w4vMGLFlI/AAAAAAAAGG8/fegiNplzzt8/s1600/20140604_Kittiwakes_1D49722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ0qqt55hlU/U6w4vMGLFlI/AAAAAAAAGG8/fegiNplzzt8/s1600/20140604_Kittiwakes_1D49722.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kittiwakes pair bonding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUNVksw4emU/U6w4vlahmeI/AAAAAAAAGGU/B6Y9cbq9OMA/s1600/20140604_Kittiwakes_1D49725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUNVksw4emU/U6w4vlahmeI/AAAAAAAAGGU/B6Y9cbq9OMA/s1600/20140604_Kittiwakes_1D49725.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The male Kittiwake brings in some more nest material.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was really keen to have another crack at the Shags on Staple Island as they are very close to the edge of the roped off areas and I was entirely happy with my results from the first trip. I think I did better this trip despite the rain and was quite happy with these portraits of birds on their nests.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys2qDYhvkwI/U6w4y-qI8QI/AAAAAAAAGHU/nB_az97q7S4/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys2qDYhvkwI/U6w4y-qI8QI/AAAAAAAAGHU/nB_az97q7S4/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49686.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag on the nest in the rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ7JqNsjkRw/U6w4zecFBqI/AAAAAAAAGHs/pbz3FGek5iE/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ7JqNsjkRw/U6w4zecFBqI/AAAAAAAAGHs/pbz3FGek5iE/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49698.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxed Shag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2mElWWEfSc/U6w4znhqQCI/AAAAAAAAGHc/KAQAO9iafvo/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2mElWWEfSc/U6w4znhqQCI/AAAAAAAAGHc/KAQAO9iafvo/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49752.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag head detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqRuGbrkbQ4/U6w40EU69YI/AAAAAAAAGHk/m362avpFYwE/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqRuGbrkbQ4/U6w40EU69YI/AAAAAAAAGHk/m362avpFYwE/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D49775.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You looking at me"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally this very soggy Shag trying to get it's head down for a kip.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVk2PZRZVl8/U6w4yRPSo-I/AAAAAAAAGHM/93xAAUUSizM/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D40037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVk2PZRZVl8/U6w4yRPSo-I/AAAAAAAAGHM/93xAAUUSizM/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D40037.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I've got my eye on you"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we started heading back to the landing point this pair of LBB Gulls started getting a bit friendly. Obviously confident they could get enough eggs and chicks to feed theirs when they arrived.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7gkrrPGUj8/U6w4wHyOPyI/AAAAAAAAGGc/WGyo0wfoLNc/s1600/20140604_Lesser_Black-backed_Gulls_1D49809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7gkrrPGUj8/U6w4wHyOPyI/AAAAAAAAGGc/WGyo0wfoLNc/s1600/20140604_Lesser_Black-backed_Gulls_1D49809.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating Lesser Black-backed Gulls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wasn't going to focus too much on the Puffins this time, as I had stacks of flight shots to go through from the first trip, but I was glad I found an area where Puffins were coming in. Would have been nice to have a blue sky but that was never on the cards this time. Was just glad when the rain eased up a bit.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtaLCneS_js/U6w4sIGu76I/AAAAAAAAGFU/DgeHahs1oiM/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtaLCneS_js/U6w4sIGu76I/AAAAAAAAGFU/DgeHahs1oiM/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49823.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Puffin departs after feeding it's young in the burrow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RF2vtEPvexU/U6w4sg831mI/AAAAAAAAGFc/DpIJfbZeOZg/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RF2vtEPvexU/U6w4sg831mI/AAAAAAAAGFc/DpIJfbZeOZg/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49901.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Puffin in flight with a beak full of Sand Eels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSTkwOiVIDg/U6w4r2CDoGI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/lnVRpGHqsT0/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSTkwOiVIDg/U6w4r2CDoGI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/lnVRpGHqsT0/s1600/20140604_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49841.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Puffin in flight with a beak full of Sand Eels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was quite pleased with these Puffin shots and my hit rate was much better this time. Just goes to show that the more you practice makes perfect. Still ways to go until perfect though!<br />
<br />
There wasn't a lot to add from Inner Farne this time. I didn't go too mad with the Arctic Terns this time as I had loads from the first trip and the conditions were worse this time. I felt it was better to leave them alone and let them stay on their nests as much as possible as it was cooler today. In fact we were fortunate to get on Inner Farne, if the heavy rain had continued the rangers would most likely have closed Inner Farne to landings so the Terns didn't get disturbed.<br />
<br />
This young Grey Seal was laid up on the beach by the landing point.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwsHkLcLAiA/U7gPTVc4wNI/AAAAAAAAGIY/GEq49sxi5xc/s1600/20140604_Grey_Seal_1D40097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwsHkLcLAiA/U7gPTVc4wNI/AAAAAAAAGIY/GEq49sxi5xc/s1600/20140604_Grey_Seal_1D40097.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Atlantic Grey Seal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Shags like to decorate their nests and keep refreshing the materials to keep the nests looking smart.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78BA3lmCGyk/U6w4xguCFlI/AAAAAAAAGG0/bSL-NwbKAWA/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D40028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-78BA3lmCGyk/U6w4xguCFlI/AAAAAAAAGG0/bSL-NwbKAWA/s1600/20140604_Shag_1D40028.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag sleeping on decorated nest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One species I really neglected was the Sandwich Terns which also nest on Inner Farne. I didn't find the small colony to be ideally placed for photography but did eventually get this guy in flight as we waited for the boat. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dP68hljW_5A/U6w4xAwi5oI/AAAAAAAAGGw/eVXk2-5kLtE/s1600/20140604_Sandwich_Tern_1D40113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dP68hljW_5A/U6w4xAwi5oI/AAAAAAAAGGw/eVXk2-5kLtE/s1600/20140604_Sandwich_Tern_1D40113.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich Tern in flight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally our last look back at the lighthouse on Inner Farne as we headed back to Seahouses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMI0MlYdNLg/U6w4u63XE3I/AAAAAAAAGGE/Sp-aUPmC164/s1600/20140604_Inner_Farne_1D40149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yMI0MlYdNLg/U6w4u63XE3I/AAAAAAAAGGE/Sp-aUPmC164/s1600/20140604_Inner_Farne_1D40149.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse on Inner Farne.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'll definitely be going back to the Farnes in the future. There are so many photo opportunities that I didn't get around to this time, might even try a different lens next time ;-)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Farne Island, United Kingdom55.6166667 -1.649999999999977330.094632200000003 -42.958593999999977 81.1387012 39.658594000000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-43115350342768294512014-06-18T08:49:00.004+01:002017-05-17T08:02:15.175+01:00Farne Islands: Part 1 (02/06/2014)My recent trip to Northumberland included 2 days out on the Farne Islands with <a href="http://www.farne-islands.com/" target="_blank">Billy Shiel's Boat Trips</a>. They are the only company that do the full day trip landing on Staple Island and Inner Farne for approx 2 hours each. They also take you around the islands checking out the Grey Seals, conditions permitting. Don't forget to take into account the cost of getting on the islands when budgeting. The boat trip does not include this, they do tell you though. National Trust members get on the islands for free.<br />
<br />
I pre-booked my trips but you can also take your chance and just turn up on the day. If the weather is not very favourable then you stand a good chance of getting a place, but there is also a chance that the trip may be cancelled. When the Terns are on eggs the rangers sometimes close Inner Farne to allow the birds to remain on the nests. As most will know when you go onto Inner Farne the Terns get up off their nests and attack visitors which leaves their eggs open to the elements. If it rains all day then there is a reasonable chance that the rangers will close Inner Farne to prevent the eggs getting cols while the Terns are off attacking visitors!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmNWkddWfqo/U58MfcZ2SMI/AAAAAAAAF9c/buW0fy29y80/s1600/20140602_Inner_Farne_1D48532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmNWkddWfqo/U58MfcZ2SMI/AAAAAAAAF9c/buW0fy29y80/s1600/20140602_Inner_Farne_1D48532.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out past Inner Farne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite a poor forecast the first day out didn't turn out too bad, mainly overcast with the odd light shower. The boat was pretty full but I managed to get a seat along the side near the back, hopefully allowing for good photo opportunities. It doesn't really matter what side of the boat you are on as the skipper does his best to give everyone good views of the birds and seals around the islands. I went with my 100-400mm zoom lens for the day, you will almost certainly want a long lens on the boat but a shorter option is useful on the islands as you will be able to get extremely close to some of the inhabitants!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPwuhsDv81M/U58M5MQz8uI/AAAAAAAAF9k/I1FRNuyDWUI/s1600/20140602_Common_Guillemots_1D48543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPwuhsDv81M/U58M5MQz8uI/AAAAAAAAF9k/I1FRNuyDWUI/s1600/20140602_Common_Guillemots_1D48543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guillemots on Inner Farne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzklJZ9iH0E/U58M5hCljaI/AAAAAAAAF9s/dRnMtfYA0C4/s1600/20140602_Kittiwake_1D48566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzklJZ9iH0E/U58M5hCljaI/AAAAAAAAF9s/dRnMtfYA0C4/s1600/20140602_Kittiwake_1D48566.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kittiwake having a bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OPoq8xbKMY/U58M5Kx9cHI/AAAAAAAAF9o/h_qvj9U9WvY/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OPoq8xbKMY/U58M5Kx9cHI/AAAAAAAAF9o/h_qvj9U9WvY/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48550.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag out fishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first landing is Staple Island. You will be walking over rocks which become very slippery when wet so make sure you have good grip on your boots. There are great opportunities for photographing Puffins and Shags here. Guillemots, Kittiwakes and a few Fulmars along with the marauding Gulls were also good subjects but I focussed on the Puffins and the Shags. In fact I couldn't believe my luck when the first bird I saw, having got off the boat and paid my dues, was this Puffin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVuEb-keorM/U58R1PAlNCI/AAAAAAAAF-E/O80RIQgGAM4/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVuEb-keorM/U58R1PAlNCI/AAAAAAAAF-E/O80RIQgGAM4/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48651.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffin with Sand Eels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The light wasn't ideal but I quite like the way it lights up the beak from behind. I was hoping for this type of shot when I booked the trip but to get it within a few minutes of stepping ashore was fantastic.<br />
<br />
Quite a bit of Staple Island is open to roam as you please but the nesting areas are roped off so I spent a bit of time have a look around to see what was around and where I might get some good shots. There were plenty of Shags close to the edge of the roped off area making for some nice close ups. I love the green eye and way the feathers look like scales. These birds have a real prehistoric look to them but they are so confiding when you are up close to them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7HRqO4o9hs/U58VXMlkLII/AAAAAAAAGAA/s7-YHciNjz8/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7HRqO4o9hs/U58VXMlkLII/AAAAAAAAGAA/s7-YHciNjz8/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48699.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag (Portrait)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PU3RTnnDTO8/U58VXSzOT8I/AAAAAAAAF_8/RlJl6r3QRZk/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PU3RTnnDTO8/U58VXSzOT8I/AAAAAAAAF_8/RlJl6r3QRZk/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48976.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag (Portrait)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AayCV7Eyf-A/U58VWw_ij5I/AAAAAAAAF_w/-TgMlprQTCQ/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AayCV7Eyf-A/U58VWw_ij5I/AAAAAAAAF_w/-TgMlprQTCQ/s1600/20140602_Shag_1D48694.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag at rest ("still keeping an eye on you")</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are several Gull species around the islands with Kittiwakes the most numerous, nesting on the small cliffs alongside the Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags. The Black-headed gulls are probably the second most numerous followed by Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls. Then there are a few Great Black-backed Gulls. All of the these species seem to rely on robbing the other birds of the food they bring back or stealing eggs and chicks left unguarded.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsTcO03QrH8/U58VWMSgunI/AAAAAAAAF_k/x5iHYUUpvjM/s1600/20140602_Lesser_Black-backed_Gull_1D48985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsTcO03QrH8/U58VWMSgunI/AAAAAAAAF_k/x5iHYUUpvjM/s1600/20140602_Lesser_Black-backed_Gull_1D48985.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Black-backed Gull stalking the Puffin nesting grounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0VygwPi2C4/U58VWWVrxmI/AAAAAAAAF_s/9Z27_8hh6UQ/s1600/20140602_Lesser_Black-backed_Gull_1D48990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0VygwPi2C4/U58VWWVrxmI/AAAAAAAAF_s/9Z27_8hh6UQ/s1600/20140602_Lesser_Black-backed_Gull_1D48990.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Lesser Black-backed Gull patrols the Puffin nesting grounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Staple Island there are mostly LBB and Herring Gulls with the BH Gulls mostly congregating on Inner Farne. I watched them robbing Puffins of their Sand Eels as they arrived back at the nest burrows. The Puffins tried their best to drop right in their holes to avoid being robbed but any small mistake resulted in a desperate run to get to the burrow, sometimes any burrow, to avoid the attentions of the Gulls.<br />
<br />
I spent a lot of time on Staple Island trying to capture Puffins in flight, especially those bringing in Sand Eels. I got a few shots but wasn't particularly happy with the results. Here are a selection of images.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On3_-5ZQgcA/U6B515t7FlI/AAAAAAAAGAo/Bv-Z0AhOmQk/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On3_-5ZQgcA/U6B515t7FlI/AAAAAAAAGAo/Bv-Z0AhOmQk/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3zHEVDJi4M/U6B55IzE5qI/AAAAAAAAGBg/UfqLrajPkDs/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3zHEVDJi4M/U6B55IzE5qI/AAAAAAAAGBg/UfqLrajPkDs/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-P3yMerzBo/U6B553WAoDI/AAAAAAAAGB0/1IZ9hmTCDv0/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-P3yMerzBo/U6B553WAoDI/AAAAAAAAGB0/1IZ9hmTCDv0/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49077.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0c9yKnig9Zc/U6B54ZhdHTI/AAAAAAAAGBM/m2NEZYlq6QE/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0c9yKnig9Zc/U6B54ZhdHTI/AAAAAAAAGBM/m2NEZYlq6QE/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48996.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5P1Bi_K8YU/U6B51sSavrI/AAAAAAAAGAk/tw28pQ_v9LM/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5P1Bi_K8YU/U6B51sSavrI/AAAAAAAAGAk/tw28pQ_v9LM/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D48793.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Had to crop most of those to some extent which was a bit disappointing given how close some of them came. I'll just have to go back and have another go.<br />
<br />
Just before we left Staple island I found this chap which book ended the stop nicely.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUPRNIqqlLw/U6B56fOpIFI/AAAAAAAAGB4/GIk8NOFyOLM/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUPRNIqqlLw/U6B56fOpIFI/AAAAAAAAGB4/GIk8NOFyOLM/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49094.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Puffin with Sand Eels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a quick cruise around the Grey Seal colony before moving on to Inner Farne in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fx287mjLwKA/U6B8ZSAq-RI/AAAAAAAAGCo/QqSNhPr-qnA/s1600/20140602_Grey_Seal_1D49098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fx287mjLwKA/U6B8ZSAq-RI/AAAAAAAAGCo/QqSNhPr-qnA/s1600/20140602_Grey_Seal_1D49098.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Seal resting on the rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then it was on to Inner Farne, most famous for its Arctic Terns attacking visitors as they pass through the nesting areas on the island. Inner Farne is much more restricted in where you can walk with basically just a roped off path around the island. It doesn't take long to walk around the island so I suggest you do that to check out where the best photo opportunities are. This means you will also move quickly through the Terns causing them less disturbance. It often gets clogged up with people here anyway as everyone tries to photograph the Terns so not a bad thing to move on quickly and come back to it later on. The best areas for me were the cliffs up by the lighthouse and, of course, the Terns back at the start.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0u7azunDs0/U6B_EZW1qYI/AAAAAAAAGC0/ltUVVyqLY9E/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0u7azunDs0/U6B_EZW1qYI/AAAAAAAAGC0/ltUVVyqLY9E/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49141.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arctic Tern (mono)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpf-YxVXva0/U6B_FapUd_I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/Q9OztAokXto/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpf-YxVXva0/U6B_FapUd_I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/Q9OztAokXto/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49171.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arctic Tern coming in to attack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4oIi_aSPuk/U6B_FkdY2pI/AAAAAAAAGDM/0nc2Jhm1Q6I/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4oIi_aSPuk/U6B_FkdY2pI/AAAAAAAAGDM/0nc2Jhm1Q6I/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49183.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arctic Tern on a fence post</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLdxDy4n4lo/U6B_Glwp48I/AAAAAAAAGD0/wvfwWNvhFnQ/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLdxDy4n4lo/U6B_Glwp48I/AAAAAAAAGD0/wvfwWNvhFnQ/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49294.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground nesting Arctic Tern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoVL2SUJgU/U6B_HYLKNaI/AAAAAAAAGDs/PHzQMVd8y9E/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoVL2SUJgU/U6B_HYLKNaI/AAAAAAAAGDs/PHzQMVd8y9E/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49332.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arctic Tern nesting on a dry stone wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCQyUa8oGDM/U6B_HlrtzJI/AAAAAAAAGDw/A5rRmILLsTA/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCQyUa8oGDM/U6B_HlrtzJI/AAAAAAAAGDw/A5rRmILLsTA/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arctic Tern on lichen covered rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Look out for the times when all of the Terns get up to see off an intruder. In this case a Great Black-backed Gull arrived in the middle of the colony and the call to arms went up! It's quite a spectacle<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDM3uvE6hAY/U6B_G8wUs4I/AAAAAAAAGDg/-vJiVEE9qEU/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDM3uvE6hAY/U6B_G8wUs4I/AAAAAAAAGDg/-vJiVEE9qEU/s1600/20140602_Arctic_Tern_1D49328.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was quite busy on the cliffs as well!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U01HrjlR7_0/U6B_Ijo8-mI/AAAAAAAAGD8/5Pb30AKu2Ak/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U01HrjlR7_0/U6B_Ijo8-mI/AAAAAAAAGD8/5Pb30AKu2Ak/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49298.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffins congregate on the rocks before heading out to sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn8pB62ZG94/U6B_Iwqs9WI/AAAAAAAAGEE/Qn9z6BJP5nI/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qn8pB62ZG94/U6B_Iwqs9WI/AAAAAAAAGEE/Qn9z6BJP5nI/s1600/20140602_Atlantic_Puffin_1D49322.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffin portrait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Black-headed Gulls nest on Inner Farne and are much more numerous here, harassing the Puffins as they come back in to feed their young.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk9Ds0idMMs/U6B_JdmecwI/AAAAAAAAGEI/D_ITPxGyHU4/s1600/20140602_Black-headed_Gull_1D49308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk9Ds0idMMs/U6B_JdmecwI/AAAAAAAAGEI/D_ITPxGyHU4/s1600/20140602_Black-headed_Gull_1D49308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-headed Gull waits by the Puffin burrows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The LBB and Herring Gulls are ever present waiting for an opportunity to steal some fish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOsEfOjUwWs/U6B_K1RshzI/AAAAAAAAGEs/Xrf5mTeIDpY/s1600/20140602_Lesser_Black-backed_Gull_1D49324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOsEfOjUwWs/U6B_K1RshzI/AAAAAAAAGEs/Xrf5mTeIDpY/s1600/20140602_Lesser_Black-backed_Gull_1D49324.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Black-backed Gull keeps an eye out for the Puffin food delivery service!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the cliffs adjacent to the lighthouse there are good photo opportunities with the Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Guillemots and Shags.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2FOWiIlvCQ/U6B_J9bzoLI/AAAAAAAAGEU/L_Iyq-ashl0/s1600/20140602_Kittiwake_1D49245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2FOWiIlvCQ/U6B_J9bzoLI/AAAAAAAAGEU/L_Iyq-ashl0/s1600/20140602_Kittiwake_1D49245.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kittiwake hovers on the updraught by the cliff face.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1UyJrGMsXE/U6B_KGKj1RI/AAAAAAAAGEY/dBb_b5uwlUE/s1600/20140602_Kittiwake_1D49265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1UyJrGMsXE/U6B_KGKj1RI/AAAAAAAAGEY/dBb_b5uwlUE/s1600/20140602_Kittiwake_1D49265.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Kittiwake leaving it's nest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1pbJvg46ug/U6B_LIoWxvI/AAAAAAAAGEo/0Xxb32T8EMc/s1600/20140602_Razorbill_1D49277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1pbJvg46ug/U6B_LIoWxvI/AAAAAAAAGEo/0Xxb32T8EMc/s1600/20140602_Razorbill_1D49277.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Razorbills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So that was it for the first trip out to the islands and it was back on the boat and back to the harbour in Seahouses to start sorting through the hundreds of images. What a great day out.<br />
<br />
By the way make sure you take time to have a chat to the rangers. They have amazing knowledge of the islands and know exactly what is going on with all of the birds. What a great job they are doing out there.<br />
<br />
Information and links:<br />
<br />
William Shiel (@thefarneislands)<br />
Boat Trips to the Farne Islands from Seahouses harbour. Sailings available all year round.<br />
Seahouses, Northumberland. <a href="http://www.farne-islands.com/">http://www.farne-islands.com</a><br />
<br />
@NTsteely Farne Islands Blog: <a href="http://farnephoto.blogspot.co.uk/">http://farnephoto.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Farne Island, United Kingdom55.6166667 -1.649999999999977330.094632200000003 -42.958593999999977 81.1387012 39.658594000000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-18374698980968735012014-06-15T11:40:00.000+01:002014-06-15T11:40:16.047+01:00Box End Park WeBS: 15/06/2014Good numbers of Mallards in the park this morning with a lot of shabby looking males now they are starting their post breeding moult. A few new broods of ducklings on show. The Black Swan seems to have taken a liking to the park and remains on the list for the second month running.<br />
<br />
Good numbers of Coots this year with what looks like 6 pairs and at least 3 nests. 2 of the nests a 1 and 2 chicks respectively although there may be more on the nest with 1 as that is quite well hidden on the island.<br />
<br />
Common Terns seems to be relatively quiet this year. I could only manage a count of 6 this morning. I am unable to locate any nests due to the vegetation on the island but hopefully they are there.<br />
<br />
Of the 3 pairs of Mute Swans 2 have cygnets. One pair have at least 4 but were obscured by the vegetation on the island where they snoozed. The other pair have 3 cygnets.<br />
<br />
Here are the counts:<br />
<br />
Black Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Black-headed Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Common Tern<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 6<br />
Coot<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 12<br />
Cormorant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kingfisher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 80<br />
Mandarin Duck<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Moorhen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 6<br />
Oystercatcher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<br />
Skylark 3<br />
<br />
Total number of species: 13 Individuals: 123<br />
<br />
Other birds of note were:<br />
<br />
Blackcap<br />
Reed Bunting (at least 3 singing males)<br />
Common Whitethroat<br />
Green Woodpecker<br />
Chiffchaff<br />
Willow Warbler<br />
Sedge Warbler<br />
Reed Warbler<br />
Stock Dove <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126325158780347 -0.5217398676758193752.121451158780346 -0.53182486767581938 52.131199158780348 -0.51165486767581936tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-9109797518643722522014-06-14T17:00:00.000+01:002014-06-14T17:07:16.507+01:00Pow Hill Country ParkAnother stop, on the way up to Northumberland, was Pow Hill Country Park. I had a tip off that there were Red Squirrels there. We didn't find any although we were there around midday and I suspect early morning or evening might be a better time for them. We may have missed out on our intended target but it is a really nice area, rich in varied bird life and I would definitely spend a lot of time there if I lived in the area.<br />
<br />
Not sure where the Red Squirrels are supposed to be but I wonder if the picnic area, on the left as you drive into the car park and hidden from view, might be the best place in hindsight as people are likely to feed them there.<br />
<br />
A wander around the conifer woodland looking for the Squirrels turned up a variety of birds including Goldcrest and Coal Tits and many others. Curlew was heard nearby on the adjacent moors and along the edge of the reservoir I had Snipe, Lapwing and Common Sandpiper.<br />
<br />
Definitely worth a look if you are in the area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKCnntNgAuE/U5xwRZyh-rI/AAAAAAAAF9I/hYwJpjz4HRU/s1600/20140601_Common_Sandpiper_1D48526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKCnntNgAuE/U5xwRZyh-rI/AAAAAAAAF9I/hYwJpjz4HRU/s1600/20140601_Common_Sandpiper_1D48526.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Sandpiper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BitpOpdfLA/U5xwRGZqVQI/AAAAAAAAF88/U-cvcl0g5rQ/s1600/20140601_Pied_Wagtail_1D48515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BitpOpdfLA/U5xwRGZqVQI/AAAAAAAAF88/U-cvcl0g5rQ/s1600/20140601_Pied_Wagtail_1D48515.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pied Wagtail (Looking a bit worse for wear)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zo_1pvTTdyI/U5xwRWuMrrI/AAAAAAAAF9A/qjy3fXjXpEE/s1600/20140601_Snipe_1D48510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zo_1pvTTdyI/U5xwRWuMrrI/AAAAAAAAF9A/qjy3fXjXpEE/s1600/20140601_Snipe_1D48510.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were no facilities in the Pow Hill CP car park but back up the road at the Derwent Reservoir entrance there is a fishing shop with some snacks and drinks for sale and public toilets.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thisisdurham.com/things-to-do/durham-attractions/pow-hill-country-park-p168881" target="_blank">Pow Hill Country Park</a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Pow Hill Country Park54.8591789 -1.981898699999987954.840899900000004 -2.022239199999988 54.8774579 -1.9415581999999878tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-44159548939909313462014-06-11T21:50:00.000+01:002014-06-11T21:50:14.586+01:00Visit to RSPB Bempton Cliffs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I paid a couple of visits to the RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve last week with the primary aim to see and photograph Gannets. The first visit was late afternoon/early evening and the second one was in the evening. The visitor centre was either about to close or closed for both of these visits but a gate remains open down the side of the visitor centre for access to the cliffs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was my first visit to the reserve and on the first day I concentrated on the north half of the cliffs, but late in the day discovered a good group of Gannets high on the edge of the cliffs, just a few feet from the path. On the second visit I concentrated on this area where, with a bit of a breeze, Gannets were gliding past just a few feet away. I managed a reasonable selection of shots ranging from flight to behavioural.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDayn8xyQm0/U5iTy9zhcDI/AAAAAAAAF5w/AT3twttWFRQ/s1600/20140531_Gannet_1D48420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDayn8xyQm0/U5iTy9zhcDI/AAAAAAAAF5w/AT3twttWFRQ/s1600/20140531_Gannet_1D48420.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannet with nest material</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9CKVRXojvM/U5iTzKzwkiI/AAAAAAAAF50/nXmlslcWsSM/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9CKVRXojvM/U5iTzKzwkiI/AAAAAAAAF50/nXmlslcWsSM/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48255.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair billing as part of their pair bonding display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhZbI_FZ8UQ/U5iTzwPnMFI/AAAAAAAAF6I/7ZMRLMdGJP8/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhZbI_FZ8UQ/U5iTzwPnMFI/AAAAAAAAF6I/7ZMRLMdGJP8/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48407.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preening, keeping those flight feathers in tip top condition.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAS1C59Zbkw/U5iT0D9PnvI/AAAAAAAAF6E/zoTeinkU_Ik/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAS1C59Zbkw/U5iT0D9PnvI/AAAAAAAAF6E/zoTeinkU_Ik/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48426.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preening on the nest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjFP4Z4eGAU/U5iT1KKxO6I/AAAAAAAAF6g/sdFBH8vRDUs/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TjFP4Z4eGAU/U5iT1KKxO6I/AAAAAAAAF6g/sdFBH8vRDUs/s1600/20140531_Gannets_1D48441.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rows of Gannets on nests and a single chick on show.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRmJCliYKEw/U5iT3r8535I/AAAAAAAAF7U/j_DBHe_eIsY/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRmJCliYKEw/U5iT3r8535I/AAAAAAAAF7U/j_DBHe_eIsY/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40777.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immature Gannet glides past</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8KjSvhBus8/U5iT4PUd-4I/AAAAAAAAF7c/gYx1MpshGBI/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8KjSvhBus8/U5iT4PUd-4I/AAAAAAAAF7c/gYx1MpshGBI/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40785.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult Gannet glides past</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJF7B24SzBA/U5iT4d46RaI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/e9xyINhBI7Q/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJF7B24SzBA/U5iT4d46RaI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/e9xyINhBI7Q/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40852.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An immature bird comes into land</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JX0tgcoriis/U5iT42R_IRI/AAAAAAAAF7k/FGs3J6Aq4TA/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JX0tgcoriis/U5iT42R_IRI/AAAAAAAAF7k/FGs3J6Aq4TA/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40875.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immature Gannet glides past</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hviTZTnEV1Y/U5iT5SijotI/AAAAAAAAF8E/kFcYexOd-tQ/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hviTZTnEV1Y/U5iT5SijotI/AAAAAAAAF8E/kFcYexOd-tQ/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40887.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannets line up looking for a landing site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzrzPLY4JUA/U5iT5piFA6I/AAAAAAAAF7o/Ip5OE4ri0MY/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzrzPLY4JUA/U5iT5piFA6I/AAAAAAAAF7o/Ip5OE4ri0MY/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40983.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A squabble breaks out between neighbours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUBaj5UIfg4/U5iT53oZIrI/AAAAAAAAF7s/YfWmnSiGHl0/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUBaj5UIfg4/U5iT53oZIrI/AAAAAAAAF7s/YfWmnSiGHl0/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D40995.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gannet searching for a spot to land</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found this pair and got a sequence of shots showing some lovely behaviour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWfJwzGPvBo/U5iT6TZB01I/AAAAAAAAF74/Iv1SNdbDGJM/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D41016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWfJwzGPvBo/U5iT6TZB01I/AAAAAAAAF74/Iv1SNdbDGJM/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D41016.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The second bird joined the first and they started billing as part of their pair bonding display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jGJoYksqsc/U5iT673oWZI/AAAAAAAAF78/6kCFLZW8w0I/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D41024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jGJoYksqsc/U5iT673oWZI/AAAAAAAAF78/6kCFLZW8w0I/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D41024.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then they had a cuddle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SbjKYWVHWDw/U5iT7butLzI/AAAAAAAAF8M/GlVr2sFpExE/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D41046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SbjKYWVHWDw/U5iT7butLzI/AAAAAAAAF8M/GlVr2sFpExE/s1600/20140606_gannet_1D41046.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally they started sky pointing before one of the birds departed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also found a Fulmar which was quickly joined by another. At first I thought they were arguing over that bit of the cliff but in the end it looked like they were a pair.<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVxkD0DJs8U/U5iTxURJQQI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/NBkxUCQMgw4/s1600/20140531_Fulmar_1D48314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVxkD0DJs8U/U5iTxURJQQI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/NBkxUCQMgw4/s1600/20140531_Fulmar_1D48314.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fulmar on the cliff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz5huGNM6iY/U5iTxr2qfzI/AAAAAAAAF5c/EKKihFOstmw/s1600/20140531_Fulmars_1D48320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz5huGNM6iY/U5iTxr2qfzI/AAAAAAAAF5c/EKKihFOstmw/s1600/20140531_Fulmars_1D48320.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An argument over cliff real estate.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04tJp4BlHrE/U5iTxvR5qZI/AAAAAAAAF5g/MSwbANLc-Vc/s1600/20140531_Fulmars_1D48322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04tJp4BlHrE/U5iTxvR5qZI/AAAAAAAAF5g/MSwbANLc-Vc/s1600/20140531_Fulmars_1D48322.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...or a pair greeting each other</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
As well as the iconic sea bird species it was pleasing to see so many Tree Sparrows around the reserve and I managed to grab a few shots of these lovely birds including one with a caterpillar, obviously feeding young.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hLvfD7KTwzE/U5iT3nVTsUI/AAAAAAAAF7I/hJwftdOXR9k/s1600/20140531_Tree_Sparrow_1D48353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hLvfD7KTwzE/U5iT3nVTsUI/AAAAAAAAF7I/hJwftdOXR9k/s1600/20140531_Tree_Sparrow_1D48353.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Sparrow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXlTIx3f44A/U5iT22ZmaBI/AAAAAAAAF7E/dkp1tES8Els/s1600/20140531_Tree_Sparrow_1D48304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXlTIx3f44A/U5iT22ZmaBI/AAAAAAAAF7E/dkp1tES8Els/s1600/20140531_Tree_Sparrow_1D48304.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Sparrow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This Meadow Pipit perched up on the flower heads in the meadow behind the visitor centre.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIxyH4VhUbY/U5iT2vnfekI/AAAAAAAAF6w/6AWoMzsm72c/s1600/20140531_Meadow_Pipit_1D48336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIxyH4VhUbY/U5iT2vnfekI/AAAAAAAAF6w/6AWoMzsm72c/s1600/20140531_Meadow_Pipit_1D48336.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow Pipit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jackdaws were all over the place stalking the cliffs and car park for potential food. Anything from unguarded eggs and chicks to unguarded sandwiches!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nFSOHBadaE/U5iT2BOVDWI/AAAAAAAAF64/Q6kYIow6lfY/s1600/20140531_Jackdaw_1D48210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nFSOHBadaE/U5iT2BOVDWI/AAAAAAAAF64/Q6kYIow6lfY/s1600/20140531_Jackdaw_1D48210.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackdaw stalking the cliffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This little chap was a bit of a star performer during the first visit. Unfortunately I was a bit under gunned on the lens front so just a couple of record shots of this Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the meadow.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqgPIThSzUI/U5iT1kUvAhI/AAAAAAAAF6o/32iPntHpBuo/s1600/20140531_Grasshopper_Warbler_1D48488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqgPIThSzUI/U5iT1kUvAhI/AAAAAAAAF6o/32iPntHpBuo/s1600/20140531_Grasshopper_Warbler_1D48488.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasshopper Warbler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkJ_tA-y8DE/U5iT1UkqGvI/AAAAAAAAF6c/mnNAEdHvV7A/s1600/20140531_Grasshopper_Warbler_1D48466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkJ_tA-y8DE/U5iT1UkqGvI/AAAAAAAAF6c/mnNAEdHvV7A/s1600/20140531_Grasshopper_Warbler_1D48466.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasshopper Warbler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Bempton, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire YO15, UK54.131186 -0.1785899999999855928.6091515 -41.487183999999985 79.6532205 41.130004000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-83510615304021302014-05-18T17:43:00.002+01:002014-05-18T17:43:46.150+01:00Box End Park WeBS: 18/05/2014An early start for my WeBS count this morning to beat the tri-athletes who were arriving as I left at just after 6:30!<br />
<br />
The Black Swan seems to have relocated to here from Bedford embankment and made it's way onto my WeBS list for this site for the first time. The Mute Swans that were nesting on the island now have 8 cygnets and, although I thought they had nested elsewhere, the Oycs were here with one youngster. I'm trying to find out how soon Oycs are able to fly as the youngster was in feather but with some down still evident. It's possible I missed the nest if it was in some of the thicker vegetation but I thought they were nesting over the road.<br />
<br />
The Common Terns have increased in numbers with my best count of 17 this morning. Some are sitting with one sitting very tight and a couple of others a bit more flighty but returning to possible nests.<br />
<br />
A Common Buzzard was also seen again this morning, I'm wondering if there are 2 pairs in the area based on recent sightings.<br />
<br />
Good numbers of developed Mallard broods here, quite different to the experience at Priory CP where we have had excellent numbers of broods but very few seem to be making it past the early days of life.<br />
<br />
Here's the WeBS list:<br />
<br />
Black Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Buzzard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Canada Goose<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Common Tern<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 17<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> At least 3 possible nests with birds sitting.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Coot<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Includes 2 on nests<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 28<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 6 broods of 3,5,4,3,5 and 4 ducklings.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 6<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1 with a brood of 8 cygnets and 1 still on a nest.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Oystercatcher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Family party including a single juvenile.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 5<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Family party including 3 juveniles.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Rarer species<br />
Skylark<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Rarer species<br />
Total number of species: 11 Individuals: 78<br />
<br />
Other birds of note:<br />
<br />
Reed Bunting 1<br />
Sedge Warbler 1<br />
Whitethroat 2<br />
Blackcap 6<br />
Sand Martin 1<br />
Reed Warbler 2<br />
Garden Warbler 1<br />
Chiffchaff 1<br />
Treecreeper 1<br />
<br />
No sign of Swallows from the nearby stables or House Martins from Great Denham, maybe they were still in bed!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126335987357322 -0.5220446052489933252.121461987357321 -0.53212960524899333 52.131209987357323 -0.51195960524899331tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-35820570817418218232014-05-07T19:37:00.000+01:002014-05-07T19:37:49.152+01:00Local patch update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a while since I reported from my local patch along the Great Ouse at Kempston Mill and Biddenham Loop so here's a quick update. The Barn Owls are back in the Ash Tree again this year and I suspect they have chicks as JA saw 3 voles being taken back to the nest hole in a short period the other evening. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjT3HgqvNlc/U2p0Wuq07WI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/1apYmCbJOrA/s1600/20140505_barn_owl_1D47520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjT3HgqvNlc/U2p0Wuq07WI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/1apYmCbJOrA/s1600/20140505_barn_owl_1D47520.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn Owl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The "Bedford" Black Swan seems to have relocated to Box End Park and on recent visit to Biddenham Loop I grabbed this shot as it flew past with some Mute Swans.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo-2o1g19KQ/U2p0WqP3MhI/AAAAAAAAF4M/Ar-jVW9ioJ0/s1600/20140505_black_swan_1D47505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo-2o1g19KQ/U2p0WqP3MhI/AAAAAAAAF4M/Ar-jVW9ioJ0/s1600/20140505_black_swan_1D47505.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Swan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No sign of any Otters recently which is very disappointing. I was hoping the resident female may have had cubs again this year but I haven't seen any sign of her let alone cubs.<br />
<br />
At the weekend there was a Fox at Box End Park and another on the same side of the river a little further upstream.<br />
<br />
There are plenty of Summer Migrants in now with Sedge Warblers in good numbers along the Back Channel along with a couple of Reed Warblers. A few Willow Warblers can be heard around Biddenham Loop CP and a Lesser Whitethroat can also be heard along the hedge line here. Common Whitethroats are also in good numbers now and we even had a Garden Warbler at BLCP which haven't been easy to find in recent years in this area. Chiffchaffs are in their regular haunts although quietening down now.<br />
<br />
This morning the Sedge Warblers were showing particularly well along the Back Channel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUpdxtz5GmE/U2p0WkmF5eI/AAAAAAAAF4U/2Aj0NhmmAvY/s1600/20140507_sedge_warbler_1D47537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUpdxtz5GmE/U2p0WkmF5eI/AAAAAAAAF4U/2Aj0NhmmAvY/s1600/20140507_sedge_warbler_1D47537.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedge Warbler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrYWXvnoy4Y/U2p0Xf6axTI/AAAAAAAAF4c/U2DDAMZh-PI/s1600/20140507_sedge_warbler_1D47548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrYWXvnoy4Y/U2p0Xf6axTI/AAAAAAAAF4c/U2DDAMZh-PI/s1600/20140507_sedge_warbler_1D47548.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedge Warbler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXO0z_pDe9o/U2p0XvfQQcI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/LFbHg2jrlhY/s1600/20140507_sedge_warbler_1D47557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXO0z_pDe9o/U2p0XvfQQcI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/LFbHg2jrlhY/s1600/20140507_sedge_warbler_1D47557.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedge Warbler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Kempston Mill52.117764587662847 -0.50623604550787652.115327087662848 -0.511278545507876 52.120202087662847 -0.50119354550787609tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-83403005381969478742014-04-27T17:58:00.000+01:002014-04-27T17:58:35.147+01:00Box End Park WeBS: 20/04/2014It was a pretty poor WeBS survey at Box End Park this month with several regulars missing from the list. Here is the full WeBS list:<br />
<br />
Buzzard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Canada Goose<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 7<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1 on nest.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Common Tern<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Coot<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 5<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kingfisher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 22<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 6<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1 on nest.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Oystercatcher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<br />
Skylark<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<br />
<br />
Total number of species: 10, Individuals: 53<br />
<br />
Nice to see the Mute Swans nesting on the spit at the south end of the lake. The nesting Canada Goose is a first for the park that I am aware of. Not really a species we want breeding as we have too many in Bedford already, but probably a sign of things to come.<br />
<br />
Nice to see the Common Terns back and hopefully numbers will increase over the coming weeks and we will have them breeding here as normal. Doesn't look like the Oystercatchers are nesting here but they still seem to be coming over to feed so they may be nesting in or around the small pool on the other side of the nearby bypass.<br />
<br />
Other birds of note:<br />
<br />
Greylag Goose 2 over north<br />
Stock Dove 3<br />
Willow Warbler 2<br />
Sedge Warbler 1<br />
Reed Bunting 1<br />
Blackcap 6<br />
Chiffchaff 2<br />
<br />
Also a couple of Swallows back at the Stables across the road. Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126227392640295 -0.5222411348877358352.121353392640295 -0.53232613488773584 52.131101392640296 -0.51215613488773581tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-49999564460112527692014-03-26T17:56:00.001+00:002014-03-26T17:56:43.568+00:00Box End Park WeBS: 16/03/2014A fairly quiet WeBS count at Box End Park this month. One of the pairs of Mute Swans looked like they were starting a nest on the spit and a pair of Canada Geese were keen on seeing off the others that were on site. Canada Geese have not nested here before so it will be interesting to see what happens. A Pair of Oystercatchers remain on the site so hopefully they will nest here again this year.<br />
<br />
Black-headed Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Buzzard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Canada Goose<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 10<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Cormorant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Great Crested Grebe<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kingfisher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 19<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 7<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Oystercatcher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Skylark<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 7<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
Other birds of note were:<br />
<br />
Green Woodpecker 1<br />
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 drumming<br />
Stock Dove 1 singing over by the boat shed<br />
Reed Bunting 4 singing males<br />
Fieldfare 14 over west<br />
Redwing 2 over west<br />
Greylag Goose 1 over north<br />
Meadow Pipit 1 over westDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126263538269157 -0.5219314975586257852.121389538269156 -0.53201649755862579 52.131137538269158 -0.51184649755862577tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-63513396209197053102014-03-14T19:16:00.001+00:002014-03-14T19:16:13.256+00:00Going Batty!Last weekend I spotted some bats (Pipistrelle) out in the evening up at the stables so over the next few nights I tried getting some photo's of them in flight. I started off letting the flash do its own thing on auto and managed a few bats in frame but nothing to get excited about. Having to preset the focus to a point and wait for the bat to hit the mark is pretty hit and miss but the location has potential as the bats are feeding over the muck heap and therefore restricted to a fairly small area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8hEoFTPfhc/UyMogOYCHOI/AAAAAAAAFxM/dQRlWQT0Rfg/s1600/20140309_bat_1D46180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u8hEoFTPfhc/UyMogOYCHOI/AAAAAAAAFxM/dQRlWQT0Rfg/s1600/20140309_bat_1D46180.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flash on auto.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.lauriecampbell.com/portfolio.htm" target="_blank">Laurie Campbell</a> first told me about photographing bats in this way when I was at <a href="http://www.aigas.co.uk/holidays/photography.asp" target="_blank">Aigas Field Centre</a> on one of his master class weeks. I didn't have an external flash gun at the time but having invested in one last year I'm now equipped to give it a go. I contacted Laurie for some advice on camera and flash settings and he reminded me that it was the speed of the flash that freezes the movement of the bat so I needed to manually set up the flash so that the flash duration was around 1/5000s. A bit of Googling for the flash duration of my flash gun revealed I needed to set it to somewhere between 1/4 and 1/8 power. This effectively reduces the flash duration as required but has the knock on effect of reducing the effective range of the flash.<br />
<br />
The next night I tried 1/8 power but struggled to get enough effective range from the flash.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNy1Y7lWxj4/UyMogA9TasI/AAAAAAAAFxU/Lj8t83sTjN0/s1600/20140311_bat_1D46216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xNy1Y7lWxj4/UyMogA9TasI/AAAAAAAAFxU/Lj8t83sTjN0/s1600/20140311_bat_1D46216.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flash on 1/8 power.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The following night I tried 1/4 power which gave me a bit more range and a little flexibility in the camera settings I could use. This was much more successful and I managed 3 reasonable images including 2 bats in one frame which was quite impressive given there were only 3 bats out!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhYxgEGcXxU/UyMogb61AvI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/xWh1ooCQA_g/s1600/20140312_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhYxgEGcXxU/UyMogb61AvI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/xWh1ooCQA_g/s1600/20140312_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46247.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flash on 1/4 power.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bFrOYnXOXk/UyMog1wJ9wI/AAAAAAAAFxc/Mff8OsZWZGo/s1600/20140312_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bFrOYnXOXk/UyMog1wJ9wI/AAAAAAAAFxc/Mff8OsZWZGo/s1600/20140312_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46252.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 bats chasing one another.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lamUj2qMDMs/UyMog-1iPaI/AAAAAAAAFxs/iy7hW8GS8xc/s1600/20140312_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lamUj2qMDMs/UyMog-1iPaI/AAAAAAAAFxs/iy7hW8GS8xc/s1600/20140312_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46268.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clipped wing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last night I continued with the same settings and got one shot that I am pretty happy with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_fEKAuHg68/UyMohG2rwuI/AAAAAAAAFxk/W4Kejl0mlFQ/s1600/20140313_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_fEKAuHg68/UyMohG2rwuI/AAAAAAAAFxk/W4Kejl0mlFQ/s1600/20140313_bat_flash_man1_4_1D46277.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1405973609"></span>
I think there is plenty of room for improvement here but I'm quite happy with the improvements made over the course of the first week. I'll be looking for some other locations to try in the coming weeks.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Kempston Rural, Bedford, UK52.108192097463231 -0.5409049987792968852.098439597463233 -0.5610749987792969 52.117944597463229 -0.52073499877929685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-33892095291960288872014-02-20T18:08:00.001+00:002014-02-20T18:08:10.347+00:00Box End Park WeBS: 16/02/2014I was just glad to be able to access the park for my Webs count this week. The previous weekend the entire park was under water so it was good to see some grass between the lake and the river when I arrived.<br />
<br />
It was also great to see the first Oystercatcher of the year on site although with the island underwater it was limited as to where it could go. I hope the island appears in time to give it a chance to nest this year.<br />
<br />
There were a number of areas of standing water between the lake and the river which had attracted Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits in to feed. This resulted in my highest site counts for these 2 species.<br />
<br />
The Mute Swan count was also the highest for this species since I have been surveying this site. Quite surprised by that given they can go just about anywhere at the moment and find water!<br />
<br />
Here are all the counts:<br />
<br />
Black-headed Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>26<br />
Canada Goose<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<br />
Cormorant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5<br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<br />
Kestrel<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>70<br />
Meadow Pipit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>16 (Also had 4 over)<br />
Moorhen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>19<br />
Oystercatcher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>33<br />
Skylark<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.12605884664152 -0.5222797393798828152.121184846641519 -0.53236473937988282 52.130932846641521 -0.5121947393798828tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-39554747000557345792014-02-17T17:05:00.002+00:002014-02-17T17:05:32.091+00:00If you go down to the woods today....... you will find a carpet of Snowdrops, well you will at Putnoe Wood in Mowsbury Park, Bedford.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ctn_hGmxQc/UwIuROaId_I/AAAAAAAAFuA/aW7ME5G8uFk/s1600/20140216_snowdrops_1D45577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ctn_hGmxQc/UwIuROaId_I/AAAAAAAAFuA/aW7ME5G8uFk/s1600/20140216_snowdrops_1D45577.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowdrops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKsvfzlUMMA/UwIuRRfuaJI/AAAAAAAAFuE/9lY0sK8uGhM/s1600/20140216_snowdrops_1D45590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKsvfzlUMMA/UwIuRRfuaJI/AAAAAAAAFuE/9lY0sK8uGhM/s1600/20140216_snowdrops_1D45590.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowdrops by fallen tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Snowdrops can be found along the west side of the wood. Get down there soon and enjoy the show while it lasts.<br />
<br />
On Sunday it was time for the monthly bird survey in the wood and a break in the weather tempted a few birds out. This Nuthatch surprised me by flying into the tree I was standing next to. It was just a few feet above me so I grabbed my camera and started shooting. These two photographs were the best of the bunch!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFzGKrDo7nk/UwIuQijU67I/AAAAAAAAFt0/T60-S_Lgo98/s1600/20140216_nuthatch_1D45484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFzGKrDo7nk/UwIuQijU67I/AAAAAAAAFt0/T60-S_Lgo98/s1600/20140216_nuthatch_1D45484.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2w9dfiuuxds/UwIuQpZ4LgI/AAAAAAAAFt4/Xo6Dph_Q4DU/s1600/20140216_nuthatch_1D45486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2w9dfiuuxds/UwIuQpZ4LgI/AAAAAAAAFt4/Xo6Dph_Q4DU/s1600/20140216_nuthatch_1D45486.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuthatch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were at least 3 "singing" Stock Doves in the wood and I managed this shot of one high up in the canopy, I love the iridescent green patch on the neck:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0vIkZRHjns/UwIuRo-nhVI/AAAAAAAAFuI/7vDpzQB4ibM/s1600/20140216_stock_dove_1D45517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0vIkZRHjns/UwIuRo-nhVI/AAAAAAAAFuI/7vDpzQB4ibM/s1600/20140216_stock_dove_1D45517.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock Dove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another surprise was a Moorhen calling from within the wood. They are always around the ponds on the golf course but I haven't had one in the wood before. A little less surprising when you see the ponds in the wood following all of the rain we have had recently. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A Buzzard was a little less surprising, although a new species for the site since I started surveying, they are regularly in the area and eventually I was bound to catch up with one in the wood.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are the counts for the day:<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Blackbird<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7</div>
<div>
Blue Tit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>22</div>
<div>
Buzzard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1</div>
<div>
Carrion Crow<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9</div>
<div>
Chaffinch<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6</div>
<div>
Coal Tit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1</div>
<div>
Dunnock<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1</div>
<div>
Goldfinch<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7</div>
<div>
Great Spotted Woodpecker<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3</div>
<div>
Great Tit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>25</div>
<div>
Green Woodpecker<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</div>
<div>
Jackdaw<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>20</div>
<div>
Magpie<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3</div>
<div>
Moorhen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1</div>
<div>
Nuthatch<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1</div>
<div>
Redwing<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>20</div>
<div>
Robin<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>8</div>
<div>
Song Thrush<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6</div>
<div>
Stock Dove<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3</div>
<div>
Treecreeper<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3</div>
<div>
Woodpigeon<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>16</div>
<div>
Wren<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Putnoe Wood, Bedford MK41, UK52.161871299999987 -0.4424410999999963752.157000799999985 -0.45252609999999638 52.16674179999999 -0.43235609999999636tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-81045395769257962742014-01-19T19:41:00.001+00:002014-01-19T19:41:13.725+00:00Box End Park WeBS: 19/01/2014Cloudy and mild for this month's WeBS count. With the recent flooding I wasn't expecting much as the birds are able to find standing water just about anywhere at the moment. Although the species list was sparse I did manage a new site tick with the 10 Teal. The Mallard count was surprisingly high, back up where it used to be. Here are the numbers:<br />
<br />
Black-headed Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 52<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Canada Goose<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Common Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Cormorant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 106<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Meadow Pipit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<br />
Moorhen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 13<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> (includes Orange 744)<br />
Teal<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 10<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> (Departed 07:55<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
Total number of species: 10, Individuals: 194<br />
<br />
Other note worthy sightings included:<br />
<br />
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 drumming<br />
Green Woodpecker 2<br />
Skylark 1 over west<br />
<br />
Probably the best sighting of the morning was the Little Owl calling while perched in a tree on the west side of the park, by the road. Another could be heard calling a little further off, on the far side of the road near the stables. Another site tick.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park, Kempston52.125452864823984 -0.5219793319702148452.124234364823984 -0.5245008319702148 52.126671364823984 -0.51945783197021489tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-39737301721802091142013-12-30T17:05:00.000+00:002013-12-30T17:05:42.839+00:00Willington GP Starling Roost - LatestThe Starling roost at Willington GP is getting quite popular, especially during the Christmas holidays. Numbers of birds remain high at 10-15 thousand. The displays have been quite subdued to date with no predators around to stir things up but on Saturday the 28th December we were treated to quite a spectacle with virtually all the birds remaining in the sky together and a couple of Sparrowhawks trying to catch their dinner. It was a shame the sunset didn't live up to the display but I guess you can't have it all.<br />
<br />
Here are some photo's from recent weeks:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yoXFHcjQ_E/UsGTIp5NxYI/AAAAAAAAFoA/HxsWugx5HFM/s1600/20131224_starlings_1D44967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yoXFHcjQ_E/UsGTIp5NxYI/AAAAAAAAFoA/HxsWugx5HFM/s320/20131224_starlings_1D44967.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj8namcNUPo/UsGTI-UTJaI/AAAAAAAAFoE/PEIkDCfaEC8/s1600/20131224_starlings_1D44998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj8namcNUPo/UsGTI-UTJaI/AAAAAAAAFoE/PEIkDCfaEC8/s320/20131224_starlings_1D44998.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGzeGT9cLmw/UsGTImO_bYI/AAAAAAAAFoI/4iVHzyjg7Vs/s1600/20131224_starlings_1D45005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGzeGT9cLmw/UsGTImO_bYI/AAAAAAAAFoI/4iVHzyjg7Vs/s320/20131224_starlings_1D45005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZnnZIoDEik/UsGTJOiOHGI/AAAAAAAAFog/k3A5B1tVlCo/s1600/20131224_starlings_MG_2364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZnnZIoDEik/UsGTJOiOHGI/AAAAAAAAFog/k3A5B1tVlCo/s320/20131224_starlings_MG_2364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxJkHYW4NVo/UsGTJjUojuI/AAAAAAAAFoc/fbpm5KQ4dBs/s1600/20131228_starlings_MG_2433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxJkHYW4NVo/UsGTJjUojuI/AAAAAAAAFoc/fbpm5KQ4dBs/s320/20131228_starlings_MG_2433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGsUw-txIVA/UsGTJlfFggI/AAAAAAAAFoY/kjdldf-uAPI/s1600/20131228_starlings_MG_2441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGsUw-txIVA/UsGTJlfFggI/AAAAAAAAFoY/kjdldf-uAPI/s320/20131228_starlings_MG_2441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY-J7n18zIk/UsGTKSWMyoI/AAAAAAAAFos/8tVzqQ62BVk/s1600/20131228_starlings_MG_2502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uY-J7n18zIk/UsGTKSWMyoI/AAAAAAAAFos/8tVzqQ62BVk/s320/20131228_starlings_MG_2502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vs6Huk4qaEk/UsGTKh0fKcI/AAAAAAAAFo8/kuWzGfHfiH8/s1600/20131228_starlings_MG_2504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vs6Huk4qaEk/UsGTKh0fKcI/AAAAAAAAFo8/kuWzGfHfiH8/s320/20131228_starlings_MG_2504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BLTn6IMTsM/UsGTKh13ryI/AAAAAAAAFo0/CoL-tAk2lww/s1600/20131228_starlings_MG_2512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BLTn6IMTsM/UsGTKh13ryI/AAAAAAAAFo0/CoL-tAk2lww/s320/20131228_starlings_MG_2512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Willington, Bedford, UK52.141060855360365 -0.3888773918151855552.139842855360364 -0.39139889181518556 52.142278855360367 -0.38635589181518554tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-17213789817175771782013-12-30T15:25:00.000+00:002013-12-30T15:25:00.753+00:00Box End Park WeBS: 15/12/2013Nothing exciting to report for the December WeBS coutn at Box End Park:<br />
<br />
Black-headed Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 52<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Buzzard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Cormorant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kingfisher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Little Grebe<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 46<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Also 16 over north and 3 over west.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Meadow Pipit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Also 1 over west.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Moorhen<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 10<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Sparrowhawk<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
Total number of species: 12, Individuals: 123<br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;">Also of note were:</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre;">Redwing 6 over south</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;">Fieldfare 4 over west</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;">Lapwing 24 over south east</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;">Skylark 5 over west</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre;">The survey at Putnoe Wood was a bit better this month with a few more species recorded. Highlight was the Mistle Thrushes:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;">Blackbird 2
Blue Tit 19
Bullfinch 1
Carrion Crow 7
Chaffinch 1
Coal Tit 2
Great Spotted Woodpecker 1
Great Tit 18
Green Woodpecker 1
Jackdaw 10
Magpie 3
Mistle Thrush 2
Nuthatch 1
Redwing 1
Robin 7
Song Thrush 1
Stock Dove 1
Treecreeper 2
Woodpigeon 2
Wren 3
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126332779542771 -0.5215544893799233352.12145877954277 -0.53163948937992334 52.131206779542772 -0.51146948937992331tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-16513071099870639432013-12-09T09:31:00.002+00:002013-12-09T09:31:29.874+00:00Willington GP Starling RoostAnother couple of visits to the Willington GP Starling Roost this weekend finally paid off Sunday night with a super display backed by a gorgeous sunset. Overall so far this year the Starling displays have been a bit disappointing. Numbers of birds are impressive but the swirling displays have been very limited to date.<br />
<br />
Sunday evening was better with the birds remaining in the sky for a decent amount of time, building up to several thousand individuals. Although there were few of the spectacular shapes the display did peak with a nice swirl before all of the birds funnelled down into the reed bed.<br />
<br />
Early on a distant mixed flock of Golden Plovers and Lapwings added to the spectacle.<br />
<br />
If you are in the area this is well worth a visit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/djb1166/11275580003" title="20131208_starlings_1D44762 by David Barnes, on Flickr"><img alt="20131208_starlings_1D44762" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/11275580003_e85e4c4e63.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/djb1166/11275580873" title="20131208_starlings_1D44772 by David Barnes, on Flickr"><img alt="20131208_starlings_1D44772" height="333" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/11275580873_da247456b6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/djb1166/11275581373" title="20131208_starlings_1D44777 by David Barnes, on Flickr"><img alt="20131208_starlings_1D44777" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/11275581373_fe46fe6b19.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/djb1166/11275469255" title="20131208_starlings_1D44791 by David Barnes, on Flickr"><img alt="20131208_starlings_1D44791" height="333" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/11275469255_384d010ccf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/djb1166/11275511776" title="20131208_starlings_1D44799 by David Barnes, on Flickr"><img alt="20131208_starlings_1D44799" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/11275511776_629f301087.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Willington Gravel Pits52.14138056627359 -0.3882226984862882152.138944066273588 -0.39326519848628821 52.143817066273591 -0.3831801984862882tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-34384275578109387192013-11-12T08:02:00.000+00:002013-11-12T08:02:37.876+00:00Box End Park WeBS: 10/11/2013My WeBS count at the weekend was more notable for the none WeBS birds. Starlings were the main players with at least 4150 Starlings over west during the morning. I believe these to be from a local roost, possibly the Willington roost I have been visiting for the murmuration. It would be great to know for sure. One of the flocks was ~3000 and 2 others numbered ~500.<br />
<br />
Other notable flocks passing over were as follows:<br />
<br />
40 Canada Geese over south.<br />
4 Skylarks over west.<br />
100 Lapwings over west. Probably the local birds from the building site!<br />
7 Fieldfares over west.<br />
30 Redwings over west.<br />
<br />
The main WeBS count results were slightly better than last month, Cormorants being the most notable birds with a couple of large groups fishing on the north and south lakes. The 2 Common Buzzards were early birds, coming in before sunrise. In fact I recorded all of the raptors by 07:15. <br />
<br />
Black-headed Gull<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 25<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Buzzard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Cormorant<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 28<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Great Crested Grebe<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Grey Heron<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kestrel<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Kingfisher<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mallard<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 43<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Meadow Pipit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Mute Swan<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Pied/White Wagtail<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Sparrowhawk<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
Total number of species: 12 Individuals: 117<br />
<br />
<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.126174699095742 -0.5222411348877358352.121300699095741 -0.53232613488773584 52.131048699095743 -0.51215613488773581tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-44102187594480133082013-10-26T14:28:00.000+01:002013-10-26T14:28:04.869+01:00Putnoe Wood Survey 20/10/2013I had to squeeze the Putnoe Wood survey in on Sunday morning no matter the weather and unfortunately it wasn't any better than it had been the previous week. Heavy rain and wind was the order of the day and the birds were keeping their heads down. Highlight was the Goldcrest and of note was the absence of Blackbirds for the second month running:<br />
<br />
Blue Tit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Carrion Crow<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Goldcrest<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Great Tit<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Green Woodpecker<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Jackdaw<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Magpie<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Robin<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>10<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Song Thrush<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Treecreeper<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Woodpigeon<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Wren<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
Total Bird Species: 12<br />
<br />
That's the lowest species count for the 2 years I have been surveying the wood.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Putnoe Wood, Bedford MK41, UK52.161871299999987 -0.4424410999999963752.157000799999985 -0.45252609999999638 52.16674179999999 -0.43235609999999636tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-39688374581135439712013-10-13T14:59:00.000+01:002013-10-13T14:59:30.098+01:00Box End Park WeBS: 13/10/2013It was grim at Box End Park this morning for my monthly WeBS count. Although still quite warm it was raining heavily with a strong northerly breeze. There were a small number of Redwings in the area, no sign of any passage today.<br />
<br />
The survey results were as follows:<br />
<br />
Black-headed Gull 24 (37 Over West)<br />
Cormorant 8<br />
Great Crested Grebe 2<br />
Grey Heron 1<br />
Lapwing 1<br />
Mallard 27 (22+ Over NW and 12 Over N)<br />
Moorhen 1<br />
Mute Swan 8<br />
<div>
<br />
Total number of species: 8 Individuals: 72<br />
<br />
I had planned to survey Putnoe Wood as well but decided to put that off, given the conditions the end of the Grand Prix seemed the better option :-) </div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Box End Park52.125413343984434 -0.5219042301177978552.124803843984431 -0.52316473011779785 52.126022843984437 -0.52064373011779785tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-22425578121795884262013-08-02T17:53:00.000+01:002013-08-02T17:53:04.795+01:00Catch up<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My quest for the singing Skylark image over the building site is pretty much at an end for now. In the last week they have gone quiet with just a handful seen on the site. After my last post a 2 metre fence went up around all of the workings making my challenge even tougher. They provided nice perches for the Meadow Pipits:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07oQRqYjO8E/Uft-FntBaYI/AAAAAAAAFfc/xQWtWuOlsGs/s1600/20130724_meadow_pipit_1D41971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07oQRqYjO8E/Uft-FntBaYI/AAAAAAAAFfc/xQWtWuOlsGs/s320/20130724_meadow_pipit_1D41971.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow Pipit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did get a nice perched Skylark one morning but he does look a bit grumpy, believe it or not he was singing seconds earlier but he just would not sing for me. I think I interrupted his breakfast!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vn94RAaA30Y/Uft-Fp1Ew0I/AAAAAAAAFfY/dXFvn22k3Uc/s1600/20130722_skylark_1D41954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vn94RAaA30Y/Uft-Fp1Ew0I/AAAAAAAAFfY/dXFvn22k3Uc/s320/20130722_skylark_1D41954.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I will keep on visiting the building site and the Skylarks should spring back into life in a few weeks so I might still get the image I'm looking for, the building work is progressing fast though!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My most recent visit to Putnoe Wood to do the monthly survey was a strange one. It was so quiet around the wood and I had nearly finished the survey when I came across a party of small birds. The first surprise was a Spotted Flycatcher feeding a youngster, the first I have seen in the wood since I started surveying here. They were up in the canopy and out of photography range. When they moved into the wood I followed hoping they might come down a little lower. Surprise number 2 was a Marsh Tit, another first for me in the wood! It was a bit dark but I managed these record shots: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxGZdkTy-BI/Uft-AXW9d8I/AAAAAAAAFfE/rqW027yFMww/s1600/20130721_marsh_tit_1D41901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxGZdkTy-BI/Uft-AXW9d8I/AAAAAAAAFfE/rqW027yFMww/s320/20130721_marsh_tit_1D41901.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Tit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs7QZncS-g0/Uft-AJR40NI/AAAAAAAAFfA/sMRs9MyLzsg/s1600/20130721_marsh_tit_1D41908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs7QZncS-g0/Uft-AJR40NI/AAAAAAAAFfA/sMRs9MyLzsg/s320/20130721_marsh_tit_1D41908.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Tit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCZcoFidSz8/Uft-AiHwdGI/AAAAAAAAFfM/cSRXAkHUniU/s1600/20130721_marsh_tit_1D41912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCZcoFidSz8/Uft-AiHwdGI/AAAAAAAAFfM/cSRXAkHUniU/s320/20130721_marsh_tit_1D41912.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Tit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It just goes to show you that you should never give up, I also added Nuthatch, Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker to the survey list in that one group of birds so it turned into a pretty good morning! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At this time of year young birds often come together in small mixed flocks as do family groups so it is well worth checking through these groups, you never know what you might find!<br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242852294673703988.post-4200898428023259182013-07-02T14:14:00.000+01:002013-07-02T14:14:00.845+01:00Loss of habitat (Part 2)The continuing story of my project to get an image of a singing Skylark in flight with the heavy machinery that is destroying it's home in the background. (Click <a href="http://djbblogging.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/loss-of-habitat.html" target="_blank">here</a> for part 1)<br />
<br />
I've been back several mornings to try for this shot with varying amounts of success but ultimately I haven't got the shot I want. The Skylarks are very tricky, you have to be in the right place at the right time as they lift into the air very quickly and are too high, for the shot I want, before you know it. I quite often catch them perching up on vegetation and singing which would be the next best thing to the shot I really want. When I do catch them in flight they are invariably in the wrong place or too high to get the background I'm after.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_gMb_2ytow/UdLO4WMxe5I/AAAAAAAAFc0/AhxfJCRrOZU/s1279/20130627_skylark_1D41180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_gMb_2ytow/UdLO4WMxe5I/AAAAAAAAFc0/AhxfJCRrOZU/s320/20130627_skylark_1D41180.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perched Skylark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Above is one of the perched Skylark images which I quite like but the orange fence in the background obscures the excavator behind it so you can't really see what it is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uTiXeQ3IFtE/UdLO4QysGcI/AAAAAAAAFdE/wP7OgR1iMUk/s1279/20130701_skylark_1D41473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uTiXeQ3IFtE/UdLO4QysGcI/AAAAAAAAFdE/wP7OgR1iMUk/s320/20130701_skylark_1D41473.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skylark in flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Above is a Skylark in flight, a few more meters to the right and slightly lower and I might have had my shot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCjrGGEcfVk/UdLO4nG4SKI/AAAAAAAAFdA/MVrqFgRXX14/s1280/20130702_meadow_pipit_1D41500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCjrGGEcfVk/UdLO4nG4SKI/AAAAAAAAFdA/MVrqFgRXX14/s320/20130702_meadow_pipit_1D41500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow Pipit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm quite pleased with the above image. Yes it's a Meadow Pipit and it's perched but everything else is good. There are a couple of Meadow Pipits in this area and they are regularly perching on the fence with the machinery in the background. This one is even singing and I managed to get quite close to it.<br />
<br />
I've seen the Skylarks bringing food back in the last week so they presumably have young in the nest. Will this be the last year here?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Great Denham, Bedford, UK52.125110349716785 -0.5106925964355468852.122673349716784 -0.51573509643554682 52.127547349716785 -0.50565009643554693