Wheatears Arriving.

It is the time of year now when the Wheatears return to our shores. The species is a long distant migrant form Africa arriving in March and leaving in October.

Currently it is on the UK species of conversation concern (Amber List). Fortunately, living on the South Coast we get to see a considerable number as they initially arrive after the long migration flight. The numbers that exist then disperse and continue on North to the breeding grounds. 

Male

Photographing the Wheatears amongst the Sea Mist Flower on Chisel Beach is always a pleasure.

Female

Still the Stilt

Black-winged Stilt Portfolio

The Black-winged Stilt pair are still in residence at Lodmoor Reserve Weymouth.

They were quite active today often taking flight and landing elsewhere to feed.

 

Black Winged Stilt (Pair)

Twenty years ago I recall visiting the Bird Reserve at Titchwell Marsh Norfolk on a regular basis.

It was a rare treat to be able to occasionally see a Black-winged Stilt which was a rare event indeed. It was believed to be the same bird every time and given a nick name of Sammy and was known by many as such.

Since then, sighting of the species has become much more frequent and is now been classed as a colonising breeder.

I was fortunate this week on observing a pair at the Lodmoor Reserve Weymouth.

They were quite a way out into the marshland, but clearly visible. I was using a 600mm equivalent lens with a 1.4 converter, ie 840mm to obtain these images.