Song Thrush

The Song Thrush is not a species you see frequently now unfortunately.

Song Thrush

Shiny Beaks

This male Bullfinch was so involved with grabbing seeds from a plant whilst hovering momentarily, it didn't notice me, or more likely considered me not to be a threat. I could hear the female calling nearby, but no show unfortunately.

Bullfinch (Male)

Blue and Orange

Kingfisher (Male)

Normally if you get to photograph a Kingfisher, it is because it has not seen you rather, than you seeing it.

Unless you are cheating by sitting in a bird hide of course.

I was walking along adjacent to a lake, but somewhat hidden by trees and bushes. In a clearing ahead of me I observed this male kingfisher fly up on to the branch. I stopped and didn't move any further. I had to remove a short lens from the camera and replace it with a long lens. It also pays to have some preset settings installed especially if you are using several lens, as I was able to switch to one from completely the wrong settings and take these shots.

This shot was taken when the bird flew further along the side of the lake. 

Of course there is always a twig in the way.

A Parkland Winter Resident

During the last few weeks I have observed the male Stonechat on a bramble bush in the open meadow area of the Parkland. It occasionally moved to a closer fence line, but then retreated out to the bush again. 

Now I have seen and photographed it at the edge of the largest lake.

Stonechat (Male)

Stalking the Redwing

Not the easiest of pastimes especially when its raining. I say raining, but there were a few short rays of sunshine.

In the local parkland there is a small copse of mainly Hawthorn and Bramble trees/bushes, which in the past have revealed many photo opportunities. One such occasion was a flock of Waxwing when it was white with snow some years ago. One doesn't get that opportunity everyday. 

Such species as Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, Redwing and Fieldfare are regular at various times of the year. 

On this occasion there was a small flock of Redwing moving from one bush to the next. Keeping in cover and keeping up with them was the only way to get a shot as they are still very 'flighty' at this time.

I have placed this shot first as it was long range, but there was a short burst of sun that helped and I liked the colouring of the image with an out of focus back drop.

At one point I walked around the edge of the copse and this one popped out momentarily.

Chiffchaff - December 4th

I was walking by a very tall tree in the parkland which is quite close to the edge of a large lake. High up in the tree I observed a small bird quickly moving from one twig and branch to another. It was clearly searching for food and didn't stop anywhere for more than a second or two. Its actions reminded me of a Goldcrest.

I kept taking shots and trying to keep up with its rapid movement as it moved around the tree. It sometimes dropped quite a way down and then across the tree. I don't normally review the images on the camera much, as that tends to waste battery. I did glance at one or two images, but really couldn't see exactly what it was and my intention was to confirm its species on the computer at home.

However, I was fortunate to subsequently meet a local birding colleague who knows all there is to know about birds and confirmed that the bird was in fact a Chiffchaff.

I always assumed that Chiffchaffs either migrated to Africa during winter or in recent years certainly moved to the South coast. So I was more than pleased to find this one on the 4th of December.

A White Surprise

It was one of those days when I had photographed a species of water bird that was out of the ordinary and a few common species as well. I had walked far enough and was on my way back to the car park in the Parkland. At one point I started to walk over a bridge and on looking to my right I was able to take this shot below of this Little Egret. It was somewhat secluded by low overhanging branches and I just couldn't get a clear shot.

I had an alternative strategy though. I knew that if I approached the birds position from over a dense bramble and low bush covered area I could get a better view.

I was able to get into a covert position without disturbing the Egret and take plenty of shots and observe as well.

The Egret was eating very well as from its perch just above the water, it continued catching small fish all the time I was watching.