Flowers under the Hill

At the foothills of the Cerne Abbas Giant in the village of Cerne Abbas Dorset is a great place to visit at the moment.

There are numerous Spring flowers in abundance.

This is just a small selection.

Mostly Wild Primroses

Red Campion

Cowslip

That is no flower.

Mostly Lesser Celandines

Bluebell (English)

This very early 'Early Purple Orchid' was barely visible and was just emerging up out of the ground amongst long grass.

A Mass of Lesser Celandines

This river below is a great place to see Grey Wagtail and in about a months time they will be flying along above the river surface catching flies for their young.

Revisit Pied Flycatcher

It was two days ago that I observed this male Pied Flycatcher at Lodmoor Reserve, Weymouth.

Due to the fact that during the previous night and  yesterday we had overcast weather with considerable rainfall, I assumed that the bird would still be in the same location today. Migrating North at night it prefers a clear sky and it was far from clear last night.

Thankfully it was still located in a clump of seven Willow Trees and appeared to be feeding well from the insects that are numerous within those trees.

The conditions were not as challenging as the previous occasion I photographed the bird.

I also didn't have my best camera and lens. I thought that using a slower lens may help to cut down the brightness along with underexposing the shots.

"The best camera is the one that you have with you."

That old saying held up on this occasion.

Pied Flycatcher (Male)

I would have not normally posted these images as they are quite poor. 

Mostly I was not able to get the eye of the bird showing.

However, it is the first time I have observed and photographed the male of this species and couldn't let it pass by without a post.

This bird spent most of time obscured moving about a few Willow trees and occasionally popped out briefly into bright sunlight. 

It my still be around tomorrow so I will try again.

The Pied Flycatcher (a localised Summer migrant) arrives on inward migration in April and leaves mainly in September. 

Its main stronghold in the breeding season is woodland areas of Wales.

This bird I photographed has most likely just arrived in the Country and will spend a few days feeding up after its long journey.

The Pied Flycatcher is on the AMBER conservation list.

Oystercatcher Pair

At this time of year you are most likely to see Oystercatchers in pairs.

I found this pair at Lodmoor Reserve Weymouth.

I have probably mentioned it before, but their beaks do not look real. 

It is more like plastic than any form of normal beak on a bird.

I did observe another pair on the Reserve in a separate location.

Striking looking species that is always worth a photograph.