Inspired by Springwatch, volunteer Gary sets himself a challenge...
"Borrowing Chris Packhams idea from Springwatch, I set myself a challenge today to see if I could do any better than their current efforts. Well the first thing to say is that it is not easy being restricted to a non-zoom lens and not many megapixels. The first attempt and first bird of the day was a Red Kite while I was chatting in the car park – dot in blank sky(rejected).
At Fattingates a Garden Warbler was in fine voice – brown blur hidden by leaves (rejected). At West Mead two Lapwing chicks and a Little-ringed Plover giving amazing views. Too busy talking to take any shots – opportunity lost. Walking to Adder Alley the umbellifers were full of azure damselflies; now thats better – reasonable shot.
I could hear plenty of birds in the form of Blackcap, Sedge Warbler and Nightingale but far too difficult to capture on a smartphone, so I might have to have a re-think. The walk to Nettleys added more species with Goldcrest, Linnet, Whitethroat and Bullfinch, but still no luck getting a shot.
In Nettleys it was time to cheat, I need something big - Highland Cows. But even they look small a long way off!
Then a stroke of luck, a little egret landed in the pool immediately in front of the hide, so using my binoculars as a zoom lens I managed at last to get a half decent shot of a bird – success.
On the way back, at West Mead and then beside the Visitor Centre, four hobbies were to be seen over the South Brooks – in case you are wondering – no, I didn't even bother, but if you think you can do better …"