Kicking off this year's odds and sods with Starlings in a rainbow on that extreme rarity: sunshine.
It was early morning, with the sun barely cresting the tree line. We were able to get out for our morning walk as it wasn't raining. This photo is my trusty Canon 80D and Sigma 18-300mm lens zoomed in at 300mm.
Pulling back a bit.
And finally all the way back.
Oh, 2024 got off to a good start with this.
So far my cat, perhaps two neighbouring cats visiting our garden, a local fox and Tawny owl, and this trap have accounted for at least five of the beasties. Sightings of rats in our garden are getting rarer, so I think I'm winning. Two rather timid and wary rats, that I know of, are proving more elusive to catch. I've resorted to buying a lethal trap. The trap was triggered, yesterday, but no rat, sadly. Though a mouse might have triggered it, and was small enough to be within the kill bar.
90% luck, 5% field craft, 5% camera skills.
A couple from the garden today, new flowers, and new neighbours (hopefully)
Looking hopeful PB
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
This morning's walk. Large 'playing' field - mostly used by dog walkers. Pied Wagtails finally got within range of my 300mm lens as we sat on bench.
Good luck PB. No takers for mine yet ...
1st bee I've spotted this year on the honeysuckle :o)
Re: the blue tit, had a pair last year too, but the (a) youngster fell from the nest whilst still young. Never found a body so it may have survived, and don't get cats/crows/maggies in the garden that might have carried it off, so fingers crossed!
I like the Blue Tit looking out PB
Worcester Siskin -I don’t think we’ve ever seen a Siskin in the garden before. It sat for ages (maybe a young one? Or is it a bit early?). I have very dirty trousers and elbows from crawling across the soaking wet grass, trying to get a decent photo
I would have thought a bit early for fledgling Kevin, better get the Persil out then, other brands are available!!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Excellent Kevin. Worth the dirty pants! Only ever seen a couple of Siskins, and never managed a shot as good as yours ...
Good photo Kevin, worth the effort :) We had a pair in the garden a couple of weeks ago, the first time for us.