I thought I would make a new thread for my photography, this will save clogging up with loads of threads.
For starters, here are some of the many photos from over the Christmas Holidays
First off, a few photos from Staines Resevoirs, where I went to see black-necked grebe and black-throated Diver
Meadow Pipit
Pied Wagtail, I think it's the first time I've ever seen a pied wagtail in a tree!
Carrion Crow
Tried to get a shot of a wigeon, but they flew before I could get a shot of one sitting still!
There was a big flock of linnets, but this was the only decent shot I got of one!
I did find the Black-Necked Grebes! (Which were lifers for me!)
And also had the Black-Throated Diver coming quite close (again a lifer!)
That day ended well!
The next trip was to Southend-on-sea, I wasn't expecting much, but am glad I took my camera, as saw my lifer Sanderling and Turnstone there!
Sanderling
Turnstone
Also got my first decent looks (and photos) of Brant Geese
Starling were also present!
And finally a beautiful common gull
I wasn't expecting much, so was very happy.
The next few photos are from 2024, trying to up my year list
Firstly, my second BOP from the house in 2024, Sparrowhawk, also my best looks and photos of one!
Then I went to Cassiobury park, adding most of the garden birds
Nuthatch
Mandarin
This parakeet was harassing the woodpecker, trying to get it off the feeder - it didn't budge though!
And finally a trip to Lee Valley Discovery centre today, in the hopes of seeing my lifer Bittern!
After about 10 minutes I did manage to see it, but not clearly enough to get decent photos, however I heard there was a Smew further up the lake, so decided to go see that, then come back and see if the bittern would come more into the open.
Sure enough, I quickly locked onto a beautiful male Smew
I then headed back to the main discovery centre/hide, and was told the bittern was moving - after about 15 minutes it finally popped right into view!
It disappeared fairly quickly, but I went home happy!
This post is quite long, as it's a catch up from the last few days, but from now on they should be shorter!
Thanks for Looking!
Regards
Benji
very nice
Great pics Benji ... looking forward to more!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Great selection Benji.
Forgot to do this yesterday!
This was my trip to Rutland Water NR on 30/05/2024
First off a wren was singing away on a nice perch
Hobby
Saw Ospreys for the second time ever!
Reed warbler were singing loudly from the reedbeds, I managed to see a few!
On the way back from the hides on one side of the reserve to go the other I kept hearing a cuckoo, I was keeping an eye out as I'd never seen one before! Something flew up from the hedges nearby, I grabbed my camera and just did a burst...
Nice one to get!
On the way past had a quick look in at the feeders
Friendly Robin
And a lovely male chaffinch
On the other half of the reserve you could often hear and see redshanks flying overhead, this was my only photo though!
Then we went over to the other reserve section, where the nest is.
There were plenty of swifts around!
And a cormorant flyover to finish off!
Overall a successful day with I believe 56 species Identified!
Lovely variety, Benji, thanks for sharing
Well done Benji. Very succesful with 56 species spotted. Great detail on the Redshank ...
Nice selection Benji, great to have caught the cuckoo.
Another lovely set of great captures, thanks for remembering to share
Wow! A fantastic set of photos. I've never even heard a cuckoo (well, the clock doesn't count ) never mind seen one. I even love how shiny the beak of the Chaffinch is.
Another good selection Benji.
That's a shame only hearing the cuckoo and not seeing one. Talking to fellow birders this year, cuckoo's seem to have been more elusive than usual.
Many will now be flying back south, then the youngsters shouldn't be far behind.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler