Silver Studded Blue

This evening I gave the Macro lens a run out, my target species was the Silver Studded Blue around the cliffs of Pendeen. I had reasonable success, although the first shot is slightly out of focus, it is my favourite due to the back ground. The size of this Butterfly is approximately half the size of a postage stamp or less.

The Last Few Images From Mallorca

The Last Few Images from Mallorca,


They say the best back ground for an image is an uncluttered one, the ditch water in this image does the trick.


I know that the little Egret is common here in England, but this frame filled image is well worth posting


Sardinian Warbler
Red Knobbed Coot

Still More Mallorca

We are still milking Mallorca, the first image is a Swallow Tail Butterfly, the second and third are images of Marbled Duck. I think these may be a re-introduction, and the last two are images of a Nightingale. This brown jobby's song is wonderful and did they sing, their song could be heard all over.

Mallorca Herons

Black Crowned Night Heron

Squacco Heron and Night Heron chick

Purple Heron

Mallorca Raptors

The best Raptor was without doubt this Eleonoras Falcon, according to a couple of expert birders it was a Peregrine as it was to early for then Eleonoras, but I am having none of it. Most definately an Eleonoras. Check out this link for some interesting information Migratory route of Eleonora's falcon revealed for first time | e! Science News: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
We also had an Osprey fly over, Peregrine Falcon and Kestrel. A trip to the mountains proved fruitless for Black Vulture etc.

Male Marsh Harrier

A very Distant Female Marsh

Mallorca, Cattle Egret

The Cattle Egret in the S'albufera are numerous, the Egret's breeding site can be seen when approaching the centre of the reserve on the far river bank, in the trees. However, the hide is sited near the Egrets location, but on the blind side of the tree line where they nested . They would fly from the nest site on a route in front of the hide which meant it was brilliant for capturing flight shots , the centre image is virtually full frame. The first image I captured when exiting the hide, the weather had became inclement once again forcing this adult and its young over the tree line looking for shelter, the leaden sky adds atmosphere and provides a brilliant background for this species. Please click on the image to enlarge

The back drop on this image was the distant mountain range shrouded in mist. Doesn't sound like Mallorca does it

Mallorca, Purple Swamp Hen( Gallinule)

These were quite difficult to get onto as they seem to stay in the reed bed, but I came across this close Swamp Hen whilst moving hides.

Chick Study (Mallorca)

We arrived in Mallorca to glorious weather and noticeably the water bodies were at a very low level, then for the next nine days it rained, granted we did have periods of sunshine but more often it rained. However, this had one major positive effect, the water levels rose significantly and pushed species such as the Little Ringed Plover and their chicks closer to the hides.

Little Ringed Plover Chick
Kentish Plover Juvenile
Stilt sheltering chicks
Black Winged Stilt Chick

Mallorca Plovers

Rare species were off the list as we had missed the migration , although everything is rare to me, but the benefits of this time of year were great. From all of the hides in the S'albufera reserve there were adults raising young. We were captivated by the efforts of the Little Ringed Plover and the Kentish Plovers stoic efforts to keep their young safe. The Little Ringed Plover attacked and distracted everything that came within a short distance of the chicks, they would feign injury to attract the perceived predator away from their young. Lisa managed to capture the action shots, the Little Ringed Plover dive bombing the Kentish Plover is my Favourite. I captured the first two.
I am having problems with blogger at the moment folks, I don't seem to be able to leave any comments on the blogs I follow. Hopefully it will sort itself out. Click on the image they are better enlarged

Mallorca, The S' albufera Wetland, Chapter 1

Lisa and I decided it was time for a holiday, but where should we go? I wanted to include some bird photography and bird watching so we decided on Mallorca and as close as possible to the

S'albufera wetland, a reserve that has been protected for twenty years located close to the coastal area of Alcudia Bay. We saw a number of species and had Black Winged Stilts galore.

I wanted action or flight shots of this species, there were plenty of opportunity for the poser shots, but on regular intervals these feisty birds would become aggressive to all and sundry generally in defence of their young.The next few posts will revolve around our trip to Mallorca. Please click on the image to enlarge.