Bee Eater

Today I was privileged to see this Bee Eater at Lands End. This confiding bird stayed around for some two hours feeding on Bumble Bee' etc. Thanks to Linton Proctor and John Swann for this stunning sight, what you would call a top bird. I personally was knocked out by such a beautiful bird. This was a first for me, as many are, as I have said in the past my birding age is about thirteen. Thanks guys for this and thanks to Steve Rogers South West Optics for the Lens. Click on the images and enjoy

Sandwich Tern And Whimbrel

I hope you are not bored with Sandwich Terns but their was better light today. These Terns are generally at rest around Longrock Island at low water in the late afternoon, 500mm lens a minimum I reckon and be prepared to get your feet wet. Please click on the images to enlarge

Ninety percent Whimbrel and ten percent Bar Tailed Godwit.Spot the Bar Tail

Mounts Bay

Their is so much going on at Marazion and Mounts Bay it is hard to stay away. The following images were taken a couple of days ago of Sandwich Terns and an Atlantic Grey Seal close in shore. Please click on the images to enlarge
Diving Tern

Sandwich Tern harassed by a Juvenile Greater Black Back Gull. They do this to coerce the Tern into regurgitating its last meal and eat it themselves.

Little Ringed Plover

Little Ringed Plover at Marazion 19th of April 2010.

Ring Ouzel

Lisa and I went out for a walk tonight at Botallack initially to check out the sunset, armed with the binoculars and compact camera Lisa found this Ring Ouzel opposite Wheal Owles mine. I have been chasing this species and to find it late in the evening was a treat. This Ouzel escaped death by Sparrow Hawk by a feather.Low light and distance was not conducive to good photography.

Savi's Warbler

The previous post was short and sweet as I have been busy bird watching thankfully . I have been spending some time at Marazion , lunch time and evenings watching the reserve. The Whimbrel numbers are building up but I am yet to see them on the reserve. Thursday produced 9 White Wagtails with three more coming in off the sea, new arrivals I presume. The highlight of the weekend was the Savis Warbler at Marazion and thanks to John Swann who put me onto it and informing me of its behaviour. I arrived about 5.00pm Saturday afternoon and stayed on until dusk, the Savi's showed just after the sun dropped below the horizon and gave good views for a couple of minutes, this is when you realise the benefit of good optics. See information on the Savi's Warbler here Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides)

Pied Wagtail and White Wagtail

Bittern and Mottled Jackdaw

Bittern and mottled Jackdaw at Marazion. Apparently two Bittern have been seen together. Do you think they will breed?

Botallack

Four images from Botallack during a quick hour out with dog. The most frustrating is the Male Hen Harrier ( the last image) a poor shot but I wasn't expecting it to be in touching distance again.
This hobby is like being hooked on drugs, one sniff of a migrant/rarity and you are hooked. I wish I had a snort when I was younger. Live each day as if it is your last, because one day you will be right.

Northern Wheatear, 3 in all

Great White Egret 9th April 2010

Two images of the Great White Egret at marazion Today, photographed in the trees around the Cheshire Home. Later it flew down into the reed bed, hopefully it will show at the reserve waterways viewable from the road.

St Gothian Sands 8th April 2010

Today is what I would call the first day of spring, glorious weather. I arrived at Gwithian around 5.30 pm and had a chat with Tim Twiggs , who patch watches the area regularly. The sand Martins where around but not in the numbers I normally expect, but that was about to change.I caught up with the Green Sandpiper and captured what images I could, and as the evening progressed the Sand Martins numbers increased significantly.

Woodchat Shrike

Probably the most photographed bird in Cornwall. Here is a link to view a Juvenile Woodchat Shrike Woodchat Shrike at Nanquidno

Messin Around

I had the opportunity to borrow a 600mm f4 prime lens so I thought the best approach was to have a dry run in the kitchen and photograph out of the window to get the feel of it before I take it out in the field