Its Been A While

Its been some time since I have posted, possibly two years, so I may be talking to myself. My photography has been in fits and starts, however today on our local moorland I managed to nail a species that has evaded me for years.The first and third shot of the much persecuted Hen Harrier, even though a protected schedule 1 bird, it is shot at regularly on the big shoots such as Grouse shooting.

I was out photographing Short Eared Owls, when from behind a Snipe alarm called, so a quick glance over my shoulder and I spotted this Hen Harrier coming straight for me, so with a creaking back and worn out knees I swivelled like Ann Widecombe on strictly come dancing, not that I watch that crap (honestly) .  I guess you could call this Harrier, a sociable Hen Harrier, like the Sociable Plover in the area  I keep dipping on.

I love Short Eared Owls, although they are a challenge, they can see you a mile off and if they can't see you they will hear you, so farting was out of the question, (Lisa was thankful for that)

Number three image is of a Red Kite I took early in the year, I got some amazing shots of this fantastic raptor, they got caught up in a forty mile per hour easterly wind and was dumped on Sennen beach. My son who lives in Sennen tipped me off, so I positioned myself at the top of the hill and photographed the Red Kite as they struggled up from the beach, with some only 2 metres from the ground.

 Last but not least a common Buzzard taken from my bedroom window.

 

Pacific Golden Plover

Went to Hayle today to have a  look at the Pacific Golden Plover at Hayle, I caught up with it at Carnsew Basin, thanks to SW Optics for the information. I got great views but the light was Harsh and the bird distant for photography.

 DESCRIPTION

 The Pacific Golden-Plover breeds in western Alaska and Siberia and winters on islands across the Pacific Ocean, through southeast Asia, to northeastern Africa. It is uncommon in North America, found breeding in Alaska, and migrating and wintering in small numbers along the Pacific Coast.

Fledgling Wheatear

I found three fledged Northern Wheatear at Botallack today, an unusual breeding, but not unknown for these parts of the county.

Waders

Whilst trying to catch up with the Bairds Sandpiper (unsuccessfully) at Marazion I captured a few images of the common waders on the beach.

Samderling

Dunlin

 Sanderling

Purple Sandpiper taken in Penzance

On Safari in St Just

First blog for a long time, here is a few from my recent trips out locally. Looking for a Black Kite today seen in Kenidjack, as usual no luck. White throat, Cuckoo, Sanderling and Common Buzzard below.

Snowy Owl

My third Snowy Owl on the patch in the last 10 years. This female Snowy was so close initially, however as she was roadside the passing odd car unsettled it and pushed around 20 metres away.

White Rumped Sandpiper

I caught up with this Juvenile White Rumped Sandpiper today at St Gothian Sands, Gwithian. Blown off course by one of the hurricanes or Atlantic storms we have experienced of late. Poor thing should be in South America.

Sennen Cove

Four Knot, two Sandwich Terns and one Mediterranean Gull.

Cattle Egret

Plenty of species building up at Hayle,  3 Ruff  still hanging around with the Godwits on Ryan's field and this Cattle Egret on the estuary.

Shoveler Duck

While photographing the Grey Phalarope at Helston I couldn't resist a few shots of these passing Shoveler Ducks.

Ruff and Black Tailed Godwit

More Grey Phalarope