Sunday 3 April 2011

Owl's about that !!!

Firstly, apologies for the headline, but read on for explanation!!
Had a free afternoon on saturday, and the weather was fine, so I decided Id visit Bembridge for a change.
I parked up opposite the boat houses, which must be ancient now, as I have lived here for 45+ years and have always known of their existence. Captain Hook and his mate were keeping an eye on me!!


I walked off the main road and started to walk towards the ponds. As I did a Mallard flew overhead, managed a quick series of shots, the best of which is below.



Six Tufted ducks, 3 male and 3 female were paddling round the first pond, along with a swan and the ever present mallards.
Onwards to the next pond. Black tailed Godwits were on show, Id seen my first ones a week or two ago, so recognised them. With them were a similar bird, like a black and white version (!!) being a new birder im ashamed to say I havnt yet found out their name, help anyone?? I have the Collins massive bird book, but not had time to look it up yet (*Embarrassed*) 


Two Shelducks, a Dunnock and a beautiful Chaffinch were sighted shortly afterwards.





Onto the shore at Bembridge harbour I checked a pair of Great black-backed gulls off my life list.
A lone Canada goose posed for me, as did a distant Cormorant, fishing in the harbour. The tide was almost at its lowest, so I decided to call it a day, and returned via the ponds. A robin was singing on a fence post. The views across brading marshes are beautiful.



As I walked along the path, I wondered if the Little owl would be at the hole in the tree. I had heard about it and had seen photos, and a kindly man had shown me the tree on my outward journey. Imagine my delight on reaching the tree, when I saw the little beauty perched in the hole, another first for me. He was about 150 yards away, and my 300mm lens hardly reached, so had to crop the picture heavily. Cant wait till I can afford a 2x converter for my Nikon camera!!



I returned to my car with a big smile, and a few ticks, a very enjoyable hour or so.....

6 comments:

  1. Lovely photos, the Little Owl is wonderful! The godwit photo shows six Black-tailed Godwits, two in full breeding plumage (the red ones) and four which are still mainly in winter plumage (the monochrome ones!) - also a pair of Teals.

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  2. Hi Dave great post , really like your Little Owl and Mallard photos , if its any help all the waders in your photo are Black Tailed Godwits , the less colourful ones are still in there winter plumage .

    cheers Rob

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  3. Thanks Rob and Marianne, nice that someone actually reads my ramblings!!

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  4. Lovely photo of the Mallard in flight, not easy!

    I am very envious of the Little Owl, well done :)

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  5. Mallard and little owl pics especially good. Well done. Nice blog.

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