tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14247315218833413092024-02-19T13:56:37.317+00:00IOW BirderHi, Im Dave. You are viewing my online blog. I am a recent convert to birding from the Isle of Wight, I love photography too, and I hope to combine the two hobbies, and learn as I go along!
So, if you are interested in birding feel free to contribute and dont forget to add me to your blog list or bookmark!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-27286263204579005812012-11-05T15:54:00.002+00:002012-11-05T15:54:43.075+00:00Red Squirrels V Buzzards: A Dilema ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
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Ive just received an e-mail from BBC South, who are following up reports of buzzard attacks on red squirrels, here on the island. They are doing some research on this subject, with a view to a possible programme on this issue.<br />
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I myself have not heard of any attacks, nor seen any, but I guess that the way to investigate would be to inspect the nests of the buzzards to look for bones, fur, or remains of squirrels. I would imagine that the droppings/pellets would leave evidence too. I would imagine that only a licensed person would be able to do this, so a proper study seems to be the way forward.<br />
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Maybe more evidence needs to be gathered, a study made on the growing population of buzzards on the island vs the (declining?) numbers of red squirrels, would be a good start.<br />
I for one, was totally against the cull of buzzards earlier this year, as were loads of people who signed my online petition. But the cull I beleive was only started by the hunting brigade who were against the buzzards, because of the losses in certain parts of the country of the young pheasants.<br />
The buzzard is only doing what comes naturally of course.<br />
<br />
Which brings us to the point, would it be right to have a partial cull of buzzard eggs to protect the red squirrels, if it was proven that these beautiful birds were seriously affecting the population of reds?<br />
A tricky one!<br />
A cull or partial cull to protect the red squirrels population on the island would be controversial, but I beleive if the issue of buzzards seriously affecting red squirrels, to the extent that they would become endangered then maybe this could be justified.<br />
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What does everyone think about this?<br />
Have you seen or heard of any attacks?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-2686314615824709112012-07-08T16:22:00.001+01:002012-07-08T16:23:10.983+01:00Its a bugs life..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sorry about the title, lol...<br />
Ive been testing out my new sigma 105mm macro lens recently, and what a superb bit of kit it is!<br />
As the weather has been so rubbish Ive been using my garden to test the lens, in between showers that is!<br />
I hav'nt yet found all the names of all the bugs, as Im new to all this, so if anyone can put a name to any of these beautiful creatures feel free to comment and I'll update them all...<br />
For the purpose of identification I will number the pics, any help with names will be much appreciated, I will ask the chaps on Wild about britain for any un-named creatures... :)<br />
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1.Fly close-up, Bluebottle<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4ifQO1z5Mo/T_mhJUUr6zI/AAAAAAAAAmc/utah747cI-s/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4ifQO1z5Mo/T_mhJUUr6zI/AAAAAAAAAmc/utah747cI-s/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
2. Flesh fly<br />
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3. Unknown fly<br />
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4. Unknown, but very beautiful, and small fly!<br />
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5. Marmalade hoverfly<br />
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6. Unknown hoverfly, possibly Eupeodes corollae <br />
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7. Bee? Lol... Told you im new to this!!<br />
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8. Ditto!!<br />
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9. Green bottle<br />
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10. Un-named spider<br />
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Thanks in advance for any ID help, tips on macro photography also welcome,<br />
Enjoy the summer!!<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-52993304691582509802012-05-24T19:59:00.000+01:002012-06-03T21:27:26.790+01:00Buzzards have a life too.. support the petition please!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: red;"><u>DEFRA has now shelved plans for the "Management" of buzzards, power to the people!!</u> </span><br />
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Please please please support this online petition to stop the persecution of the Common Buzzard.<br />
These beautiful birds deserve a life too.<br />
We are aiming for 10,000 signatures, and are urging support via, facebook, blogs and e-mail..<br />
Please support the fight. E-mail DEFRA at : <a href="mailto:richard.benyon.mp@parliament.uk">richard.benyon.mp@parliament.uk</a><br />
Online petition at : <a href="http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/buzzards-deserve-a-life-too">http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/buzzards-deserve-a-life-too</a>#<br />
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Thanks for your help<br />
<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-33584744847319365542012-05-18T21:09:00.003+01:002012-05-18T21:09:29.607+01:00Pulborough brooks, 6th May<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whilst visiting relatives in West Sussex, Carol and I decided to visit Pulborough brooks RSPB in West Sussex. The weather was very unseasonal, cool, cloudy and drizzly, but as we only had this day free in our hectic schedule we would have to grin and bear it!!<br />
We had our matching anoraks to keep us dry, and I was trying my best to keep my camera under my jacket but still available in case a quick shot was needed!!<br />
The house martins were flying around us as we squelched along the footpaths. They had no fear of us, and despite the miserable weather our spirits were lifted by their acrobatics. They were only a few feet away, could have grabbed one if I was quick enough, what an experience<br />
I was watching swallows and house martins on the edge of a field when a damp little bird landed on a barbed wire fence about 10 feet from me, what luck!! Managed to fire off quite a few shots before he departed. The background couldnt have been better, and despite the lack of light I was really pleased with my pics....<br />
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A family of long tailed tits huddled together in the trees...<br />
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The aforementioned house martins were congregating in one particular tree. From underneath I counted around 50+ .....<br />
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We moved onwards and decided to head back to the cafe for a hot drink... as luck would have it two more house martins landed nearby, and very happily posed for me, despite the drizzle ....<br />
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We heard the beautiful sound of a nightingale, my first ever, but I only managed this poor record shot....<br />
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Finally we made it to the cafe, where we watched the birds on the feeders... Suddenly I spotted this bird, but wasnt immediately sure wether it was a marsh tit or a willow tit.....but snapped a record shot anyway ....<br />
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Thanks to my friends at "Wild about britain", I am reliably informed it is almost certainly a marsh tit.<br />
Unfortunately the little devil wouldnt sing for me, which might have helped!!<br />
However, a couple of new lifers for me on this day, so a good result.... and some lovely sightings of the beautiful house martins... Luv nature!!!<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-78041889821678890372012-05-18T19:24:00.000+01:002012-05-18T19:24:50.568+01:00Dawn chorus walk ...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last sunday I managed to drag Carol out of bed at 4:15am, YES.. 4:15am, on a SUNDAY!!<br />
I had mentioned to her that I would like to get up even earlier than normal, (Im a postman!) and go for a dawn chorus walk. She reluctantly agreed, but I knew she would like it when we were outdoors. The prospect of leaving her bed at such an unearthly hour, at the weekend too, was a rare occurance indeed!! <br />
Although it was early may, it was cold, very cold in fact. As we started on our walk on the Alverstone old railway footpath at around 5:15 the frost was quite sharp, but the sunrise was magical.<br />
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The highland cattle were beautifully back-lit by the first rays of the sun....<br />
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We soon heard a cuckoo in the distance, but alas didnt get a view of one in the flesh, does anyone ever see them? The sound of the dawn chorus was magical, with no dog walkers, cyclists, or noisy kids to disturb the peace. We are still getting used to the different calls, but can make out the more common birds without much problem. Chiffchaffs were vocal but out of sight, and the green woodpeckers seemed to be laughing at us most of the walk!!<br />
A young chaffinch looked a bit dozy with a twig in his beak...<br />
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My daily tick list was growing by the minute. Song thrushes were very common, as were whitethroats. Maybe house sparrows will be rare one day, the numbers are certainly in decline, hence their red status....<br />
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A beautiful dunnock happily posed about 10 feet away, thank you very much!!<br />
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He did look a bit dozy though!!<br />
Eventually he saw me and woke up a bit....<br />
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After a couple of hours walking and trying to warm up, we decided to go to the hide for a warm up. Carol had sensibly packed a flask of tea and biscuits. Unfortunately the code on the hide had been changed so we couldnt get in for a sit-down :( We hung around for a while to observe a jay, red squirrels and a tree creeper....<br />
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The light was really bad, and tested my nikon to the max!!<br />
Back to the cycle track we ambled back savouring the calm. As we neared the sandown end, the walk the wight charity walk was just beginning, and the sun was warming up nicely.<br />
We had spotted 27 species, with another 3 heard...<br />
Not something we will do again in a hurry, it took us quite a few days for our internal clocks to get back to normal.... Try it yourself, well recommended!!<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-81032592223423736182012-04-25T12:41:00.001+01:002012-04-25T12:41:12.090+01:00Dry for a few minutes!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In between the april showers, Carol and I ventured out for a sunday stroll. Knowing that rain was on the way for the afternoon, we walked along the the old railway line at shide, dodging the dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders on the narrow path.<br />
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As we had had a lie in and missed the early action, the birds werent showing very well. A few chiffchaff's were singing, a wren was flitting around, and the blackbirds were singing beautifully, as was this chaffinch...<br />
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A kestrel hovered behing the trees, and a buzzard flew over....<br />
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The spring flowers put on a colourful show, including this lesser celandine next to a rusty box..<br />
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...the red campion beside the riverbank glowed in the sun...<br />
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A few butterflies were on view, but didnt stop to pose for my camera. An orange tip was spotted as was this peacock, which was very patient with me disturbing his peace!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Looking forward to some sunshine next week, as I have a holiday, as I get nearer Im not too hopefull, but we do need the rain I guess!!<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-41187784577948547192012-02-13T19:55:00.000+00:002012-02-13T19:55:07.857+00:00Winter stroll to Alverstone .....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Carol and I decided on a winter walk to Alverstone along the old railway track. The temperature was barely above freezing, but we wrapped up warm, and set off. Shortly after setting off down the railway track, Carol decided we should go on the wetland walk, a diversion off the track. I wanted to carry on along the track, but in the end gave in! Lo and behold in the clearing we spotted a Bullfinch through our binoculars, a first for us! A good start to the day! Managed to get a record shot, this one won't win any prizes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMsNuKjPzWw/Tzlj9Wd65AI/AAAAAAAAAes/TlCiD7YfYYM/s1600/Bullfinch+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMsNuKjPzWw/Tzlj9Wd65AI/AAAAAAAAAes/TlCiD7YfYYM/s320/Bullfinch+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Back onto the railway track, we made our way to the hide at Alverstone reserve.<br />
We went inside and had a nice cup of lemon tea, Carol in her wisdom, had decided to pack a flask.<br />
The squirrels were raiding the pile of nuts, and their antics took our minds off of the cold weather. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NtN-hm_I9g/TzllNZAiVMI/AAAAAAAAAfU/bSK6Fec4Kbk/s1600/Red+squirrel+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NtN-hm_I9g/TzllNZAiVMI/AAAAAAAAAfU/bSK6Fec4Kbk/s320/Red+squirrel+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZPVwkhwJyQ/TzlkFvQw2II/AAAAAAAAAfY/hE0lN0iii6c/s1600/Red+squirrel+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZPVwkhwJyQ/TzlkFvQw2II/AAAAAAAAAfY/hE0lN0iii6c/s320/Red+squirrel+%252817%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpeaJ4tIjHo/TzlkaYLbGiI/AAAAAAAAAfE/FUlyI4zlA4I/s1600/Red+squirrel+%252820%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpeaJ4tIjHo/TzlkaYLbGiI/AAAAAAAAAfE/FUlyI4zlA4I/s320/Red+squirrel+%252820%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A big fat Chaffinch was fluffed up to keep out the cold.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meSvkpOAXLA/Tzlj_Ju-SBI/AAAAAAAAAe0/U1cPKdQzKM4/s1600/Chaffinch+-+male.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meSvkpOAXLA/Tzlj_Ju-SBI/AAAAAAAAAe0/U1cPKdQzKM4/s320/Chaffinch+-+male.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Blue Tits were too fast for me!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hob4n_ccSeQ/Tzlk0Vew12I/AAAAAAAAAfM/rpg_hEaxuS8/s1600/Bird+blur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hob4n_ccSeQ/Tzlk0Vew12I/AAAAAAAAAfM/rpg_hEaxuS8/s320/Bird+blur.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>We saw, many Blue Tits, a lone Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Wren, A pair of Long Tailed Tits, a wandering Pheasant, Robin and Great Tit ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_BGCu9Ol_4/TzlmGaMNnaI/AAAAAAAAAfg/J1bxur3gQYU/s1600/Great+tit+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_BGCu9Ol_4/TzlmGaMNnaI/AAAAAAAAAfg/J1bxur3gQYU/s320/Great+tit+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After more hot tea, we decided we had to get moving before the frostbite set in!<br />
On the way back we flushed a kingfisher from under a bridge. We also saw a Buzzard, Jay, and a Grey Heron flew overhead. The total for the day was 25, not bad methinks!!<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-72375484618921136932012-02-01T17:13:00.001+00:002012-02-04T21:15:04.370+00:00Squirrel fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Went to Alverstone bird hide this morning with Rob. The squirrels were running round like headless chickens, must have been trying to keep warm! I don't think the temperature got above zero in the hour or so we spent there, but watching these little fellas running round took our mind off of the weather.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWx-3zQll3g/TyluwhC7a4I/AAAAAAAAAdw/jnYTe2Z9yyA/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWx-3zQll3g/TyluwhC7a4I/AAAAAAAAAdw/jnYTe2Z9yyA/s320/DSC_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMugu7eCPjw/Tyluyr8dEaI/AAAAAAAAAd4/HCtVtgbqJys/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMugu7eCPjw/Tyluyr8dEaI/AAAAAAAAAd4/HCtVtgbqJys/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqEYxCIkAdI/Tylu0TZghLI/AAAAAAAAAeA/XA4cDAE8znM/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqEYxCIkAdI/Tylu0TZghLI/AAAAAAAAAeA/XA4cDAE8znM/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>Lots of birds were visiting the feeders, including blue tits, chaffinch, great tit, reed bunting and the beautiful long-tailed tits.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmgwoI1tEeA/Tylu6syBpKI/AAAAAAAAAeI/EPMLx7WHNMM/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AmgwoI1tEeA/Tylu6syBpKI/AAAAAAAAAeI/EPMLx7WHNMM/s320/DSC_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zu4nFahRTjE/Tylu9xA0ecI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/5Uw_F6h1RlE/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zu4nFahRTjE/Tylu9xA0ecI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/5Uw_F6h1RlE/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A jay was around but didn't want to have his photo taken. A dunnock was skulking in the undergrowth, and a squirrel was playing with a rat, which kept us amused!<br />
After an hour or so we decided to move on as hypothermia was setting in. We popped into Oasis for a hot chocolate and scone (cheers Rob!)<br />
Then after warming up we went to see the Glossy Ibis, now in its 4th day on Brading marsh. Today he was keeping his distance, so just managed a record shot. <br />
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</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-11100869938299260182012-01-30T19:46:00.000+00:002012-01-30T19:46:59.660+00:00Glossy Ibis alert on the IOW !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi everyone,<br />
Not been here for a while, but had a rather exciting day, so I thought I would share it with you all!<br />
Yesterday evening I heard that a Glossy Ibis was back on Brading marshes again. When I finished work today I checked online and saw it was still around so I hot footed it down there, and thanks to the online reports I found this fella straight away. The light was fading so I set to work straight away, and got my camera clicking. The best shots are below...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dnj-3gEm8gQ/Tybvh8seI-I/AAAAAAAAAc4/jxjhW9yCxSk/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dnj-3gEm8gQ/Tybvh8seI-I/AAAAAAAAAc4/jxjhW9yCxSk/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEnaGDI9uPk/TybvozxY57I/AAAAAAAAAdI/h1qeqOUPoe0/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEnaGDI9uPk/TybvozxY57I/AAAAAAAAAdI/h1qeqOUPoe0/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPMBKLTU9ng/TybvtPPQjHI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/z-ioQ4fyo-U/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPMBKLTU9ng/TybvtPPQjHI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/z-ioQ4fyo-U/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I may go there again tomorrow after work if the weather is a bit brighter, after all I may never see one again who knows! <br />
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Yesterday Carol and I visited Pulborough Brooks RSPB, in West Sussex. It was only a flying visit, but whilst there I managed to see a flock of Fieldfare, which was a new bird to us. <br />
Before we left there, we had a lovely hot chocolate in the yard while we watched the birds visiting the feeders. As we left we did a bit of browsing in the shop. All of a sudden carol shouted "David" and beckoned me to a large viewing window. Lo and behold there was a Water Rail about 15 foot away, another lifer to add to my list. Managed to get a quick snap or two before he ran for cover...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdxAsVIIC5o/Tyby5rA23rI/AAAAAAAAAdc/nqyaS5ejWzg/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdxAsVIIC5o/Tyby5rA23rI/AAAAAAAAAdc/nqyaS5ejWzg/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRkOcBpEmkA/Tyby7j_JbrI/AAAAAAAAAdk/IE15zG11MPg/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRkOcBpEmkA/Tyby7j_JbrI/AAAAAAAAAdk/IE15zG11MPg/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So, this year has started well, a Glossy Ibis and Water rail in two consecutive days, lets hope my good luck continues!!<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-72394800833382136562011-08-17T17:09:00.002+01:002011-08-18T06:04:47.202+01:00All quiet on the coast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">All quiet here on the island. Birds are busy moulting, bugs and butterflies waiting for the sun to shine. <br />
Could be a long wait!!<br />
10th august, had a walk up to Ventnor radar station, the views from the top of Nansen hill looking towards Sandown bay were breathtaking despite the overcast weather. The heather was stunning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bteDwcEKLO4/TkvdKrnW-2I/AAAAAAAAAbc/4GpDXqlA3ao/s1600/10-8-11+luccombe+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bteDwcEKLO4/TkvdKrnW-2I/AAAAAAAAAbc/4GpDXqlA3ao/s320/10-8-11+luccombe+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A meadow brown butterfly was carrying red mites. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite the dull weather I had a lot of fresh air and the excercise coming up nansen hill wont have done me any harm!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Spotted in my back garden last week was a Common Darter which was a surprise as I have no pond, just a birdbath...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESH8-btyjCc/TkvdNlA7pLI/AAAAAAAAAbk/pLX_yAqG7OE/s1600/10-8-11+common+darter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESH8-btyjCc/TkvdNlA7pLI/AAAAAAAAAbk/pLX_yAqG7OE/s320/10-8-11+common+darter.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>A family of speckled bush crickets has taken residence in my helleborus, Ive seen 3 males and two females so far. Male shown below...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bka6vAKQv4o/TkvdNc0pg8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/UmaRIYdRB18/s1600/10-8-11+speckled+cricket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bka6vAKQv4o/TkvdNc0pg8I/AAAAAAAAAbg/UmaRIYdRB18/s320/10-8-11+speckled+cricket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A trip to Bembride ponds with Rob on the 15th was quiet on the birding front, except for 15 Little egrets and a heron all packed into a corner of the large pond, not seen that many in one place before.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjvqBbeKa4Q/TkvdPRicCbI/AAAAAAAAAbo/AGKFDpi5kps/s1600/15-8-11+bembridge+Little+egrets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjvqBbeKa4Q/TkvdPRicCbI/AAAAAAAAAbo/AGKFDpi5kps/s320/15-8-11+bembridge+Little+egrets.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last night I dragged the wife out for a walk to Alverstone, we were hoping to catch something unusual maybe an owl or two? A chap we chatted to, saw a kingfisher half an hour previous, he told us to keep an eye open, but it wasnt our lucky night. So a nice walk, plenty of blackberries picked, and the scenery was lovely...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdGXRJ6VDdM/TkvdU38qgUI/AAAAAAAAAb4/khHeILHlK08/s1600/alverstone+16-8-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdGXRJ6VDdM/TkvdU38qgUI/AAAAAAAAAb4/khHeILHlK08/s320/alverstone+16-8-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This morning I met up with Rog who I met on the wildaboutbritain website. As I wasnt meeting him till 9:30am I had a look around before we met. I had a brief glimpse of a jay, but no photos. I spotted a buzzard on a pole so got this digiscoped shot through my scope...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzeqjD8fIuw/TkvdRWYoIZI/AAAAAAAAAbs/ULIoGx1dGQg/s1600/buzzard+shide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzeqjD8fIuw/TkvdRWYoIZI/AAAAAAAAAbs/ULIoGx1dGQg/s320/buzzard+shide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We had a good old chat about cameras, wildlife, lenses, and life in general. Not much to see this morning. A green woodpecker flew past at a rate of knots, and the butterflies seemed to love these Hemp agrimony flowers, would love some in my garden!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmgw8oYzJZE/TkvdTfTP3LI/AAAAAAAAAb0/KAI8rdLFRdc/s1600/r+admiral+shide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmgw8oYzJZE/TkvdTfTP3LI/AAAAAAAAAb0/KAI8rdLFRdc/s320/r+admiral+shide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUX_F1t2TS4/TkvdSa5LHjI/AAAAAAAAAbw/C9xr2hPGOIs/s1600/comma+shide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUX_F1t2TS4/TkvdSa5LHjI/AAAAAAAAAbw/C9xr2hPGOIs/s320/comma+shide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gsqujBD476s/TkvdVe9lT3I/AAAAAAAAAb8/pgg3wjlhjiM/s1600/red+admiral+shide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gsqujBD476s/TkvdVe9lT3I/AAAAAAAAAb8/pgg3wjlhjiM/s320/red+admiral+shide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fingers crossed for an indian summer!!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-35629173187860700482011-08-01T20:44:00.000+01:002011-08-01T20:44:10.711+01:00A bugs life....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">All quiet on the birding front lately, so my attention has wandered towards other subjects, namely, bugs and butterflies.Have spotted several different ladybirds in my own garden, 2-spot, 7-spot, 14 spot (below)...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63lkoLkG17c/Tjb6_V4jJwI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/Ww3GqGMve3A/s1600/14+spot+ladybird.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-63lkoLkG17c/Tjb6_V4jJwI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/Ww3GqGMve3A/s320/14+spot+ladybird.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>Also the unwanted but beautiful harlequin..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvijLwEl4kA/Tjb1BG91eGI/AAAAAAAAAY0/in-J3x3HPeU/s1600/Harlequin+ladybird+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvijLwEl4kA/Tjb1BG91eGI/AAAAAAAAAY0/in-J3x3HPeU/s320/Harlequin+ladybird+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have an old holly tree stump in my garden, which has been invaded by aphids, this in turn attracts many ladybirds and hoverflies, mostly Hoverfly-Episyrphus blteatus (marmalade fly)...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OHhyGBtw_g/Tjb1XaW_hDI/AAAAAAAAAZY/2sCL4HwYGx0/s1600/Hoverfly-Episyrphus+blteatus+%2528marmalade+fly%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OHhyGBtw_g/Tjb1XaW_hDI/AAAAAAAAAZY/2sCL4HwYGx0/s320/Hoverfly-Episyrphus+blteatus+%2528marmalade+fly%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Had a lovely walk yesterday with the wife and our friends (Hi Tina and Peter!!) ...<br />
Peter lifted up a sheet of plywood which someone had discarded and I captured the slow worms underneath, a total of 7 seeking shelter from the hot sun...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AbUDzn5guc/Tjbzsgrik1I/AAAAAAAAAXA/-gyp8kedkwQ/s1600/Slow+worms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AbUDzn5guc/Tjbzsgrik1I/AAAAAAAAAXA/-gyp8kedkwQ/s320/Slow+worms.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Peter was acting as my spotter, and he spotted this beautiful banded demoiselle ....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1d5cVN3C94/TjbzyooIOoI/AAAAAAAAAXM/lHl9O5XlcxU/s1600/Banded+Demoisell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1d5cVN3C94/TjbzyooIOoI/AAAAAAAAAXM/lHl9O5XlcxU/s320/Banded+Demoisell.JPG" width="306" /></a></div> The Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) were happily making hay while the sun shone, precariously hanging from a grass stem....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGLwiRihCi4/Tjb0wtQ2gbI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Tqq769mDrLQ/s1600/Common+Red+Soldier+Beetle+mating+%2528Rhagonycha+fulva%2529+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGLwiRihCi4/Tjb0wtQ2gbI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Tqq769mDrLQ/s320/Common+Red+Soldier+Beetle+mating+%2528Rhagonycha+fulva%2529+%25283%2529.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>The black ants were devouring aphids...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks8wuc1lywY/Tjb2_P9C1oI/AAAAAAAAAZk/sR43f8vAft0/s1600/Black+garden+ant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks8wuc1lywY/Tjb2_P9C1oI/AAAAAAAAAZk/sR43f8vAft0/s320/Black+garden+ant.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Back to birding with a visit to Alverstone hide, a lovely juvenile Robin was visiting the bird table...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cjHsDpYeo8/TjbzuoCsWEI/AAAAAAAAAXE/sKUxy0EBlx0/s1600/Robin+juvenile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cjHsDpYeo8/TjbzuoCsWEI/AAAAAAAAAXE/sKUxy0EBlx0/s320/Robin+juvenile.JPG" width="284" /></a></div>Joined by a Great tit...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXG28tSKxBk/TjbzwD7j3jI/AAAAAAAAAXI/L2nfK549F-Y/s1600/Great+tit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXG28tSKxBk/TjbzwD7j3jI/AAAAAAAAAXI/L2nfK549F-Y/s320/Great+tit.JPG" width="283" /></a></div>In the afternoon we drove to Luccombe and found a nice clearing to have our picnic, my attention soon wandered to the many butterflies feeding nearby, including the beautiful comma ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uj8Pyc6rEc/Tjb0FVFVAUI/AAAAAAAAAaA/xjnoSCj8ajk/s1600/Comma+%2528polygonia+c-album%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uj8Pyc6rEc/Tjb0FVFVAUI/AAAAAAAAAaA/xjnoSCj8ajk/s320/Comma+%2528polygonia+c-album%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>and one of many Gatekeepers....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdBjKm-PpuQ/TjcADTaPZVI/AAAAAAAAAak/_zBal1xmMUo/s1600/Gatekeeper+male.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdBjKm-PpuQ/TjcADTaPZVI/AAAAAAAAAak/_zBal1xmMUo/s320/Gatekeeper+male.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>All in all, a lovely day to be outdoors!!<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-22857695270151340532011-07-10T19:52:00.002+01:002011-07-11T10:54:25.580+01:00I love to go a-wandering ... Newtown and YarmouthDay off from work, and the wife at work, so decided on a visit to the west wight, Newtown NR and Yarmouth. A chance to try out my scope again, any excuse, lol....<br />
Had a nice surprise at Newtown car park, at the entrance to the toilets, I noticed a swallows nest. This was right next to the toilet door, what a brave/daft bird to make a nest there. It was nice and sheltered but far from private, due to the visitors using the loo! I set my camera up a few yards away and took some film of the babies being fed. Also a few stills, trying not to disturb them, using my zoom lens. A very big highlight of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mF42vz0Bdfc/ThnpdRS9W1I/AAAAAAAAATk/gpi9-IponaM/s1600/Swallow+nest%252C+Newtown+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mF42vz0Bdfc/ThnpdRS9W1I/AAAAAAAAATk/gpi9-IponaM/s320/Swallow+nest%252C+Newtown+%25288%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Many more swallows were swooping over the estuary, once again trying the near impossible task of taking a picture of them in flight. This was the best I could manage ..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2XYq3alcKE/ThnzBZsmGbI/AAAAAAAAAVM/dz5-aqSlL_4/s1600/Swallow+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2XYq3alcKE/ThnzBZsmGbI/AAAAAAAAAVM/dz5-aqSlL_4/s320/Swallow+%252814%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The parent swallows didnt seem to mind us being close to the nest, swooping over our heads to deliver the feed for the chicks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rp68CfN2Gs/ThnpfiTLLwI/AAAAAAAAATo/65dKcOjzsjg/s1600/Swallow+nest%252C+Newtown+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rp68CfN2Gs/ThnpfiTLLwI/AAAAAAAAATo/65dKcOjzsjg/s320/Swallow+nest%252C+Newtown+%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Onto Yarmouth ponds and estuary. I got my first sighting of a curlew ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOyfeuFrxGA/ThnzujDESwI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/yLOrEyEOz4s/s1600/Curlew+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOyfeuFrxGA/ThnzujDESwI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/yLOrEyEOz4s/s320/Curlew+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A cormorant flew overhead ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6oeHHhptR0/Thnz3BQsnFI/AAAAAAAAAVU/zatNJgywEis/s1600/Cormorant+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6oeHHhptR0/Thnz3BQsnFI/AAAAAAAAAVU/zatNJgywEis/s320/Cormorant+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An Oystercatcher was next posing for me by the shoreline ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gw-27GK4gKY/Thn0kb5YDnI/AAAAAAAAAVc/cPpXY--UJ_E/s1600/Oystercatcher+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gw-27GK4gKY/Thn0kb5YDnI/AAAAAAAAAVc/cPpXY--UJ_E/s320/Oystercatcher+%25284%2529.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A digiscoped pic of a Little Egret rounded off my day nicely ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyhKkwkf_5I/Thn0ZOCkAGI/AAAAAAAAAVY/-eKtLp-PNmA/s1600/Little+Egret+%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyhKkwkf_5I/Thn0ZOCkAGI/AAAAAAAAAVY/-eKtLp-PNmA/s320/Little+Egret+%252822%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note to self . . . Must update my year/life list on here soon!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-8923068032728583892011-07-10T19:29:00.001+01:002011-07-10T19:35:47.462+01:00Back on the mainland... Petworth House and ParkOnce again ventured onto the mainland, this time to West Sussex. We decided to walk to Petworth park, which was only a short walk away from where we were staying.<br />
As we entered the park the deer were a lovely sight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRNdRelFKFw/Thnrj89n6HI/AAAAAAAAAUA/ykpEL9Dw9Ac/s1600/Deer%252C+Petworth+park+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRNdRelFKFw/Thnrj89n6HI/AAAAAAAAAUA/ykpEL9Dw9Ac/s320/Deer%252C+Petworth+park+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After a few minutes walking we reached the lake, where we spotted two egyptian geese, a first for us...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqMZ2PEIjYw/ThnpLuejceI/AAAAAAAAATY/757joi20Sgc/s1600/Egyptian+geese+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqMZ2PEIjYw/ThnpLuejceI/AAAAAAAAATY/757joi20Sgc/s320/Egyptian+geese+%25287%2529.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>The canada geese were aplenty, with their juveniles, as were Greylags. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHQ7nQt96Qg/ThntxsfMj4I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/opF8UNHCGz8/s1600/Canada+geese+and+juveniles+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHQ7nQt96Qg/ThntxsfMj4I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/opF8UNHCGz8/s320/Canada+geese+and+juveniles+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw6UAwLy1G4/ThnuIHP1X7I/AAAAAAAAAUo/LXo-Orw0kLU/s1600/Greylag+geese+and+juveniles+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw6UAwLy1G4/ThnuIHP1X7I/AAAAAAAAAUo/LXo-Orw0kLU/s320/Greylag+geese+and+juveniles+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Wanted to take this one home!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkqBOwReTNs/ThnpI4s70FI/AAAAAAAAATU/wkNGtQ6FsN4/s1600/Greylag+goose+juvenile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkqBOwReTNs/ThnpI4s70FI/AAAAAAAAATU/wkNGtQ6FsN4/s320/Greylag+goose+juvenile.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>More pics of the beautiful canada geese ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3Ocj3Efd9Q/ThnpGgxWeKI/AAAAAAAAATQ/mGZenrJnXlY/s1600/Canada+goose+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3Ocj3Efd9Q/ThnpGgxWeKI/AAAAAAAAATQ/mGZenrJnXlY/s320/Canada+goose+%252817%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGcwBE61u-I/ThnvGqk2c-I/AAAAAAAAAVE/07EvAPlDU1w/s1600/Canada+goose+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGcwBE61u-I/ThnvGqk2c-I/AAAAAAAAAVE/07EvAPlDU1w/s320/Canada+goose+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A wonderful day out :)<br />
The following day we visited Pulborough brooks, West Sussex. <br />
The day was overcast and drizzly, all the birds seemed to disappear to shelter. We decided to call it a day, and went to the cafe onsite for a cuppa.<br />
Imagine our surprise when we caught sight of the feeders outside the cafe. They were a hive of activity, with several grey squirrels, and many other birds visiting. We had many more sightings here than on the reserve!<br />
Everything scattered when this jay visited the table ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlxwGZdhp4E/ThnpayZGZfI/AAAAAAAAATg/Fc7z5RmvHsk/s1600/Jay+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlxwGZdhp4E/ThnpayZGZfI/AAAAAAAAATg/Fc7z5RmvHsk/s320/Jay+%252811%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Another pleasant day ....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-62953501601433475372011-07-10T19:08:00.000+01:002011-07-10T19:08:31.029+01:00...Recent wanderings..!!Been busy recently, at last found time to fire off another blog!<br />
Way back in may, Carol and myself had a trip on the mainland, and decided to visit Blashford lakes RSPB in Hampshire. Had a great day and the weather behaved. We spotted 25 birds, which we were pleased with, and first sightings of Wren, Sand Martin, Great crested Grebe, and Siskin. (Did I mention I had only been a birder since January this year?)<br />
Had a nice view of a Jay, wish I had a longer lens on my camera!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2kVJ9NHEIonPwtSh9eAfkZwl5_qQq4wl1pIN3OePqnjDOefoX1dIpBZXx9otBBhzwqTANYjG1i1XIG1kxddlkCB29JZEfIkHqac5HKuRUl4grgyPTvGT193MZ0RCPSgBTRIVOlack84h/s1600/Jay+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2kVJ9NHEIonPwtSh9eAfkZwl5_qQq4wl1pIN3OePqnjDOefoX1dIpBZXx9otBBhzwqTANYjG1i1XIG1kxddlkCB29JZEfIkHqac5HKuRUl4grgyPTvGT193MZ0RCPSgBTRIVOlack84h/s320/Jay+%25285%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>All in all a very enjoyable day, hope to do it again sometime...<br />
On the 30th May, had a nice day out with my S.P.O.G. friends (Sandown posties ornithological group - Dont laugh !!) We went to Bembridge for the morning, had a job getting everyone up at 8am though.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Zv_XkUNzo/TeP408uibLI/AAAAAAAAAR8/oK3X8mD0Hfo/s1600/Bembridge+harbour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O2Zv_XkUNzo/TeP408uibLI/AAAAAAAAAR8/oK3X8mD0Hfo/s320/Bembridge+harbour.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We spent quite a while trying to photograph swifts flying by at the speed of sound!! We spotted 16 species, which was pretty good. This little egret was very photogenic and hung around for quite a while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPHPiH-7Xl8/TeP4aMly3fI/AAAAAAAAARQ/h6f-Rmh9P3s/s1600/Little+egret+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPHPiH-7Xl8/TeP4aMly3fI/AAAAAAAAARQ/h6f-Rmh9P3s/s320/Little+egret+%25281%2529.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>We then went to Brading Marshes RSPB, and spotted another 10 species.<br />
A good day was had by all, a picture of my spog buddies is below...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe_UafSMY7Od42CK_JhyphenhyphenmzyQGS-peXaKJ2R6WGzQugMkhQTcgy9Mwq2UZDfR_Zw76XoaH58JjKUV27tsDUqWLcdiFdezJ3jv4_FWEiQovOFHXahqIS5Deh5YtEU-CWRd_uuXSwK96cxAz/s1600/Spogs+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe_UafSMY7Od42CK_JhyphenhyphenmzyQGS-peXaKJ2R6WGzQugMkhQTcgy9Mwq2UZDfR_Zw76XoaH58JjKUV27tsDUqWLcdiFdezJ3jv4_FWEiQovOFHXahqIS5Deh5YtEU-CWRd_uuXSwK96cxAz/s320/Spogs+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>June 8th... I visited Bembridge again and the nearby Hersey hide, where I once again photographed a little egret, this time using my new scope, an Opticron HR 80 GA ED model with Panasonic lumix FS7 camera and digiscope adaptor. This adds a whole new dimension to bird photograpy and viewing, looking forward to getting much closer views from now on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Yys00uAxU/Thnos6u69RI/AAAAAAAAATE/uEh6lVX4zok/s1600/Little+Egret+%252818%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Yys00uAxU/Thnos6u69RI/AAAAAAAAATE/uEh6lVX4zok/s320/Little+Egret+%252818%2529.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-57635696638727201802011-05-18T11:31:00.000+01:002011-05-18T11:31:54.860+01:00How fast does a swallow fly?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I would say the answer to the title above is "Bloody fast"!!!<br />
Yesterday I ventured across Brading marshes, and decided I would try and photograph the swallows flying. If you havnt tried it before its not easy! After about 20 minutes of losing them in my viewfinder and trying to keep them in focus I managed to get some record shots. They wont win any photography contests but at least I got something!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFreOIKI5OvqVK7ezEM3Gmsidp7-cnBcnPHC9GGt0hT5shFbswa5uSqYLu6Q8TNP7NKJukx7VGUmHkOdJGxZV1TcHZmdDRDpjESVwq8se-QS25WpW1lBC8Y4qV_9S0Bx88EhYb9MPs0Xvd/s1600/Swallow+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFreOIKI5OvqVK7ezEM3Gmsidp7-cnBcnPHC9GGt0hT5shFbswa5uSqYLu6Q8TNP7NKJukx7VGUmHkOdJGxZV1TcHZmdDRDpjESVwq8se-QS25WpW1lBC8Y4qV_9S0Bx88EhYb9MPs0Xvd/s320/Swallow+%252811%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKTtstumqm1WHQYf_XKIMBWUgQz2sK-kayUnAhM-l9sXjmNG805M-lYipLsoO0D4MWemo4OETFvtr9L9wk9zdXUoglCPEJiKSNJLGBhT1T8uguy1H8xwdALKJgzJY0v7Eq8eD8VJN6jBf/s1600/Swallow+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKTtstumqm1WHQYf_XKIMBWUgQz2sK-kayUnAhM-l9sXjmNG805M-lYipLsoO0D4MWemo4OETFvtr9L9wk9zdXUoglCPEJiKSNJLGBhT1T8uguy1H8xwdALKJgzJY0v7Eq8eD8VJN6jBf/s320/Swallow+%252810%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also managed to see the common but beautiful magpie close up </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pTDxZgG0TSYTAZpSFDigrAD5eqtXyi6bF9JN8t75HIWqre3ExpQQnKRnbDSv7cGELxD9O7xQe4cEmmn88zp1EoG_cztGuFDszJjiRdyjiymKlgDMVCSRytDpmjXTZwcRgnSbzCqo1P0S/s1600/Magpie+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pTDxZgG0TSYTAZpSFDigrAD5eqtXyi6bF9JN8t75HIWqre3ExpQQnKRnbDSv7cGELxD9O7xQe4cEmmn88zp1EoG_cztGuFDszJjiRdyjiymKlgDMVCSRytDpmjXTZwcRgnSbzCqo1P0S/s320/Magpie+%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have had to wait for 3 weeks for my Nikon camera to be repaired, which seemed like an eternity, so now im itching to get back into the field. Carol and I are going on a dawn chorus walk at 04:30 on sunday, not done that before so looking forward to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another recent tick for me was a whitethroat, also taken on Brading marshes here on the island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2jhyZhNuV_lVMVT_cDyMKTbgm8W48XZwSUFeTpafBbNQFt6lhutFx2KtjS18R0iTwAHhEz9LbGNO6PMZCiZKF4lWnRuRfzohcPXwC3b2J91Kl-cX1HHRaBefdUEpqlllKqFptL9JAWhs/s1600/Whitethroat+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2jhyZhNuV_lVMVT_cDyMKTbgm8W48XZwSUFeTpafBbNQFt6lhutFx2KtjS18R0iTwAHhEz9LbGNO6PMZCiZKF4lWnRuRfzohcPXwC3b2J91Kl-cX1HHRaBefdUEpqlllKqFptL9JAWhs/s320/Whitethroat+%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also taken recently was a house sparrow. We shouldnt take these common birds for granted, they are just as beautiful as some of the rarities, and are becomming more scarce themselves nowadays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlOn1wNQw4yt25FeVIIDSyVaQHSw8BTpgwqAzafv23OFfywFpHkZEYMqIqj-GUabD-7SEEyyxe3xKVKqXtnZT9LKadRgWJo7-hh17uw5simVivQCRYyS5QTDU3vPSnTMcCVzxPk8NdHbS/s1600/House+sparrow+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlOn1wNQw4yt25FeVIIDSyVaQHSw8BTpgwqAzafv23OFfywFpHkZEYMqIqj-GUabD-7SEEyyxe3xKVKqXtnZT9LKadRgWJo7-hh17uw5simVivQCRYyS5QTDU3vPSnTMcCVzxPk8NdHbS/s320/House+sparrow+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully<em> </em>I will soon be ordering a new scope, an Opticron HR 80 GA ED model with zoom eyepiece, with tripod, waterproof case and digiscoping set-up. As you can imagine im itching to get started! More to follow when funds arrive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-17390287356784712002011-04-24T09:26:00.002+01:002011-04-26T11:52:45.832+01:00Ducks galore !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently I saw a picture taken by a workmate of a Mandarin duck, which took me by surprise as I didnt expect to see one on the Isle of Wight! He told me he saw it at a small pond just outside Brading so last tuesday I drove the couple of miles in the hope of seeing one of these beauties! <br />
Imagine my surprise when I got there to see lots of unusual ducks most of which I had never seen before!<br />
The light was absolutely perfect, filtering through the overhead willow. A tufted duck was closer than I had ever seen before.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DuEGnKzYCghzmhByhGSyczPMeiqxjCUj5Ep_lX5UOvN-siEPMdeRzsRYhFfq6iF7JR4bZpHtpqiuE8cYwhEIFFgZeqOt3op4p79waGAfBLPPz10w4WUgmxKveI22crnDG4xO5ePGbXCb/s1600/Tufted+duck+male+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DuEGnKzYCghzmhByhGSyczPMeiqxjCUj5Ep_lX5UOvN-siEPMdeRzsRYhFfq6iF7JR4bZpHtpqiuE8cYwhEIFFgZeqOt3op4p79waGAfBLPPz10w4WUgmxKveI22crnDG4xO5ePGbXCb/s320/Tufted+duck+male+%25286%2529.JPG" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">A beautiful pintail looked splendid in the dappled shade</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs3zjft6cUpgUkV1ivpkJOxdtc9_GkijlgZ2lynVxAfrjlDQqMK3bUW3Buc60rU9wskV1Xif-810lUfLgcIdo2uAvZC4yekidUoMaPqbPye_d76iICgpQZyoQTfWy_pNOXGuOFKvm6ZfY/s1600/Pintail+male.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs3zjft6cUpgUkV1ivpkJOxdtc9_GkijlgZ2lynVxAfrjlDQqMK3bUW3Buc60rU9wskV1Xif-810lUfLgcIdo2uAvZC4yekidUoMaPqbPye_d76iICgpQZyoQTfWy_pNOXGuOFKvm6ZfY/s320/Pintail+male.JPG" width="317" /></a></div><div align="left">I was in my element, my love of photography and birds was being satisfied to the utmost! The male Red-crested pochard was next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0It2_yCQq-arJ1WfQYkK0BehpOzJqhZtpYJtqdHYBa5syhd48qAK1qZ9RE5Y4QqsPzzwCG38gxKN6Ac1Bs3RN8c9fy2rqFcjvOcfPOW8-vuA9GaybOb0feICxwpoarfORw38ItkAkqsoV/s1600/Red-crested+Pochard+Male+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0It2_yCQq-arJ1WfQYkK0BehpOzJqhZtpYJtqdHYBa5syhd48qAK1qZ9RE5Y4QqsPzzwCG38gxKN6Ac1Bs3RN8c9fy2rqFcjvOcfPOW8-vuA9GaybOb0feICxwpoarfORw38ItkAkqsoV/s320/Red-crested+Pochard+Male+%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally spotted the beautiful male mandarin, what a beauty!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0f5utPFAVy0WVETN0uNGH2JnddWsZuPcIPmsI2l5xEO8y9rIyNQ6sj9IV6yLbs7VGZGMt6cvllgj5BMnnS0eoEa9tjr0MuYgwnrmenHlXrCAnNpq_1glu6Ka1qxIo9nWgLdiES5iJkmu_/s1600/Mandarin+Duck+Male+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0f5utPFAVy0WVETN0uNGH2JnddWsZuPcIPmsI2l5xEO8y9rIyNQ6sj9IV6yLbs7VGZGMt6cvllgj5BMnnS0eoEa9tjr0MuYgwnrmenHlXrCAnNpq_1glu6Ka1qxIo9nWgLdiES5iJkmu_/s320/Mandarin+Duck+Male+%25282%2529.JPG" width="289" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">I had such a good time I decided to return the following day and captured lots more images. The guy who has this collection of ducks certainly has a superb selection. Next up was a beautiful shelduck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFwc6SHw6Bv_YwC2Ta2WZiYVV87O-VHHu2lX6m-U-9aloMG2_r2YNM_igKwcs0c9D0A_ki7Hnzv_M0f5rCd5Z4KAAz24_unoebY3PAwYeXM18jHKG_I78oAmnsP3EgW05gGUpHk0g_IPr/s1600/Shelduck+male+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFwc6SHw6Bv_YwC2Ta2WZiYVV87O-VHHu2lX6m-U-9aloMG2_r2YNM_igKwcs0c9D0A_ki7Hnzv_M0f5rCd5Z4KAAz24_unoebY3PAwYeXM18jHKG_I78oAmnsP3EgW05gGUpHk0g_IPr/s320/Shelduck+male+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left">Ringed Teal...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_uFXfnDucNyW4EeUchlXs3qQSgLOlUa41NEHOri-_OhU7GwcMUK3oickXeS6RsBriKF_jZZfJ001ywrelCyRQun8beCWpqbmYrhdiQeYgSxsGhJsqm5MsUqMJmw7ZFJB7HlEeQZi53bw/s1600/Ringed+teal+male.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_uFXfnDucNyW4EeUchlXs3qQSgLOlUa41NEHOri-_OhU7GwcMUK3oickXeS6RsBriKF_jZZfJ001ywrelCyRQun8beCWpqbmYrhdiQeYgSxsGhJsqm5MsUqMJmw7ZFJB7HlEeQZi53bw/s320/Ringed+teal+male.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left">Chiloe wigeon...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MhWY4t7E7vct8nhf-Nq7jiHHkkwPYaHSza5H7Dh_t2vzvG0mEMB1ac_vXZbaAhqO2g-NLOaXqmUEdjfZ1W1ShRMlLMTukaeXFuQfeu18w7lSvC0kGHEI4CiLoMhntMMNx-tYc-EzcZWd/s1600/Chiloe+wigeon+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MhWY4t7E7vct8nhf-Nq7jiHHkkwPYaHSza5H7Dh_t2vzvG0mEMB1ac_vXZbaAhqO2g-NLOaXqmUEdjfZ1W1ShRMlLMTukaeXFuQfeu18w7lSvC0kGHEI4CiLoMhntMMNx-tYc-EzcZWd/s320/Chiloe+wigeon+%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left">Wood duck...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJOlBiuviWYKFCSQ4SleQ1VHorLSrm0rTDj20beBhXRfit0fXyDcABqWwaaDGx9YXfW3CF8S4wyRQ9z_AHyDVzKRBqUlNRNC3JO8mbxei5qujl5OGkEOe-_0RvCbBSKVssPn16FbRC5qh/s1600/Wood+duck+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJOlBiuviWYKFCSQ4SleQ1VHorLSrm0rTDj20beBhXRfit0fXyDcABqWwaaDGx9YXfW3CF8S4wyRQ9z_AHyDVzKRBqUlNRNC3JO8mbxei5qujl5OGkEOe-_0RvCbBSKVssPn16FbRC5qh/s320/Wood+duck+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left">Female mandarin...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-AtUBKoR0pXLUQ28uEH4IWDVuuVgmEu3F1LGh-ZurNgmLgEFQaZS-z-erc-bl95IA0WZIxwwzPVU8OEQFFc2VlZ268bjR-gWMY_ikqLnDH7kK89ZzmyKhY7F3B64TEbuVGHiwZaiqR3n/s1600/Mandarin+duck+female+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-AtUBKoR0pXLUQ28uEH4IWDVuuVgmEu3F1LGh-ZurNgmLgEFQaZS-z-erc-bl95IA0WZIxwwzPVU8OEQFFc2VlZ268bjR-gWMY_ikqLnDH7kK89ZzmyKhY7F3B64TEbuVGHiwZaiqR3n/s320/Mandarin+duck+female+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left">Male Pochard...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5x31lvrLZoBryQS2fW6A35MOlDuVPVxwGkgM4LEsOs5mW4GB3LXmY5Qb0MOXwWLxJKpAITaqMPztLLURJYZbGgJRzxitW0_pqaJIi1jwf2Pl0NrxTe1uZ1zj-77tUwtnHc3yyL1FyWOr/s1600/Pochard+Male++%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5x31lvrLZoBryQS2fW6A35MOlDuVPVxwGkgM4LEsOs5mW4GB3LXmY5Qb0MOXwWLxJKpAITaqMPztLLURJYZbGgJRzxitW0_pqaJIi1jwf2Pl0NrxTe1uZ1zj-77tUwtnHc3yyL1FyWOr/s320/Pochard+Male++%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left">And a couple which Im not sure of at the moment, if anyone knows what they are called? ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6AJ6MMDMBu-IawgtHXKwiWWor9lVmSSuKa_FTCEfiTzeuULi2-psGH1zuTmd6Pje3AbAQ4iG9m6lsymnYowrvuwN2TPzDglH_T6BzpVUzyuo1Fo7US-g3Bkb6MNaJm7ZsXYt_MWFsS2F/s1600/DSC_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6AJ6MMDMBu-IawgtHXKwiWWor9lVmSSuKa_FTCEfiTzeuULi2-psGH1zuTmd6Pje3AbAQ4iG9m6lsymnYowrvuwN2TPzDglH_T6BzpVUzyuo1Fo7US-g3Bkb6MNaJm7ZsXYt_MWFsS2F/s320/DSC_0272.JPG" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUZYL0FHPB07Ro1BJlNFFtrzwYLYpnpsk-QV3ZSMPiSDelXP3l_IW2lHdBGKu1TZR1czVxcnMIF8xihBM3JNFxihfB8WmoWE7ivS2w0RmBTjnkez0ttKU653s4aIQk5ohVePGsnsmXqgY/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUZYL0FHPB07Ro1BJlNFFtrzwYLYpnpsk-QV3ZSMPiSDelXP3l_IW2lHdBGKu1TZR1czVxcnMIF8xihBM3JNFxihfB8WmoWE7ivS2w0RmBTjnkez0ttKU653s4aIQk5ohVePGsnsmXqgY/s320/DSC_0274.JPG" width="316" /></a></div><div align="left">So, I had a wonderful couple of afternoons at this newly discovered gem! Definately going to go back soon and see how they are doing :)</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-24050548832901204532011-04-11T21:03:00.002+01:002011-04-11T21:06:12.792+01:00Sunday stroll in the sunshine :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Sunday morning was glorious so wife and I decided to have a nice walk. We have heard about the old railway line between Blackwater and Shide, but have never been on it, so that was our choice!<br />
The scenic path seemed alive with birdsong, but not much wanted to come out and show as usual!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uvCoZgUeYrO0WwrkBGR5ZtqpQPXsJ_2Q2ErSQur7ra9Nj6x5PiE3XSCyOQ2kwBVcYsXjXrLmSh6kzqIEB3fO1DrpGUSWwJ72MzWGwadsEpFfmXILvfLKi0aZBeaX4xBT83i9nFSDr_u9/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uvCoZgUeYrO0WwrkBGR5ZtqpQPXsJ_2Q2ErSQur7ra9Nj6x5PiE3XSCyOQ2kwBVcYsXjXrLmSh6kzqIEB3fO1DrpGUSWwJ72MzWGwadsEpFfmXILvfLKi0aZBeaX4xBT83i9nFSDr_u9/s400/DSC_0038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first tick for the day was a Carrion Crow </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1SUqaBZTRebyeXY99UzPp_zvqdjTloXj7MsSlidZpfxoQBQ7rfmDRdfF3PH7NGMU7VFFzzDOVgcz2D3Nb7S0jDwMAaHk7zhWOpA1iKDrUpywkHwQeKXRhyphenhyphen-aaEvwepQ3pXykYVo8UW82/s1600/Carrion+crow+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1SUqaBZTRebyeXY99UzPp_zvqdjTloXj7MsSlidZpfxoQBQ7rfmDRdfF3PH7NGMU7VFFzzDOVgcz2D3Nb7S0jDwMAaHk7zhWOpA1iKDrUpywkHwQeKXRhyphenhyphen-aaEvwepQ3pXykYVo8UW82/s400/Carrion+crow+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We kept hearing the Chiffchaffs, but like my previous walk, we were finding them hard to show. All of a sudden to our surprise one started singing above us, and I managed to fire off a few pics before he disappeared, another tick! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtDwtIvOpIMoxKsITnWB3W1PAW7-odX5m8LxdFLI8Zb8TJcWUtg6pI0SX6CkxPTB-6VM6HSi4BrMKMDQzSOHsgA2VNrhmTL-dqgTQOS2TQJoBdt1KNLQQVHy85MT8RkCtS8BwFCQA85OC/s1600/Chiffchaff+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtDwtIvOpIMoxKsITnWB3W1PAW7-odX5m8LxdFLI8Zb8TJcWUtg6pI0SX6CkxPTB-6VM6HSi4BrMKMDQzSOHsgA2VNrhmTL-dqgTQOS2TQJoBdt1KNLQQVHy85MT8RkCtS8BwFCQA85OC/s400/Chiffchaff+%25282%2529.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The disused line was proving to be a good choice for a walk, and I soon added to my year list with a Red-legged Partridge. A pair were in a field and started to walk away from us as soon as we sighted them, as per usual, but managed an ID and a pic or two. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqINKyzELn63A4D6WbmF-FySm3nk6iTXfjWN8QpVLP9yJy80v-0YHIv6Ykseef5FlwUmfZPJP31TqPwyKjQB7NNa8z97g9jhsMM0zjfg-DGdOg8hdbWqGxMLZS7_gVlSlXHDT0U0G8nfvH/s1600/Red-legged+partridge+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqINKyzELn63A4D6WbmF-FySm3nk6iTXfjWN8QpVLP9yJy80v-0YHIv6Ykseef5FlwUmfZPJP31TqPwyKjQB7NNa8z97g9jhsMM0zjfg-DGdOg8hdbWqGxMLZS7_gVlSlXHDT0U0G8nfvH/s400/Red-legged+partridge+%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Next to show for us were a Kestrel on overhead wires, and a Buzzard, which was well spotted by Carol. She often spots birds before me, its always handy to have an extra pair of eyes to hand!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1AcyyMRkT8QbuJDpztL55MrzqUJI6J1Y1FzHV7lEV1lwzjjXq_PbdirRbch1xA3aMXaREh7jVCAhAebUDg7Pk0lU8HvlRisO8_2qpwvrmRW0jQRBKgH-X23FGSvNEP47WTXeyGuQmEoT/s1600/Kestrel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1AcyyMRkT8QbuJDpztL55MrzqUJI6J1Y1FzHV7lEV1lwzjjXq_PbdirRbch1xA3aMXaREh7jVCAhAebUDg7Pk0lU8HvlRisO8_2qpwvrmRW0jQRBKgH-X23FGSvNEP47WTXeyGuQmEoT/s400/Kestrel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT8f50TXdzNSqZADGPLIhht59ls7nOMLsLIjUTLKD1hWB4N87WivWCmQRcD42qQMSMryLI75Sc7YE7Jja7rIKWZbZ7Ng4i1_xCgZg2E0_obMj05_5-im3-0d0Fz-pylqbfx131nUuzJXe/s1600/Buzzard+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT8f50TXdzNSqZADGPLIhht59ls7nOMLsLIjUTLKD1hWB4N87WivWCmQRcD42qQMSMryLI75Sc7YE7Jja7rIKWZbZ7Ng4i1_xCgZg2E0_obMj05_5-im3-0d0Fz-pylqbfx131nUuzJXe/s400/Buzzard+%25283%2529.JPG" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ChAGC1HzwoCIHIDy67_29_hfKePcV5HViPua87OhNlnOrHluivXtNLfVgXFwGBkB7Ma4rGepa9CwHZg2SRAUnArwgcZbDP4ecNiOk8ab2P_TyoJr0BI1xfPLMHDkjHhpV_4t15dmr2km/s1600/Buzzard+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ChAGC1HzwoCIHIDy67_29_hfKePcV5HViPua87OhNlnOrHluivXtNLfVgXFwGBkB7Ma4rGepa9CwHZg2SRAUnArwgcZbDP4ecNiOk8ab2P_TyoJr0BI1xfPLMHDkjHhpV_4t15dmr2km/s320/Buzzard+%25287%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another excellent day out, and 3 more ticks for my year list!!</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-30000124232210958072011-04-07T17:37:00.000+01:002011-04-07T17:37:19.418+01:00A day on Brading marshes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Finished work at a reasonable time, so decided on the spur of the moment to take a trip onto Brading marshes, passing the sewage works, and onto Centurians copse.<br />
At the sewage works I saw my first Swallows of the year, a pair were flying overhead. I managed to get a picture as one landed on the overhead wires. Spring is here!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr43T2JGPnKFsAt0MCd7R97a_5bwL1jNj4R5KE1N6Isll95ckc_vbYldyN-o7tbnzfyFyQnoy_wWxUPinyZvpg9JPdu2oLs9lir-cSYkqEVDZHIJUaIxt9uJEC77qQOJalGdyt_rjNSzMj/s1600/Swallow+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr43T2JGPnKFsAt0MCd7R97a_5bwL1jNj4R5KE1N6Isll95ckc_vbYldyN-o7tbnzfyFyQnoy_wWxUPinyZvpg9JPdu2oLs9lir-cSYkqEVDZHIJUaIxt9uJEC77qQOJalGdyt_rjNSzMj/s400/Swallow+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>On the sewage tanks, (Not sure of the real names!) lots of Chaffinches and Reed buntings were sifting through the stones for grubs. Very difficult to spot the small birds especially the reed buntings amongst the stones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvfDlcxTh1UrKjqudYJhhEXC53tuP5UAijZcor822DfqcLDosrg-hCjCzrRTZDrrDS9epTWYgXBaDvqVX3f2VgXpRie52eIjjbuaedt9NsKR5wo6BVfWwmo1gh8ioHq7WOeL6kqnVJ3hJ/s1600/Reed+buntings%252C+brading+sewage+works.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvfDlcxTh1UrKjqudYJhhEXC53tuP5UAijZcor822DfqcLDosrg-hCjCzrRTZDrrDS9epTWYgXBaDvqVX3f2VgXpRie52eIjjbuaedt9NsKR5wo6BVfWwmo1gh8ioHq7WOeL6kqnVJ3hJ/s400/Reed+buntings%252C+brading+sewage+works.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">A robin was singing from amongst the spring blossom ...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWNJFSUY85kVnQxKOQJuJAdnNtOn5ilev6-vhD9dCUSw_qRn5phhdR7NbFmYenxCUavN_hExusPg_oEy_Io1m7poSM-cpe211A0O5VjaMQMDP-dsZ18IYsxsZb01LV4tWTtfJ98NencZO/s1600/Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWNJFSUY85kVnQxKOQJuJAdnNtOn5ilev6-vhD9dCUSw_qRn5phhdR7NbFmYenxCUavN_hExusPg_oEy_Io1m7poSM-cpe211A0O5VjaMQMDP-dsZ18IYsxsZb01LV4tWTtfJ98NencZO/s400/Robin.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I passed through the copse, I heard a rustle to my side. Through a gap in a fence I could see a pair of eyes watching me! I tried to get a picture but decided that I needed to get closer. So I walked up quietly to the fence and gingerly peered over it, to be met by a beautiful pheasant hen. i was quite surprised that she didn't fly off or run, and managed to get a nice portrait...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshJgD46ekh_nm4rHSnp6HSQrb7nQPMGpvp7cOAFnCIH0F-tUtTD-37gT_883vF3Bt6ZarZSm_7Mf0K1mAWGfJlAd4TErpCAcz2Q77oo60Z05rwt9r58-aqcg6alfedyqpIar_tlpd_i3N/s1600/Pheasant+female+portrait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshJgD46ekh_nm4rHSnp6HSQrb7nQPMGpvp7cOAFnCIH0F-tUtTD-37gT_883vF3Bt6ZarZSm_7Mf0K1mAWGfJlAd4TErpCAcz2Q77oo60Z05rwt9r58-aqcg6alfedyqpIar_tlpd_i3N/s320/Pheasant+female+portrait.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Over the marshes onto Centurians copse, I managed to see 3 red squirrels, all of which were very shy, and not at all interested in posing for my camera! The best pic is below...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI099o0U2VG-eHj9k1WzVbxawNUaHsMCcZJ70fiDsmlpZ4wr6kxsJYWVFcEzETmY4U4hTPWm0bl3YuxnU3lbZ-oLD56eeZ_plyt2O0apK5Pw7zxUFs61hCcOSBolmPvFim2hveKqPd8vq/s1600/Red+Squirrel%252C+Centurions+copse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQI099o0U2VG-eHj9k1WzVbxawNUaHsMCcZJ70fiDsmlpZ4wr6kxsJYWVFcEzETmY4U4hTPWm0bl3YuxnU3lbZ-oLD56eeZ_plyt2O0apK5Pw7zxUFs61hCcOSBolmPvFim2hveKqPd8vq/s320/Red+Squirrel%252C+Centurions+copse.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The spring blossom looked beautiful in the warm spring sunshine, although there was still a brisk wind...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3mVI36xQ5LIrL0O9eijKyIbAqKhMt9ZFHeRI7DfnHNXJ5Kt0voJis6TxuJeO-BifHOe9eyi9C2z5s_u5NEviMS_UtL1HwjR8LYhVSCwvGZ1UP0plFCDeqe9eaZwz7kZSmHSkCYWbD8bR/s1600/Spring+blossom%252C+centurions+copse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3mVI36xQ5LIrL0O9eijKyIbAqKhMt9ZFHeRI7DfnHNXJ5Kt0voJis6TxuJeO-BifHOe9eyi9C2z5s_u5NEviMS_UtL1HwjR8LYhVSCwvGZ1UP0plFCDeqe9eaZwz7kZSmHSkCYWbD8bR/s400/Spring+blossom%252C+centurions+copse.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> All in all a very pleasant day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-44458965923089655552011-04-03T21:57:00.000+01:002011-04-03T21:57:26.346+01:00Owl's about that !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Firstly, apologies for the headline, but read on for explanation!!<br />
Had a free afternoon on saturday, and the weather was fine, so I decided Id visit Bembridge for a change.<br />
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!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwY3_IZDWKk-gVLBfROh2_gVValBEw-AFlzxa4LjzK3wLYmnnaKBQNfQb5J9znQd_HdgyEXKYVSyerxt4FLr56Vp2PTYLnjOSgIgfOYReQD-_goLkxDUvApUm1W055v7RCoFzX1BqyqwT/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwY3_IZDWKk-gVLBfROh2_gVValBEw-AFlzxa4LjzK3wLYmnnaKBQNfQb5J9znQd_HdgyEXKYVSyerxt4FLr56Vp2PTYLnjOSgIgfOYReQD-_goLkxDUvApUm1W055v7RCoFzX1BqyqwT/s400/DSC_0325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T_jW7ccrf1a2dsDxGc6yJUCSDuQEwzv3Urpcdhb2V2pEatQ70-z0qq4EHk2uzkrzWFZGpP-uh9Y2NP_GegoK4dMQatN8HyGB4pI0MamtzNnG8ALhgnAsziK5ct-b0qNaTSFVOKBE9ScN/s1600/DSC_0009+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5T_jW7ccrf1a2dsDxGc6yJUCSDuQEwzv3Urpcdhb2V2pEatQ70-z0qq4EHk2uzkrzWFZGpP-uh9Y2NP_GegoK4dMQatN8HyGB4pI0MamtzNnG8ALhgnAsziK5ct-b0qNaTSFVOKBE9ScN/s400/DSC_0009+copy.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Six Tufted ducks, 3 male and 3 female were paddling round the first pond, along with a swan and the ever present mallards. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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*) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2WMJ7-SjLVEcjKIXoA60-3jRLJIQcnlqW9EBWs8uHkBfNn-z9CxyEQC8O0bLkpg7oLzelFWzRt8BgOkqo16xRRIlSYLtgeFT6YFufXS9Xt97S18jebzcJKUQRqbEgISraNOqXv_gihL-/s1600/DSC_0047+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2WMJ7-SjLVEcjKIXoA60-3jRLJIQcnlqW9EBWs8uHkBfNn-z9CxyEQC8O0bLkpg7oLzelFWzRt8BgOkqo16xRRIlSYLtgeFT6YFufXS9Xt97S18jebzcJKUQRqbEgISraNOqXv_gihL-/s400/DSC_0047+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Two Shelducks, a Dunnock and a beautiful Chaffinch were sighted shortly afterwards.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnoMmamQY0yogLs2HHLSWMQvA7PoewdWzexTnDO4LBq2FyQpvQDz0_ESknkaAnm4lJgWnD66BYC1RIHuHWkw8w4oZxH_2hJWIfwnsAZG2NNNVUQ6YIIHIXcDeL2pf7mql6sS8HesumsHm/s1600/DSC_0086+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnoMmamQY0yogLs2HHLSWMQvA7PoewdWzexTnDO4LBq2FyQpvQDz0_ESknkaAnm4lJgWnD66BYC1RIHuHWkw8w4oZxH_2hJWIfwnsAZG2NNNVUQ6YIIHIXcDeL2pf7mql6sS8HesumsHm/s400/DSC_0086+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Onto the shore at Bembridge harbour I checked a pair of Great black-backed gulls off my life list.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClBHFwmhx78f2AP6gnwXmEkPQm6c1sMeuue_rzWf5AUrY4zNCQ0mhdQfpPjoXwF4fIRdMnOcL_A8pHZ_3kbLX7JgnDdc-JkhQ8FfCVuOxaH8zFe7iPvrTI0YKwy91Qr9bhFWPOh5OQESn/s1600/DSC_0230+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClBHFwmhx78f2AP6gnwXmEkPQm6c1sMeuue_rzWf5AUrY4zNCQ0mhdQfpPjoXwF4fIRdMnOcL_A8pHZ_3kbLX7JgnDdc-JkhQ8FfCVuOxaH8zFe7iPvrTI0YKwy91Qr9bhFWPOh5OQESn/s400/DSC_0230+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hJSMbR0jOUKWYULAMiVzpvatipdV9BbbfI1_-v_ZSmMQ5KO8Xzquve9Glq1yRCueibom2VDudePhAxHcYziJSmBKj0DxBHXijz3ysNSI6hArTXHaFteh5STh-q_rixlKum9ZU_nmtG8V/s1600/DSC_0236+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hJSMbR0jOUKWYULAMiVzpvatipdV9BbbfI1_-v_ZSmMQ5KO8Xzquve9Glq1yRCueibom2VDudePhAxHcYziJSmBKj0DxBHXijz3ysNSI6hArTXHaFteh5STh-q_rixlKum9ZU_nmtG8V/s400/DSC_0236+copy.jpg" width="327" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I returned to my car with a big smile, and a few ticks, a very enjoyable hour or so.....</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-50456770916288418272011-03-30T21:38:00.001+01:002011-03-31T05:42:38.297+01:00A day out in the West Wight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We had a week off last week. Most of it was spent erecting a 9 foot square shed in our garden. Towards the end of the week I was getting withdrawal symptoms from a lack of birding, so as we had to buy a few bits in Newport in the morning, we decided to go onwards to Newtown and Yarmouth in the early afternoon. Just outside Newtown Carol pointed out a pheasant just ahead. I stopped the car and walked towards it. The light was perfect and the bird quite tame, but I didn't get to close in case he took off. Managed to get some lovely pictures (Below)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCySzMHrz8UDs4-cCVLn0zbvb0XOUvxIW7YRz4ljBVp3mwt4rxtMMO41bLuQXf9NmDE6odxVeiRtBxBCpqN4yGZTSrw6pmv7-HL65rFRzSkpReAvtZ8MtREDdwKfTdDP12yIOWIh6z2Wcd/s1600/Pheasant+male.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCySzMHrz8UDs4-cCVLn0zbvb0XOUvxIW7YRz4ljBVp3mwt4rxtMMO41bLuQXf9NmDE6odxVeiRtBxBCpqN4yGZTSrw6pmv7-HL65rFRzSkpReAvtZ8MtREDdwKfTdDP12yIOWIh6z2Wcd/s400/Pheasant+male.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib28gdnjdSpfTzVPH20-9aREOorevUxI9CZKdBvXBjpxHouJca6GfDiWnj-C3kEp6tENPLEdwmJZt4rhxN-AUcD1NR4XDNM6qFFtMZIukKfu-d_isQapRBuIWg0Y9zb1AOH67UIjckJDNZ/s1600/Pheasant+male+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib28gdnjdSpfTzVPH20-9aREOorevUxI9CZKdBvXBjpxHouJca6GfDiWnj-C3kEp6tENPLEdwmJZt4rhxN-AUcD1NR4XDNM6qFFtMZIukKfu-d_isQapRBuIWg0Y9zb1AOH67UIjckJDNZ/s400/Pheasant+male+%25287%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Onwards to Newtown. On arrival we were disappointed to find that as the tide was really high there were hardly any birds to be seen on the creek, what a disappointment! We managed to see a beautiful Little Egret, and managed to get a shot of it in flight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4_OU48vw4PHeQlLwmEd7SxWqWMriDwntQf7MDsrfEAZRSI_kVKPqn67rJgPmStm7GwlZSgOmeBPPHtPwxG-jbLmvYpOQPNTGB9xnrGz8SkGlei6sjOaqvnevaZK0sGHcJoq-O7xkBnsG/s1600/Little+egret+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4_OU48vw4PHeQlLwmEd7SxWqWMriDwntQf7MDsrfEAZRSI_kVKPqn67rJgPmStm7GwlZSgOmeBPPHtPwxG-jbLmvYpOQPNTGB9xnrGz8SkGlei6sjOaqvnevaZK0sGHcJoq-O7xkBnsG/s400/Little+egret+%25286%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As there was nothing much to see we set off for Yarmouth ponds, a site that had been recommended to visit. The ponds are next to a disused railway station, and also right next to Yarmouth estuary. As before, the high tide meant that the ponds were the best option. Would have loved to have had a scope with me, but still saving up for that one!! Saw a few Black tailed godwits, a first for me, did I mention I'm a new birder? The one below seemed to be guarding his own little island! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x-6rMCwz8XI2mAb-noQDtlE2HI2DI2b5BMNZGaFCHEh_o1W3vLw9VCfBWxDAKMbHfNj5tluxyTKwYc7dPy-zzy5Jde9EpOzuqPIBHcJSqmmZAiN9Ye9lE0yEizhvhOxr8wvcasleIdob/s1600/Black+tailed+godwit+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x-6rMCwz8XI2mAb-noQDtlE2HI2DI2b5BMNZGaFCHEh_o1W3vLw9VCfBWxDAKMbHfNj5tluxyTKwYc7dPy-zzy5Jde9EpOzuqPIBHcJSqmmZAiN9Ye9lE0yEizhvhOxr8wvcasleIdob/s400/Black+tailed+godwit+%25284%2529.JPG" width="338" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other birds seen were another Little Egret, Teal, Redshank, and Mallard. Next time we venture off out, a check of the tide tables will be a must!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite this, we had a lovely day out in the spring sunshine. Lots more locations to check out, keep watching!! </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-12347878238922109382011-03-20T22:14:00.000+00:002011-03-20T22:14:47.258+00:00IWOG Walk, onto Brading marshes...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today we went along with members of IWOG (Isle of Wight ornithological group) on their monthly walk. We just wanted to see what the world of birding is all about, and wether or not we wanted to join the club! This month we visited Brading marshes, and had access to paths that are normally kept out of bounds. Among the birds sighted were, Chiffchaff, Cormorant, Reed bunting, and the beautiful Wheatear (pictured below), none of which I had ever seen before, so a few more ticks for the list!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJv6n2d1lTnh3Ge9HPh3oY-HevFFRyuRfLZnkL4g66Ku-_qO-cWDxKXtrMasolRXqbbuwoEYrHVFp9BOJ7TOx5_XIl6EkCXlf2WPcH11TehmU0p7xfGpQFv_0ajzSQTX0711D2iWBhHbJ/s1600/Wheatear%252C+Brading+marshes+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJv6n2d1lTnh3Ge9HPh3oY-HevFFRyuRfLZnkL4g66Ku-_qO-cWDxKXtrMasolRXqbbuwoEYrHVFp9BOJ7TOx5_XIl6EkCXlf2WPcH11TehmU0p7xfGpQFv_0ajzSQTX0711D2iWBhHbJ/s320/Wheatear%252C+Brading+marshes+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Everyone was very helpful to us newbies, and they let us look through their scopes and £600 bins.Was really impressed with the brightness, clarity and image of these superb optics, compared to my £2.99 bins and Carols expensive £40 Minolta pair!! Need to start saving methinks, already on my shopping list is a 2x teleconverter for my Nikon camera, to transform my 75-300 lens into a proper birding lens.<br />
A good set of binos is a must sometime, and before the winter some new waterproofs might be a good idea!<br />
Yesterday (saturday) went for a walk along the cliff path from Sandown to Shanklin and back along the seafront, managed to get a nice pic of a Dunnock (below).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWn3glRKEdovIXIUt422uK-nSwIPNEqZpbueZj1SQ-des-DxI9hOyWhFkgCG5o1kPafJv9-MQj-Pw4724AjLj60lTEO4aLip_Trj13DUvjtgpJf64ku9oM-4lOfYiydihk2bglwTaA_y7/s1600/Dunnock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWn3glRKEdovIXIUt422uK-nSwIPNEqZpbueZj1SQ-des-DxI9hOyWhFkgCG5o1kPafJv9-MQj-Pw4724AjLj60lTEO4aLip_Trj13DUvjtgpJf64ku9oM-4lOfYiydihk2bglwTaA_y7/s320/Dunnock.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
More birding this week hopefully, as we both have a week off work :) Watch this space!!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-45415967156983043332011-02-27T19:34:00.000+00:002011-02-27T19:34:45.916+00:00Year list progressing nicely :)Well, its been 6 weeks since I started birding, and my year list is now up to 41, which Im pretty pleased with, as I also have to work!<br />
This morning was sunny so went for a walk with the wife on the cliff path. Saw my 1st dunnock chirping away in the hedge by the cliff edge, never noticed them before, as they looked so like a sparrow. But after reading my books, are obviously different!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbIonEcdJ71XX70LPWS7p5GPfU5isMIk5uOB8xRvMK2-DlAQW4BTkwxOOR36yMI_dUzogHH1EKH0YrRs6Agua7thjRplG-JtGjyAGK_Any6Fmsr9gSq1J1J3j_bpSaGtmhrUap7fFRLdG/s1600/Dunnock+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbIonEcdJ71XX70LPWS7p5GPfU5isMIk5uOB8xRvMK2-DlAQW4BTkwxOOR36yMI_dUzogHH1EKH0YrRs6Agua7thjRplG-JtGjyAGK_Any6Fmsr9gSq1J1J3j_bpSaGtmhrUap7fFRLdG/s320/Dunnock+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Saw a magpie, robin (pictured), and some (probable) greenfinches high up in the trees, too distant for clear pics, heard lots of chirping in the trees and bushes but nothing came out for a picture!<br />
The robin, ventured close when we were sat on a seat, but didnt stay around too long to model for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFs139C8LxeftmD-d-4-L2QwPxvcH47d9vPsETq3lxL2mRDtkF0rvWgybfIr3AlMDpED1U_PlckyTeWkrPC3W7mjb9kNvOZEtLKyMyVujeZu3hLzf9fMPoVGKZU66fPz0V8MX8L0qrdac/s1600/Robin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFs139C8LxeftmD-d-4-L2QwPxvcH47d9vPsETq3lxL2mRDtkF0rvWgybfIr3AlMDpED1U_PlckyTeWkrPC3W7mjb9kNvOZEtLKyMyVujeZu3hLzf9fMPoVGKZU66fPz0V8MX8L0qrdac/s320/Robin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Hopefully will go to Alverstone hide on tuesday, hope to see more of the great spotted woodpecker, only got a quick snatched pic last time. Maybe something unusual too aside from the usual Great tits, Blue tits and the like, fingers crossed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-43170555848698497822011-02-16T22:12:00.001+00:002011-02-16T22:12:27.597+00:00Blue tit<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59452991@N05/5451723690/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/5451723690_8c019f01a8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59452991@N05/5451723690/">Blue tit</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/59452991@N05/">Dave IOW</a></span></div><br clear="all" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-49526290356806141462011-02-16T22:11:00.001+00:002011-02-16T22:11:35.696+00:00Robin<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59452991@N05/5451723698/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/5451723698_67ff7877fd_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59452991@N05/5451723698/">Robin</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/59452991@N05/">Dave IOW</a></span></div><br clear="all" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1424731521883341309.post-74714657494185325922011-02-16T22:10:00.001+00:002011-02-16T22:10:33.810+00:00Great spotted woodpecker male<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59452991@N05/5451723678/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/5451723678_530eae66a4_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59452991@N05/5451723678/">Great spotted woodpecker male</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/59452991@N05/">Dave IOW</a></span></div><br clear="all" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06476838650727279041noreply@blogger.com0