Leighton Moss again.

A trip back to Leighton Mos via Martin mere did occur, I wasn't blessed with good weather and didn't see the two star species, and came away feeling pretty let down.

I stayed at the same little site I'd stayed at in July, you'll remember, no internet, mobile phone or washing/toilet facility. Ten pounds a night with electric- three nights are just about managable. I'll look for somewhere different next time though.

Star species one was an Osprey, present on Monday evening but not afterwards. Star species two was a Bittern. seen Tues and Thurs but unfortunately not by me. The best I got were sightings of a Marsh Harrier, Greenshank, and Red Deer.

Great Black Backed Gull was seen at a distance, look at the size of it compared with a Mallard duck.

The Greenshank was one of two, again seen at a distance.

Herons were constantly doing flybys.

The Deer weren't looking good, between coats I guess.

Moorhens are lovely in the evening light.

Thousands of Coots at Leighton Moss.

So nothing sexy or exciting, this time. I will return later in the year.

Got 'em.

Well I said in my last post I was going to try and get badgers and here are the results.

It's the first time I've photographed anything in the pitch dark so I am very happy with these two shots. I only got 3 shots in total so 2 out of 3 that I can use can't be bad can it? I think they could have been sharper, but as I said I'm happy with these for my first effort.

Let me tell you though, it was not easy. I hadn't got the light set up that Chris G uses, I had only one flash and a live band playing in the distance which carried through the night air made it very difficult.

I only saw two badgers and only for a period of 30 mins. I desperately wanted the badgers to come closer but the two I saw don't like the light, Chris G can vouch for that, they hang around on the edge of the light but don't come close. The one I was hoping for was not seen at all.

Anyway there will be a next time so this is a start.

Off to Lancashire in the morning, weather permitting hope for some good stuff from Leighton Moss.