Thursday 10 February 2011

Up and Running.

Finally I have my Broadband up and running. So, I can now post some of the shots I've got from Slimbridge on the last two visits. On both occasions the weather was not brilliant early on, but bright sunshine later on gave me some good chances.

Bewicks Swans were in abundance, it won't be long before they start their migratory journey away from Slimbridge once again.














There was one which I managed to catch in flight, it had a huge ring around its neck.






























Now, I'm sorry but that's just totally unnecessary. I dont like ringing in any case but this, in my humble opinion, is worse. However, if we're going to talk about completely over the top marking of birds then cop a look at this.















That is just bizarre, how can this not be considered as intrusive? I think its appalling. Someone somewhere needs to address this issue. If I had the intelligence or the know how I would find out where this was done and by whom, and then ask them what the purpose and need for it were. Totally bizarre.

Away from that though it was nice to be up close and personal with some ducks.

Pochard.















Pintail.































The star of the two days, for me, was this female Lesser Scaup. I cant find any record of having a confirmed sighting of a Lesser Scaup in my files so this goes down as a lifetime first for me.





























Only February and a lifetime first. Could this be another cracking year for me? I truly hope so and I hope that I can share the joys with some of my friends.

Monday 7 February 2011

New home.

No pictures this week, I am in my new home and have managed one trip with Chris and Mike to Slimbridge WWT, but as yet I only have my orange dongle for internet connection and it is too slow to upload pictures.

I have already found one lovely walk nearby, and both me and Roxy (my dog) enjoy it immensely. Buzzard, Long tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Nuthatch have been seen whilst out walking this week, thats in addition to all the usual woodland and garden birds I've seen, Blackbird, Robin, Blue and Great tits etc. I also saw a Sparrowhawk over the house today.

I think I have identified what I missed the most whilst I was in Yorkshire, woodland and woodland birds.  I have felt spiritually uplifted on the two occasions that I have walked the dog.

So hopefully after tomorrows planned second trip to Slimbridge I will be able to upload some pics.

Make sure you come back.