A belated start to 2011

So, over half way through January and I finally managed to get out and do some photography. Not for the want of trying, I've actually been out 3 days on the trot but failed to get the camera out on two of the occasions. I have seen lots of birds though and have made a good start to my 2011 list.

A very cold morning this morning at Broomhill Flash in the Dearne Valley produced just one or two opportunities for a few distant birds. Only the coot and Wigeon came close enough to get anywhere near full frame shots.

Wigeon.

The coot.

A Pied Wagtail came and landed infront of the hide, but typically with this bird he wasnt standing still for very long.

The stars of the day were a Green Sandpiper and three Goldeneye, the Sandpiper came the closest, but this is still a large crop.

The Goldeneye stayed well away from the hide and this is really nothing more than a record shot.

I sat in the hide, freezing me goolies off for over 2hrs hoping and praying that they would skirt the front of the hide like the Wigeon, Coots and Mallards were doing but it wasnt to be. Still I thoroughly enjoyed the time, they really are beautiful bird.

Not a bad start for the year.

Couldn't pass this up

Hi, I know I said I wasn't going to post again before the New year but how could I not post these shots of 2 birds which have always been bogey birds for me. A freezing cold (-4) day with bright sunlight spells meant an opportunity presented itself for Fieldfare and Redwing. The Redwings duly obliged but the Fieldfare was a little more stand-offish.

The Fieldfare will require more work.

Two birds that always look better when there is snow or frost on the trees. Thats it for this year, once again Happy Xmas.

Merry Xmas

Just a few more from my trip down south recently.

Two more of the beautiful Waxwings from Hereford.

This Kestrel was also seen in Hereford, pity there was no light.

On the outskirts of Chester it seemed that we had a giant meerkat on the loose. This amazing sculpture is made from hay and stands over 40 feet tall.


There was also a heavy Hoare frost. The first of the pictures below was taken in my home village, Guilden Sutton.

This second one was taken in Plemstall, another village just a couple of miles from my home in Guilden Sutton.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Xmas and I hope that 2011 proves to be a good year for us all, wherever we may find ourselves. God Bless.

Here's to 2011, see you next year.

Waxwing Heaven

I went down south this last week, I had a two night stay at my mums in Chester, during which I took in another match at Old Trafford, with my brother and son.

I then shot off down to Hereford to see my daughter, son in law and grandson, I stayed there for three nights. Then I shot down to Newport to help my son with his house move. I had hoped that I would get the opportunity to get some Waxwings from at least one of those locations, as there had been recent sightings in all three locations.

Hereford gave me the first of my opportunities, but the weather was foul.

Later the same day the clouds broke and there was sunlight, although the birds stayed firmly where they had been earlier in the day, right at the top of the trees.

Although there are three birds in each of the photos above, there were many more in attendance, I would estimate in the region of 35-40.

Hereford gave me the only opportunities for capturing these marvellous birds. Sunday was a particularly sunny day and fortunately for me the birds were feeding on  much more accessible berries.

They really are a cute bird to photograph.

The really light background in this picture is the painted wall of a house.

You have just got to love that swept back look.

There are so many of these being seen around the country at the moment that it would have been mega disappointing not to have managed a few close ups, I was a little sad that I'd only been able to take my 300mm lens with me, but at least using the 1D mk 3 I could use the 2x converter.

I got a few other shots of various things whilst I was on my travels, when I get chance to go through them I may post one or two on here.

As always click on the pics for a larger version, all pics are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without my permission.

Top Shots 2010 (part 2)

Time for a few more of my favourites from this last year. I hope you like them.

I want to start with this Tree Sparrow, I remember there being lots of these around Guilden Sutton in Cheshire when I was a child, yet now I dont think they are seen in the village at all.

The Tree sparrow was taken at Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve West Yorkshire, this next shot was a Kingfisher also taken at Fairburn, Its the only Kingfisher I've photographed this year so thats why its here.

It was a very grey day and he only made a few fleeting visits, but I was so pleased to get him at all.

The next shots are two birds that are very similar, infact they are cousins. I love both of these pictures.

This first is the Meadow Pipit.

and its cousin the Tree Pipit.

Two lovely birds I hope you would agree. The first was taken on Anglesey Island, North Wales, near to the cafe at South Stack. The second was taken near Abergavenny in Gwent, South Wales. It was taken earlier this year whilst I was trying to get the Mamora's Warbler.

I haven't got many mammals this year, but I did manage a shot of a poorly hedgehog, It has to be one of the smallest hedgehogs I've ever seen and despite the fact that it was obviously poorly it was nice to see him.

I was really chuffed to get this next shot, the first I had of this little wader. A Curlew Sandpiper captured at Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve.

I still have a few more shots to go through so there may be a part 3. Come back and see.