Sunday 29 April 2012

Marloes Mere





The 3 Glossy Ibises are still present though now always distant. The walk to the hide was alive with Wheatears at least 70 with some showing characters of the Greenland race Though most were flybys and a few actually landing on the hide roof! One bird landed very briefly in front of me as I was looking out of the hide. Willow Warblers were in amazing numbers, flitting about everywhere, but keeping low when feeding. About 10 White Wagtails and 7 Whimbrel. A Peregrine came and went with what looked like a Teal!
As I left  there were 7 Swallows feeding close to the shore and even just hanging there. The light was awful and the wind was picking up an opportunity lost. I managed a few shots but having to over expose a full stop meant crap shots were likely. Next time I may be lucky and have some good light.

Monday 16 April 2012

Pied Flycatcher

Travelled up to Storey Arms on sunday in the hope that the Redstarts and Pied Flys had arrived.
Only 1 male Redstart was present and 2 Marsh Tits in the wood though all were brief.
Probably 4 Pied Flys inspecting nesting holes and at time reasonably showy.






Saturday 14 April 2012

The Wren at Marloes Mere.

At Marloes Mere a Wren was singing around the hide. There was a second male also singing. There was strong competition between the two.
You could here it singing and jumping about on the hide roof.



Chasing each other around the hide gave great views and photo opportunities!

Thursday 12 April 2012

The Ring-billed Gull at Cardigan.

I spent 5 days at Easter down at the Caravan in Little Haven.
So Cardigan was a must with this Ringer and the possibility of Otters, though no luck this time!
On to Newquay for the Bottle-nosed Dolphins. Saw 2 of which one was very close the `fish factory`though no shots this time.



Thursday 5 April 2012

Swallows in poor light. (what could have been.)

I called in to Cosmeston to hopefully see my first Hirundines of the year. I wasn`t to be disappointed!



There were 100+ mostly Swallows. They were feeding in very close to the boardwalk, but the light was bad! I gave it an hour then waited a while in the cafe for the light to improve. It did get a little better but then the Swallows were now fewer. If only the light was good when I arrived I would have had some great shots!

Sunday 1 April 2012

Forest Farm Bittern.

Last week we gave the Bittern a few hours late afternoon. It appears that's when it comes close to the hide. Though it never walked past the hide. Perhaps a little too noisy with talking and cameras firing away.
On the way to the hide a close Mistle Thrush was obliging.