Tits.

Many hours on days with good light over the recent weeks have been spent trying to nail the two Willow Tits. Unfortunately the set up is either too bright or too dull.
Afternoons have been best, probably late afternoon when the light isn`t so harsh!
Early mornings are best for the Willows, which slow up as the day moves on, and only then it`s a quick in and out.
But, the other Tits and Nuthatches are great fun, and a challenge!

Coal Tit.

Willow Tit.

With 2 Willow Tits coming to seed in north Glamorgan and a species I haven`t seen for some time it didn`t take long to get my backside up there!
First day was dull with very little light, struggled with shutter speeds and having to up the ISO so I never had much . But great to see them if only brief visits.
Day two was very cold, they came in occasionally but they were in and out! Light was good, sometimes too bright!
Day three was Saturday, and it was very busy, dog walkers, cyclists, joggers, and all wanting to stop and chat! the light was not as hoped but the Tits came often, they were hungry, as were all the expected woodland species!

After 4 hours I was frozen and had to leave. Until the next opportunity.

Nuthatch.

Great northern Diver.

This bird has been present a few weeks at Llywn On Reservoir near Merthyr, and with a Great Grey Shrike near by, a day out with good light was a must.
I arrived just after first light and found it immediately very close to the Dam.
As the day  began to brighten it made its way further out! The chase began!
Up and down  the shoreline I chased it hoping it would stop to feed. There was one brief moment when it came near to the spillway. I ran with my cape and hid behind a lifebuoy, managed about 10 shots then it shot off flying to the far end! again I went after it waiting on the bank or hiding behind trees. I waded in and got two full wellies!

I left and went for the Shrike, saw that easy enough but it was too far away for a shot and did`nt have the time. Decided I would leave. As I drove past the reservoir I found the Diver making it`s way towards me, I gave it another go! This time I hid in the cape as it came closer, it sussed me out and it shot off!!

Till the next time!

Few from recently

Had a few hours with good light promised. I keep going on about the light but it`s so important, it adds colour and sharpness. The light only improved after about an hour and a half and then it was time to go!

Slimbridge.

 Bewick Swan

Strong winds and not good light meant that the Bitterns were not going to perform. We gave them an hour or so and cut our losses and had a look for the female Lesser Scaup. Didn`t take long to find it amongst all the other wildfowl.