St. Davids Head, Pembrokeshire

Taken on 27 April.
The Subalpine Warbler and Woodchat Shrike were within a few hundred yards of each other.
As I was staying in the caravan nearby that weekend it was an opportunity not to be missed!
Unfortunately I spent so long trying to get shots of the warbler the light was too strong by the time I got near the Shrike!

Garganey at Forest of Dean

Wild Boar

Last Saturday saw Rob Mitchell and myself at the Forest of Dean to try and photograph Wild Boar.
We arrived just after dawn in the area of Cannop ponds. As we approached the southern pond we watched a male Garganey fly in. With the light still very poor we knew later we would hopefully get the opportunity to get some shots of the Garganeys that are in the area, 3 males and a female.
First we walked the paths looking for Boar. About half hour later we had one appear out of nowhere, the dull bland colour of the Boar blended in with the colourless background. After a few minutes it disappeared into the woods.
We walked on and caught sight of just a head peering out of a hedgerow. Seconds later it too disappeared .
About 9 hours of walking the tracks and finding fresh evidence of piglets and all the verges turned over we were about to give up when 2 birders had said a few people that passed by them reported a Boar near the entrance and headed left . We started to search that area without success when 2 walkers appeared from another path " have you seen any Boars" we asked and with a strange look on their faces they replied "no"a few seconds later the female Boar walked past us and into a damp area to feed.
My 500 F4  was hopeless so I used a 28-105 and got within 4ft of it at times! completely tame and not a care in the world! I think this one is probably visiting the picnic areas for free hand outs!

Yellowhammers.

Throughout this winter I have been seeding in the hope for Yellowhammers. A few appeared about 6 weeks ago but were never reliable. Then about 3 weeks ago a huge count of 22 appeared probably from the adjacent field which is now ploughed and ready for seeding, now at least 7 birds and are regular.

Bonaparte`s Gull at Ogmore.

Present since 5 January.
 Occasionally coming to bread which enabled a photo opportunity, having now visited 4 times and 6 - 7 loaves later I managed a few half tidy shots. Let`s hope it stays the winter and a few more opportunities.

Few from the Vale Hide.

This could be the end of this years Waxwings as they move south.
Brambling is the exciting bird from the hide recently, only this female yet!
There has been a Sparrowhawk about though not yet seen on any perches. Also a Buzzard in most afternoons and very vocal.
Keeping my eyes open for a few `road kills`that will bring it down along with Raven and the Fox that`s in the area!

Cardiff Waxwings

Trying to get some good shots of this most amazing bird is not so easy .
The streets are narrow with people constantly flushing them as they come and go.
Of course the light hasn`t been that kind either. Perhaps another go midweek or a different set up. We shall have to wait!