Kingfisher

This selection has been taken from this previous week.

I have set up a hide and added 2 perches. Earlier in the week she came in very often but  now not so frequent. Perhaps because I have been there a little too often! I was hoping that she would get used to the situation, There are now 2 birds, occasionally  chasing each other and calling a lot when both birds are near. Yesterday they had a quick scrap in the water unfortunately I wasn`t quick enough! Another female? not sure, as the bird using the perches I feel is the same bird.

A downpour just as I was about to leave for work gave me a couple of hours with the camera until it dried out!
As I approached the perch the female Kingfisher was on it and 2 Chiffchaffs on the other stick. Things were looking good!
2 hours later and she only came in for about a minute!
I moved up to another spot where she fishes and perches more often though a tiny bit too far too photograph without using a converter. After 15 mins she came in and shot off very quick.
There are now 2 birds using this area as they were chasing each other back and fore but not stopping
In the coming days i`ll set up a hide and place a perch or two closer. This I feel is the answer to some good shots, but only when there is no wind and good light!

Female Kingfisher

About 9 months ago I placed a perch in a lake hoping to attract a Kingfisher. I managed 2 photos and the bird wasn`t seen again. Probably gone to find a mate. Then a few weeks ago I saw it perched on the stick. After 4 attempts I finally have a few shots to start with, hoping she stays a while. This morning before work I only had to wait 20 minutes before she came to the stick. Unfortunately the light was poor. Within the next 40 mins she came in twice more but the light wasn`t that good. Another hour passed but no sign. Next week hopefully!

Lyme Bay: In search of the White-beaked Dolphins.

Saturday September 1st. saw a group of 8 of us charter the Huntress 11 in search of White-beaked Dolphins in Lyme Bay Dorset.
We steamed out for 2 hours to the 50mtr contour. After about an hour we picked up about ten individuals including 1 calf.
I was hoping that they would `Bow Ride` but no such luck they never interacted with the boat, they were intent on feeding.
No other  Cetaceans or Sunfish were seen but Bonxies in good numbers were around trawlers, a few Fulmars, Plenty of Gannets and an Arctic Tern came close enough for a few shots.

Common Lizards

I have, over the years spent some time in Pembrokeshire looking for Common Lizard.. Whenever I have found them I have not had my camera,  So, whilst walking the clifftops at Nolton Haven I discovered along a stretch of about 300 mtrs at least 40 individuals, Majority being juveniles varying in size. About 12 being adults and 7 juveniles were the most seen together!
They were only seen on dry grass which was thrown to the side when the path was cleared. Most were confiding especially the juveniles.
A difference in colour variation is shown here.

Baird`s Sandpiper

News of a Baird`s Sand  at Angle Bay was welcome as I was going to Little Haven for 5 days over the August Bank Holiday anyway!
The weather predicted was awfull over the Bank Holiday, so if I could arrange a lift I would give it a try. If I waited for the weather to break on perhaps the monday was a lot to ask for it to stay 5 days, what the hell  I gave it a go!
Thanks to Cliff we arrived about 2.30, with a beach load of tourists finding it was going to be difficult, so I thought ! 75 yds later and my first Baird`s for 23 years was waiting. We spent about an hour with it with changing light.
No sign the following day! .... He who dares wins!

!!