Walking Forum

Main Boards => Photography => Topic started by: Owen on 14:02:45, 02/04/19

Title: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Owen on 14:02:45, 02/04/19
Feeling very frustrated at the moment as I can't get out much due to my damaged ACL. So, here are a few bird photo's from my local nature reserve.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/nRwv4f.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/ponRwv4fj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/AhVUY3.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnAhVUY3j)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/kuPxyR.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnkuPxyRj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/4Y5k9a.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn4Y5k9aj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/bAhOsM.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pobAhOsMj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/SrI49U.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poSrI49Uj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/EB4Xpg.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnEB4Xpgj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/0g6j5r.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn0g6j5rj)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/gAYB73.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plgAYB73j)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Owen on 14:04:21, 02/04/19
This one got mist off, not sure why.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/rllhir.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plrllhirj)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: beefy on 15:23:54, 02/04/19
Great pics owen O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 16:21:32, 02/04/19
 :) O0 lovely pics
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 19:39:51, 02/04/19
Lovely stuff Owen  O0 Love the shots of the great tits, they are hard to get, they normally move too fast  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Owen on 20:24:45, 02/04/19
Love the shots of the great tits, they are hard to get, they normally move too fast  :)


What you don't know is how many mist shots I have ;)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:26:37, 02/04/19
Lovely telephoto shots, Owen.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 07:58:33, 03/04/19
Lovely shots, Owen.  What length lens are you using? (If you don't mind me asking)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Owen on 08:45:47, 03/04/19
A 300mm f4 + 2x teleconverter, not the best set up but all I can afford.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 17:50:59, 03/04/19
Cheers Owen - you've got some lovely pics. I love the last one.


I've just bought a sony mirrorless, but Sony zooms are so expensive - I have lashed out on their 300mm lens but would like to go longer for wildlife, so am looking at either a teleconverter or an adaptor so I can use less expensive lenses.  Your results with a converter are great.  I never realised how complex the world of photography is!  And I'm not good with complex.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Owen on 18:45:45, 03/04/19
The thing you need to keep in mind with teleconverter is while they multiple the focal length by 2 or 1.4 they also divide the aperture by the same factors. So a 300mm f4 with a 2x teleconverter becomes a 600mm f8. With such reduce maximum aperture you have to watch whether your autofocus will still work.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 19:42:14, 03/04/19
Teleconverters also typically slow down autofocus, so may make photographing birds in flight more difficult. They also exacerbate any lens defects, so work better with higher quality (more expensive) lenses. Also, be aware that not all lenses will work with or even fit a teleconverter. I know this is true for Canon lenses / converters. You will also need more light to capture the photos and / or increase the ISO.


That said they can definitely help capture pictures that would otherwise be impossible and quality is usually better than cropping. Also, a 300mm lens plus TC is much cheaper than a 600mm lens.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 22:01:34, 03/04/19
Thanks both of you , that's food for thought.


Paul
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: adalard on 10:48:00, 04/04/19
I don't have any technical knowledge to share but the pictures look fantastic. I especially like the chaffinch - such handsome birds, always a pleasure to see them.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 14:30:58, 06/04/19
Something else to consider with longer focal lengths, whether using a TC or not, is that good technique is required to achieve good pictures. The longer focal length means faster shutter speeds are required. Image stabilisation can help, but can slow down autofocus. It can also be difficult to get and keep the target bird in the viewfinder, as the angle of view gets smaller. It is easy for the focus point to slip off the bird onto the background. There is plenty of advice online about long lens technique. A tripod or monopod can be a great help in getting sharper shots, although these can can get in the way of getting birds in flight. Taking the camera out of auto mode is a must, so that you can balance shutter speed, aperture and ISO and achieve the best results. Shooting in raw, rather than JPEG, gives you more control for post processing (I use Adobe Lightroom). Basically, if you let the camera have control, rather than taking control yourself, you are less likely to get the results you want.  There is a learning curve, but it is worth it.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Owen on 11:34:25, 07/04/19
. A tripod or monopod can be a great help in getting sharper shots, although these can can get in the way of getting birds in flight. Taking the camera out of auto mode is a must, so that you can balance shutter speed, aperture and ISO and achieve the best results.


The photos in this thread were taken from a hide. I used a beanbag on the window sill to support the camera, more flexible than a tripod. Had the camera set on shutter priority 1/1000 second and Al servo.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: sunnydale on 19:07:31, 07/04/19
Nice photos Owen O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 20:09:29, 07/04/19

The photos in this thread were taken from a hide. I used a beanbag on the window sill to support the camera, more flexible than a tripod. Had the camera set on shutter priority 1/1000 second and Al servo.


You are right. Bean bags can be more flexible, if you can find somewhere to set them. They are also much easier to carry on a walk than a tripod or monopod. I have managed 8 miles with a monopod mounted to a camera and lens combination with total weight of about 5kg. You don’t want to do that many days in a row, but the results are worth it.


Shutter speed of 1/1000 should stop motion blur from the camera and you wouldn’t need image stabilisation on. Small birds can move incredibly quickly though and I have had birds blur themselves at 1/2000. On the other hand I have achieved sharp shots at low shutter speeds in low light if the bird decides to stay still.


Have you tried removing the focus from the shutter button and assigning it to a button on the back of the camera (if the camera allows this)? I have found this gives greater control and was recommended this by professional photographers. It can take some getting used to.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Owen on 20:17:59, 07/04/19
I looked at back button focus a while back but couldn't really get my head around it. I've not long gone from mkII to the mkIV and I'm still finding my way with it.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 23:04:27, 07/04/19
Back button focus with AI Servo allows easy focus lock (by removing finger from back button), continuous focus and quick focus pumping to reacquire the subject. I got lots of OOF shots early on due to forgetting that the shutter button didn’t focus any more.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Yorci on 09:46:57, 22/04/20
The birds are being sneaky, they keep snaffling my nuts as I keep filling the bird station, the only near visitor that I've seen is a blackbird in the tree in my neighbours garden. I might have to get out a bit earlier.

The Common Blackbird
(https://i.postimg.cc/66HsdYBg/Blackbird-001.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4Nqx1JXD/Blackbird-002.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: SteamyTea on 11:19:36, 22/04/20
Why do birds always look away as you press the shutter?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: vghikers on 11:44:36, 22/04/20
Quote
Why do birds always look away as you press the shutter?

For the same reason butterflies always fly off  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Percy on 11:47:36, 22/04/20
When I took the dog round the block last night a Robin followed us down the road hopping from gatepost to gatepost. Unfortunately it’s not easy to operate a camera while holding a lead and a bag of poo.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 16:12:12, 26/04/20
Having a tea time bath today.
(https://i.postimg.cc/26NcK3rM/having-a-bath.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 18:51:52, 26/04/20
Garden birds are such a delight. They really keep me happy and sane during lockdown.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 18:54:07, 26/04/20
Having a tea time bath today.


I really like that picture. It's so dynamic!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 19:00:12, 26/04/20
Thanks.
My wife puts egg shells down to stop the slugs eating the plants . I don`t think it works but anyway...I watched as a magpie ate some of the broken shells and while eating them allowed me to stand unusually close , while keeping an eye on me.

The birds are very active this time of year too.  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 09:37:23, 27/04/20
Sitting quietly in a small bluebell wood listening to the birds yesterday a movement caught my eye,  a black and white face peeping out of a hole in a tree trunk then I was treated to Mr & Mrs Greater Spotted Woodpecker having a natter while changing shifts in the nest.
I completed my walk with a big soppy grin on my face.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 09:58:41, 27/04/20
Sitting quietly in a small bluebell wood listening to the birds yesterday a movement caught my eye,  a black and white face peeping out of a hole in a tree trunk then I was treated to Mr & Mrs Greater Spotted Woodpecker having a natter while changing shifts in the nest.
I completed my walk with a big soppy grin on my face.
A special moment.  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 18:32:18, 27/04/20
We had a pair of bullfinches in the front garden today. It is always good to see them. We have also been seeing goldcrests quite regularly.
Title: Bird bath wars..
Post by: GnP on 22:03:18, 27/05/20
(https://i.postimg.cc/hPkCZ6dD/P5270318zzzzz.jpg)(https://i.postimg.cc/8c7Pnjr0/P5270290zzzzz.jpg)(https://i.postimg.cc/T2HYZq0N/P5270333zz.jpg)(https://i.postimg.cc/ydJP1Tq6/P5270330zzzzzz.jpg)

Starlings causing mayhem in the bird bath...mostly fledglings . I have not seen so many starlings in our garden for a few years now. There must have been around fifty at one time  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:10:07, 27/05/20




Started to put up hanging basket, then this little chap decided to take it apart!


(https://i.postimg.cc/rpNyvWJp/40-F966-F4-8-B87-48-ED-B491-BA3196-B0-A417.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mchG9PKx)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 07:13:04, 28/05/20
Great shots of the starlings G&P  O0 There are a lot of starlings that visit my garden too. Starlings look lovely but aren't they the most squawking, squabbling birds ever?

 ;D @ your hanging basket Dodgylegs. Excellent bird nest material?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 07:35:26, 28/05/20
So that's where 'my' starlings went GP.
Please could you ask them to come back I really miss them :( one of my favourite birds.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 15:51:07, 28/05/20
Great shots of the starlings G&P  O0 There are a lot of starlings that visit my garden too. Starlings look lovely but aren't they the most squawking, squabbling birds ever?

 ;D @ your hanging basket Dodgylegs. Excellent bird nest material?
Very noisy indeed. I  grabbed the camera because I could hear all the commotion in the garden. O0

So that's where 'my' starlings went GP.
Please could you ask them to come back I really miss them :( one of my favourite birds.
They are really colourful when you see them close up..

I have told them to go back to where they belong.  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:00:52, 29/05/20
I have told them to go back to where they belong.  :)

Thank you.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 10:22:04, 29/05/20


 ;D @ your hanging basket Dodgylegs. Excellent bird nest material?




Hanging baskets have been up all winter, containing Pansies. Just replanted and hey presto this little feller turns up to rip the Lobelia out!

Brilliant photos on here, really enjoying them!

Helped a fledgling Wren, out on a test flight ... straight into net! It could get out, but flew straight back in!!.... Success!!!  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 10:30:38, 18/06/20
I am sure that everybody who tries to photograph wildlife has "bogey" species, relatively common species which you just cannot seem to get a decent shot of. One of mine has always been the Skylark. Yesterday, however, I came across a pair of them walking out of Jugger Howe on the North York Moors and was amazed when they happily let me click away wjthout any signs of being bothered. Not a glamorous bird at all but it made my day.
(https://i.ibb.co/x8K476R/P1090989.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 11:17:55, 18/06/20
I am sure that everybody who tries to photograph wildlife has "bogey" species, relatively common species which you just cannot seem to get a decent shot of. One of mine has always been the Skylark. Yesterday, however, I came across a pair of them walking out of Jugger Howe on the North York Moors and was amazed when they happily let me click away wjthout any signs of being bothered. Not a glamorous bird at all but it made my day.

In can well see why it made your day . !
I love to hear these birds in flight singing away , and have only ever seen them on the ground from a distance . A great photo .  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 11:55:49, 18/06/20
When I was a kid, skylarks were a constant part of summer's sound track.  Now you tend to only get to hear them in the wilder places, although I did hear and see one locally a few weeks back - it was sufficiently unusual to remark upon it.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 12:31:56, 18/06/20
Skylarks are fairly common along our stretch of the North York's coast but seem very reluctant to have their pictures taken, at least by me. Of our less frequent visitors this year seems to be particularly good for Reed Buntings and Whitethroats.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dovegirl on 13:09:07, 18/06/20
I frequently hear skylarks singing when I'm walking on the South Downs  -  the sound of summer    :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 13:11:00, 18/06/20
I am sure that everybody who tries to photograph wildlife has "bogey" species, relatively common species which you just cannot seem to get a decent shot of. One of mine has always been the Skylark.


Lovely photo.


Yeah my bogey species is grouse, they always disappear making their distinctive call ....


Coming down from Cross Fell into Garrigill I finally met one that 'posed' on top of a wall, just sat there and never flew off....


On a very foggy morning heading to High Cup Nick from Cow Green Reservoir, I went to open a gate and three black Grouse were sitting on top of it.... not for long though!
(https://i.postimg.cc/XNxxLdqp/06-B1-A76-F-7-C2-D-4612-8048-41-BE869-A0860.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7ZhC1hj)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 18:57:24, 18/06/20
My bogey species are golden eagle (I have got good enough shots to distinguish between individuals, but nothing sharp) and goldcrests (these move too fast and hide in the bushes too much). I have managed to get some good shots of white tailed eagles.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 18:59:27, 18/06/20
Beautiful skylark.

Never even seen one but I can't see a picture of a grouse even a special Black grouse without hearing the tune to the Grouse whiskey advert.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:21:35, 18/06/20
I can't see a picture of a grouse even a special Black grouse without hearing the tune to the Grouse whiskey advert.


Funny that's the tune I whistle every time I see a grouse! You've set me off!!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 22:39:31, 18/06/20
Grouse do not like walkers.  If they see one they say "Go Back!" "Go Back!"
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 23:03:40, 18/06/20
Grouse do not like walkers.  If they see one they say "Go Back!" "Go Back!"
A grouse probably doesn’t like any people all that much, walker or otherwise.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Brandywell on 19:45:56, 19/06/20
Grouse do not like walkers.  If they see one they say "Go Back!" "Go Back!"
(https://i.postimg.cc/Rh23Tg7n/nwf03-r2-41.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Descending Barrow last September I saw this one standing motionless by the path.  We stared at each other for a couple of minutes and despite me moving to get a few photos of him he never moved!  How could anybody feel the need to shoot such a beautiful creature in the name of 'sport'  :(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: RMR on 20:19:21, 19/06/20
Several times on Stanage Edge I've had them walk out in front of me and stand at the side of the path, think some are just used to the number of people they see. A few years ago I was sitting on a rock there and a male Ring Ouzel popped up from a ledge below and stood around 10ft from me, as soon as I decided to get a pic he was gone.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 20:27:00, 19/06/20
Grouse can give the unsuspecting walker quite a start. On several occasions I have been startled by a grouse exploding from the heather at close range.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 20:43:48, 19/06/20
Back in the days when you were free to camp in the field next to the Lion Inn on Blakey ridge it was not uncommon to stick your head out of the tent in the morning and find yourself completely surrounded by Red Grouse. Oddly enough that is also a good spot for Ring Ouzels.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: dittzzy on 23:11:16, 19/06/20
I am sure that everybody who tries to photograph wildlife has "bogey" species, relatively common species which you just cannot seem to get a decent shot of. One of mine has always been the Skylark. Yesterday, however, I came across a pair of them walking out of Jugger Howe on the North York Moors and was amazed when they happily let me click away wjthout any signs of being bothered. Not a glamorous bird at all but it made my day.
That is a pretty fantastic picture.  I would be really proud of that one.   O0 O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:15:03, 19/06/20
Grouse can give the unsuspecting walker quite a start. On several occasions I have been startled by a grouse exploding from the heather at close range.


I know exactly what you mean!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 15:58:13, 07/08/20
I managed to get close up to a Black Tailed Godwit this morning. These birds normally keep their distance so I was really pleased to get some decent pictures.


(https://i.ibb.co/dBVzD6V/P1100685.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:33:31, 07/08/20
Remember seeing glimpses of one as it was hiding, then popping out of reeds... you did well to take such a beautiful photo!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 06:59:02, 08/08/20
Super Blackwit - winter is coming :(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: MkPotato on 06:08:30, 16/08/20
This is a common bird, but a beautiful spot.


(https://i.imgur.com/HlOiqwn.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 12:39:40, 16/08/20
Who needs eagles?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 08:16:17, 18/08/20
(https://i.postimg.cc/MKyXms8L/P1080553.jpg)(https://i.postimg.cc/rp9m2zpN/P1060398.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 09:01:37, 18/08/20
Pic1 another Eagle Wannabe

Pic2 I can hear that shrill from here

Great pics
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 14:40:37, 18/08/20
1st Photo 'don't mess with me'!


2nd Photo 'What a noise from a little 'un'!


Enjoyed good shots.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:18:37, 08/09/20
This little'n was all alone by the waters edge, very close by but only hopping about on one leg...
(https://i.postimg.cc/j5JFrhDn/39806226-1-AF3-4-A05-9115-BBCF590369-F2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R64R7KQv)pic hosting (https://postimages.org/)
Thought poor thing, then noticed it was standing on two legs!
(https://i.postimg.cc/jdVLKqFD/D332-F522-6-A19-42-CB-80-FC-482-BE12-EFCA5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RqRMLm9m)
Looks like a young bird, anyone know what it might be? Sanderling?
Is this normal behaviour?

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 08:34:07, 09/09/20

Probably Sanderling or juvenile little stint.  
I think standing on 1 leg is common behaviour.  
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:46:13, 10/09/20
Sanderling, I think. They do hop but also run about like little clockwork toys with the legs going almost too fast to see.
Winter migrant already here (Dawlish Warren, Devon) bye bye summer :(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: MkPotato on 15:16:38, 15/09/20
My wife took this. Shame the edge of the wing is missed off, but a nice shot.


Anyone know the location?



(https://i.imgur.com/6aWQ7BL.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: veracocha on 19:26:40, 15/09/20
A wait of six hours before getting this one shot a few years back

(https://i.postimg.cc/WbFfBpr1/IMG-5258.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:58:30, 18/09/20

Any ideas as to what the top of the two birds are?
(https://i.postimg.cc/LXjzzZmz/05-D6-A6-FA-D65-E-4968-93-F0-56-B5-CC6-AB88-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6V6mh6F)
Loved watching two of these 'divers' in the river, as the water level was low and clear could watch them underwater... they are so quick!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: veracocha on 22:02:36, 18/09/20
Goosander I think
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:05:51, 18/09/20
Goosander I think
Thanks veracocha, beautiful birds!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: veracocha on 22:11:51, 18/09/20
I might have that wrong, Merganser.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:36:25, 19/09/20
I might have that wrong, Merganser.

The females of Goosander and Red breasted Merganzers are very difficult to tell apart

So I'm not going to try ;D
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 09:15:06, 19/09/20
I always get female goosanders and mergansers mixed up. I have been lucky to see a huge raft of over 100 in the sea off Lossiemouth and another large group off the Applecross peninsula. I think in both cases these were mergansers, but am not 100% certain. Most of both groups were females.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 09:48:43, 19/09/20
A broad generalisation, but down here in the SW I usually see merganzers on the sea/estuary with goosanders preferring the faster flowing water of moorland rivers though they are also found on the reservoirs on Dartmoor
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 10:19:10, 19/09/20
A broad generalisation, but down here in the SW I usually see merganzers on the sea/estuary with goosanders preferring the faster flowing water of moorland rivers though they are also found on the reservoirs on Dartmoor
I think that is also the case up here. The mergansers were all on the sea and I have seen goosanders on the local river. I have seen pairs of what I thinks were mergansers on a tidal stretch of the River Dee in Aberdeen, within 1 mile of the sea.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 10:31:02, 19/09/20
As these birds were on fresh water I would tend towards Goosander but at this time of year it could be a male in eclipse plumage which just complicates things further. Ducks are a pain sometimes.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 11:38:49, 19/09/20
Another vote for goosander (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/smiley.gif)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 10:50:31, 20/09/20

Flock of Zebra Finches in the wild (Central Australia). It is so cool to encounter birds during your walk that before you have only ever seen as cage birds.

 (https://www.hikingbirdman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/AUS_ZebraFinches1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 11:06:05, 20/09/20
Beautiful
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 11:11:27, 20/09/20
Walking on a nature reserve in Florida. A green heron.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46764818515_ac33d92b3b_c.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 11:14:34, 20/09/20
Walking at Lovers Key State Park in Florida - miles of beach and mangrove forest.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32737752067_9e6152db67_c.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 11:21:06, 20/09/20
Fantastic photos mike! Regarding your Osprey, it has a cousin in Australia that is a different species but looks very similar: Eastern Osprey:


(https://www.hikingbirdman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/AUS_Osprey1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 11:31:34, 20/09/20
Thanks Birdman. They are very similar. I think there may be some subtle differences in head markings.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 11:43:17, 20/09/20
Gilded Flicker in the Sonora Desert, seen on my 800 mile Arizona Trail thru-hike in 2017:


(https://www.hikingbirdman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/AZT_GildedFlicker2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:15:33, 20/09/20
Beautiful birds, fantastic photos!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 07:27:11, 21/09/20
That Green Heron is stunning :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 08:14:09, 21/09/20
That is a great shot of the gilded flicker in its natural environment.


This is a yellow crowned night heron up close. Florida birds don’t seem to have much fear of humans.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32737759277_7a4dcf393f_c.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:30:05, 22/09/20
My wife took this. Shame the edge of the wing is missed off, but a nice shot.


Anyone know the location?



(https://i.imgur.com/6aWQ7BL.jpg)


South end of Grasmere, near the weir, with Helm Crag in the background.


My final answer.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: beefy on 10:29:59, 22/09/20
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50370997656_90da937375_c.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: MkPotato on 19:08:02, 22/09/20

South end of Grasmere, near the weir, with Helm Crag in the background.


My final answer.
Absolutely! For a bonus point, what is the swan’s name?  ^-^
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:20:57, 22/09/20
Absolutely! For a bonus point, what is the swan’s name?  ^-^
Vesta? Seems like a good match! ;D
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 23:39:01, 22/09/20
Absolutely! For a bonus point, what is the swan’s name?  ^-^
He’ll have a cob on if you get it wrong.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: MkPotato on 05:13:55, 23/09/20
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 10:00:02, 24/09/20

With so many exotic birds posted here, I'm tempted to post one more stunner! How about this Tit-like Dacnis, Photographed in Cajas National Park in Ecuador at about 4000m elevation when camping/ hiking there.

(https://www.hikingbirdman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ECU_TitlikeDacnis1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 10:40:02, 24/09/20
Stunning :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 13:09:40, 25/09/20
Great Black Back Gull waits for scraps


Bressay Shetland



(https://i.postimg.cc/8CJW7bqs/P1140306.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 18:30:30, 05/10/20
(https://i.postimg.cc/D0KW3Fvb/05178-AB4-68-DB-46-AE-8217-84-AA0522-BBAF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6fMW0tn)
This duck stood on the stone for ages, every time I took a photo it decided to move!
I'm sure someone will offer advice on what kind of duck it is.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 18:37:33, 05/10/20
That looks like a Muscovy Duck, although it is a long way from home.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 20:43:49, 05/10/20
That looks like a Muscovy Duck, although it is a long way from home.
It is a long way from its native habitat, but it appears that many are kept domestically in the UK.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:26:46, 05/10/20
Thanks Bigfoot_Mike.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 14:32:36, 09/10/20
One from walking in the Greater Kruger - Lilac Breasted Roller


(https://i.postimg.cc/3J6mxZ8F/DSC03825.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0bYbtDJz)


And one where I used autofocus when I shouldn't have.  No idea what the bird is.


(https://i.postimg.cc/0rgkLrvD/DSC03798.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kRcPSJBg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 15:07:10, 09/10/20
That Lilac Breasted Roller is awesome! I have seen it in Ethiopia but I don't have a picture.
That second picture could be a Southern White-crowned Shrike, but I haven't been in Southern Africa yet.


How is walking in (or near) Kruger?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 15:17:47, 09/10/20
If you can id a shrike from that picture you must know your stuff!! I only put it on for a laugh - though it does show the weakness of relying on AF.  Both taken with a Sony superzoom btw.


I've not done a huge amount of walking in the bush - we have stayed a few times at a small camp in the Klaserie (part of the Greater Kruger - so no fences between this area and the Kruger), and the guys we stayed with are both into walking rather than vehicle based safaris so we tend to walk in the mornings, for two to three hours, generally with a purpose, say tracking rhino or lion.  So - one has to walk very carefully to minimise noise, which, in SA winter is hard work as everything is so dry and one is off trail/path 99% of the time.  But a fabulous experience to be in the bush surrounded by wildlife - had some amazing moments.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 18:00:38, 09/10/20
One from walking in the Greater Kruger - Lilac Breasted Roller


What amazing colours!


Enjoying all these photo's, keep them coming.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 22:59:08, 09/10/20

Another high roller from South Africa


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49548908901_a18eabe3b3_c.jpg)




Followed by a white fronted bee eater


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48183348442_4f6ea49e64_c.jpg)


and a little bee eater


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49540092762_fb1826960c_c.jpg)


South Africa certainly has some beautiful birds. We were there in the winter (not best season for birds), but we saw plenty - rollers and bee eaters many times each day
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 09:12:13, 10/10/20
Stop - they are all too beautiful
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 15:31:56, 14/10/20
I have not done any serious walking in the Hills since tearing my left calf in August.
I have built up slowly, on the roads. Today I went to Ronas Hill for the first time for many weeks.
After 4 miles I met an old friend.










(https://i.postimg.cc/bwYgMHWn/P1022928-2.jpg)






Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 15:34:36, 14/10/20
(https://i.postimg.cc/gjXFvbqY/P1022959-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 15:54:37, 14/10/20
It's beautiful! How close did you get?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 16:23:19, 14/10/20
Thanks Dodgylegs.
About 50-75 Metres.
The first one I saw (a Female) was about a year and a half ago. I got got much closer to it.
I think this male is more wary.
More people have been up the hill this year due to Covid and I think that has made it suspicious.
This is my 5th encounter with a snowy Owl since my first sighting in February 2019, very lucky.
I am not a birder, it is just that I am up in the hill a lot.
I have done nearly a 1000 miles in the Ronas Hill area over the last few years, it is a lovely wilderness.
Usually you never meet anyone once you have left the summit.







Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 17:58:53, 14/10/20
Just been looking on map, what distant lands can you see from up Ronas Hill, if any?
Seems like a wild, steep hill!
Thanks for mentioning Ronas Hill, never looked closely on the map of Shetlands until today.

Pleased you're up the hill a lot and not over the hill!  ;D
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 18:16:02, 14/10/20


Pleased you're up the hill a lot and not over the hill!  ;D





Ha ha Only just hanging in there.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 15:27:46, 07/11/20
Got lucky on Mid Field Hill again today, When heading towards Ronas Hill.


(https://i.postimg.cc/zBSP0LDr/P1023015-3.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:46:51, 07/11/20
It's keeping it's eyes on you!



Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 22:28:08, 07/11/20
You are very fortunate to have a snowy owl nearby. The most exotic birds I saw today were a male bullfinch and a fieldfare in a rowan tree at the back of the garden.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 10:50:34, 16/11/20
Seeing a Snowy Owl in the UK is really cool watershed! I have seen one on my Kungsleden hike in Arctic Sweden in 2015 and was over the moon! Unfortunately I didn't carry a camera with a decent zoom at the time.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 18:59:47, 16/11/20

I thought this picture is quite funny. Fishermen are cleaning their catch and Great White Pelicans and Marabou Storks are patiently waiting for the fishermen to finish, so they can clean up the scraps. You wouldn't say, but these are wild birds!  :) This is in Ziway, Ethiopia.

(https://www.hikingbirdman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ETH_Ziway3.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 18:34:51, 22/11/20
Ridiculously noisy due to failing light but this Kestrel gave me the perfect pose this afternoon.


(https://i.ibb.co/5sKwQ1T/P1120310.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 18:43:19, 22/11/20
Wonderful! I love kestrels
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: MkPotato on 19:03:56, 22/11/20
Ridiculously noisy due to failing light but this Kestrel gave me the perfect pose this afternoon.


(https://i.ibb.co/5sKwQ1T/P1120310.jpg)


Great shot!!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 20:24:34, 22/11/20
Ridiculously noisy due to failing light but this Kestrel gave me the perfect pose this afternoon.



That is just beautiful . It is as if he is asking "will this pose do"....!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:15:16, 23/11/20
Fabulous kestrel shot O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 11:34:07, 23/11/20
Lovely picture  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 17:43:31, 23/11/20
wow, excellent shot! O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 18:03:00, 23/11/20
Fab kestrel shot  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 15:35:59, 28/11/20

There is a colony of sparrows that roost in a garden next to ours, it is very overgrown so they seem to love it. I have six feeders which they come too every day. They also attract a resident Sparrow Hawk . I feed the sparrows and the sparrows feed the Hawk .  :)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xdZ1GL6Q/Sparrow-Hawk.jpg)

I told my wife to take the plastic bag down that is hanging ready for next time I get a chance to snap him......it obscured the view of this beauty ... ???
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 18:32:34, 28/11/20
Beautiful Kestral photo, andybr, unfortunately one of these little beauties is lying dead at the side of the road nearby.


Fantastic photo, GinAndPlatonic, those eyes!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 19:56:55, 28/11/20
Such a delight, GinAndPlatonic, when you have the opportunity to observe this hunter-prey relationship up close  (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/afro.gif)
Wonderful picture too with the fierce eyes!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 20:04:19, 28/11/20
Great to capture a sparrowhawk. Despite having seen quite a few in and around our garden, I have never captured one on camera. They have such piercing eyes.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 22:10:40, 28/11/20
When this guy is around you cannot hear any birds at all , everything goes deathly silent . I imagine the sparrows in the bushes all around , as if holding their breath until he has gone. ...I actually had time to go in the house and get my camera only to realise on my return that I had no memory card in it..I once again went into the house and when I returned for a second time he had gone , but then to my surprise he flew up onto the fence still looking for prey.
This was taken at f 5.6 and when I finally got my head round what I was doing ,I dialled it back down to f2.8


(https://i.postimg.cc/Prhvp16c/AA-Sparrow-hawk-b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:56:14, 29/11/20
Fabulous.

House sparrows used to visit my garden and a sparrow hawk - neither now :(

I have a small pond and the sparrow hawk would hunt around the flower pots for frogs right by the back door.
One day he caught a starling all that was left was the beak and one foot:(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 09:08:49, 29/11/20
We had a sparrowhawk fly into our kitchen window. It was stunned and lying on its back with its wings spread out - still breathing. The local feral cats were intrigued by it. My wife went out with gloves on and flipped it the right way up. After a period recovering, it eventually flew off.


On another occasion, I was in the front garden and a great tit landed right next to me. All of a sudden there was a whoosh and a sparrowhawk landed a foot away from my left foot at the location the great tit had just vacated. Immediately the hawk was off trying to catch the escapee, flying through a gap in the hedge. This time it was unsuccessful.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 10:33:28, 29/11/20
Cracking pics G&P,
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 16:09:12, 30/11/20
Beautiful Kestral photo, andybr, unfortunately one of these little beauties is lying dead at the side of the road nearby.


Fantastic photo, GinAndPlatonic, those eyes!
We had a sparrowhawk fly into our kitchen window. It was stunned and lying on its back with its wings spread out - still breathing. The local feral cats were intrigued by it. My wife went out with gloves on and flipped it the right way up. After a period recovering, it eventually flew off.

On another occasion, I was in the front garden and a great tit landed right next to me. All of a sudden there was a whoosh and a sparrowhawk landed a foot away from my left foot at the location the great tit had just vacated. Immediately the hawk was off trying to catch the escapee, flying through a gap in the hedge. This time it was unsuccessful.
Fabulous.

House sparrows used to visit my garden and a sparrow hawk - neither now :(

I have a small pond and the sparrow hawk would hunt around the flower pots for frogs right by the back door.
One day he caught a starling all that was left was the beak and one foot:(
I just love these stories....there is so much drama going on in our gardens. The older I am the more I really see. Photography is wonderful in that respect , it can motivate us to start really looking .
I remember years ago watching a squirrel , a blackbird and other birds just sharing time in my garden when something startled all of them...the squirrel made a beeline for the tree and collided with the blackbird at the same time . It was so funny . All life is out there at times.  :D
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 19:46:47, 30/11/20
Wonderful sparrow hawk pics G&P. Thankfully, I don't see them that often near where I feed the birds at home but they are magnificent looking birds. I say thankfully because I have heard the awful sound of a starling being eaten by one at the first house I lived at in Cumbria. Not something I want to hear again.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 15:16:42, 01/12/20
Wonderful sparrow hawk pics G&P. Thankfully, I don't see them that often near where I feed the birds at home but they are magnificent looking birds. I say thankfully because I have heard the awful sound of a starling being eaten by one at the first house I lived at in Cumbria. Not something I want to hear again.
Thanks April . It can be pretty rough out there for wildlife . :o
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 20:36:48, 01/01/21
Happy New Year to everyone here. As usual at this time of year I have been sorting through photo's. I have assembled my favourite wildlife pictures into a slideshow which can be seen here if anybody is interested :-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn1iMwLLmPg&t=8s&ab_channel=AndyBrown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn1iMwLLmPg&t=8s&ab_channel=AndyBrown)

   
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 23:07:18, 01/01/21
That was just lovely - thank  :) you
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 13:48:40, 02/01/21
Happy New Year to everyone here. As usual at this time of year I have been sorting through photo's. I have assembled my favourite wildlife pictures into a slideshow which can be seen here if anybody is interested :-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn1iMwLLmPg&t=8s&ab_channel=AndyBrown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn1iMwLLmPg&t=8s&ab_channel=AndyBrown)

 


This is excellent Andy thanks for sharing.


 O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 15:39:10, 02/01/21
Enjoyed  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 14:56:32, 24/01/21
What are you Looking at ?  :)


(https://i.postimg.cc/cHDrMZTS/P1022998-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:46:14, 25/01/21
or 'Bog off, can't you see I'm busy'


Great expression
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 16:30:54, 25/01/21
He looks annoyed that heron!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 16:31:39, 25/01/21
(https://www.hikingbirdman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ECU_Sunbittern1b.jpg)


Sunbittern in Ecuador
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: BuzyG on 17:22:31, 25/01/21
He looks annoyed that heron!


He's thinking shush..... I'm fishing.
Title: Herons..
Post by: GnP on 17:05:55, 26/01/21


  On the theme of Herons...I shot this cheeky fellow a few years back in Canon hill park just south Of Birmingham
  not far from our home .  ;)

(https://i.postimg.cc/c1tdW2Mp/that-heron-crop.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 17:17:37, 26/01/21
Can't see him complying!


Beautiful picture. O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 17:29:51, 26/01/21
Fantastic picture! (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/grin.gif)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 18:53:53, 26/01/21
Nice one ;D
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:05:18, 28/01/21
'Angry Bird' Watershed, great photo  O0


One thing about Herons they don't (always!) fly away like most birds as soon as I focus camera on them!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ayjay on 21:50:51, 01/02/21
A New Forest speciality: Dartford Warbler, available elsewhere, but not widespread.

(https://i.postimg.cc/26TB8rHV/IMG-5719-c-r-f.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ayjay on 21:56:21, 01/02/21
Here's a "Dirty" Dunnock, (they have a very complicated sex life) aka Hedge Sparrow, .

(https://i.postimg.cc/nhC83285/IMG-4214-c-r-f-m.jpghttp://)

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:57:07, 02/02/21
Lovely pics Ayjay. We're lucky to have Dartford warblers on the commons in east Devon. The mouselike dunnock that's often overlooked has a delightful song.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:00:30, 02/02/21
Beautiful birds. O0


Garden bird watch last weekend....only saw one blackbird!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pleb on 20:02:36, 02/02/21
Walkies round local nature reserve today in the snow and saw a white bird fly out of the ditch.
Checking on the interweb and to my surprise it looks like a little egret.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 20:42:35, 02/02/21
Lovely photos,  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ayjay on 22:27:37, 02/02/21
Walkies round local nature reserve today in the snow and saw a white bird fly out of the ditch.
Checking on the interweb and to my surprise it looks like a little egret.

They've been back in the UK as a breeding species since the early 90s, thought to be over 1000 breeding pairs now.

Black bill = Little Egret, yellow bill = Great White Egret - similar size as Grey Heron.(Small yellow bill = Cattle Egret, a frequent visitor now).

(https://i.postimg.cc/xC9N7VhT/IMG-0639-C-filtered.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/T14ypLwp/IMG-3809-c-f.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Peak on 00:03:26, 03/02/21
I'm sure that Cattle Egret is now a breeding bird..
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:45:19, 03/02/21
I'm sure that Cattle Egret is now a breeding bird..
(googled)
First breeding in UK recorded
Little Egret 1996 Brownsea Island
Cattle Egret  2008 on the Somerset levels
Great White Egret 2012 somerset levels



Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ayjay on 10:25:03, 03/02/21
I'm sure that Cattle Egret is now a breeding bird..
Yes, just as Jac has kindly elaborated, breeding, but erratically, (it makes a difference in the "Birding World"). I'm not as up to speed on that sort of info as I used to be when I was birding more actively, more to the point I tend to forget stuff nowadays. 

Edit:  Cattle Egret are also frequent winter migrants now, swelling numbers at that time of year.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 11:11:19, 03/02/21
It also goes without saying that the Little Egret is much smaller than the Great White. This is not always obvious as the upright stance and long legs of these birds can make them appear larger than they actually are but when seen side by side with something more familiar the difference can be surprising.


(https://i.ibb.co/1sx367k/P1110264.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:34:22, 03/02/21
When these walks were possible ….Walking long the north banks of the river Tyne, between Tynemouth & North Shields, came across a Little Egret walking along the rocks being attacked by Rooks. A Heron turned up and landed close by and followed the Egret as it slowly walked upstream, Rooks called off their attack! Heron was about four feet away from Egret just following it along!  
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ayjay on 22:39:00, 03/02/21
An April Chaffinch, just to remind you that Spring is not that far away.(https://i.postimg.cc/KjqF9Zsw/IMG-6093-C-R-F.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 09:54:48, 04/02/21
Two good pics.
Anyone else noticed a real dearth of birds recently?
Yesterday, in nice weather, a 5 mile amble around Haldon Forest - mixed conifers with beech oak willows etc -  produced 1 buzzard, a little flock of long tailed tits and the odd wood pigeon or two.
I know that Dawlish town lost 6 of their black swans to the bird flu in November and am wondering if the birds really are having a pandemic of their own :'(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:09:37, 04/02/21
Yeah Jac, it's been very quiet around here with few wild birds... even the bird feeder isn't getting much use.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 12:40:29, 04/02/21
I've cleaned out the feeder and not refilled it; the uneaten grain was beginning to rot and I can't remember when I last saw bird on it.
The garden is horribly quiet.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pleb on 13:59:55, 04/02/21
About par for winter here. The odd blackbird, tit, pigeon here. Plus a tiddler yesterday that may have been a wren, but didn't seem to have the kinked tail, so maybe something more unusual?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ayjay on 12:12:29, 05/02/21
Two good pics.
Anyone else noticed a real dearth of birds recently?
Yesterday, in nice weather, a 5 mile amble around Haldon Forest - mixed conifers with beech oak willows etc -  produced 1 buzzard, a little flock of long tailed tits and the odd wood pigeon or two.

Wintertime in woodland is always going to be quiet, the birds don't give themselves away by singing very much at this time of year, mostly just contact calls to be heard, although yesterday my afternoon walk had the constant accompaniment of Song Thrushes singing for the first time this year, (I also saw Robins, [also singing], Wren, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Blackbirds, Buzzard and Raven).

 Another reason for often not seeing many birds in winter is that they will regularly congregate into what are known as "Tit Flocks" and travel around together, if you see the flock you'll see many birds, but if your walk doesn't coincide with the flock you could be forgiven for thinking that there are no birds at all. If you just want to see birds in this situation, it's better achieved by sticking in one place and they may come to you.

Tit flocks are a fairly loose collection of any or all from Blue, Great and Coal tits, (Long tailed tits will sometimes join but are generally too restless to remain with the flock for long), Nuthatches, Goldcrests, Treecreepers and Chaffinch are the other most common species to join, but almost any woodland bird and some not so confined to woodland have been observed in these flocks.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 12:49:16, 05/02/21
Wintertime in woodland is always going to be quiet, the birds don't give themselves away by singing very much at this time of year, mostly just contact calls to be heard, although yesterday my afternoon walk had the constant accompaniment of Song Thrushes singing for the first time this year, (I also saw Robins, [also singing], Wren, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Blackbirds, Buzzard and Raven).

 Another reason for often not seeing many birds in winter is that they will regularly congregate into what are known as "Tit Flocks" and travel around together, if you see the flock you'll see many birds, but if your walk doesn't coincide with the flock you could be forgiven for thinking that there are no birds at all. If you just want to see birds in this situation, it's better achieved by sticking in one place and they may come to you.

Tit flocks are a fairly loose collection of any or all from Blue, Great and Coal tits, (Long tailed tits will sometimes join but are generally too restless to remain with the flock for long), Nuthatches, Goldcrests, Treecreepers and Chaffinch are the other most common species to join, but almost any woodland bird and some not so confined to woodland have been observed in these flocks.
You are right but even allowing for the normal winter conditions there really are fewer birds. I've lived in my house for over 40 years and for most of that time I have had a merry flock of house sparrows, plus song thrushes, blackbirds, chaffinch, goldfinch, greenfinch etc. with winter migrants depending on the weather This area was built in 1927 on the edge of the city  - agricultural/equine pasture within 1/4 mile,  then a mix of arable and pasture and with no large building schemes we have been very lucky that there have been no significant changes in all the time I've been here.   Yet I now have no house sparrows at all, occasional blackbirds, just the odd finch and no winter pied wagtails for the last three years.  There used to be two Pied wagtail roosts in Exeter city centre - no longer. 
In all the years I have birdwatched/ twitched in Devon the numbers have definitely reduced and particularly in the last 3-4 years.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 15:04:28, 06/02/21

It is survival of the fittest out there in our gardens .  :knuppel2:


(https://i.postimg.cc/SRp01f5r/The-bully-Starling.jpg)

This sparrow is now squeeky clean.... :coolsmiley:

(https://i.postimg.cc/5t1nrkNj/Wet-Sparrow.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 16:00:08, 06/02/21
It is survival of the fittest out there in our gardens .  :knuppel2:


Fabulous O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 19:43:57, 06/02/21
Fantastic action photos GinAndPlatonic! (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/grin.gif) (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/afro.gif)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 19:56:20, 06/02/21

Fabulous O0

Fantastic action photos GinAndPlatonic! (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/grin.gif) (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/afro.gif)

I reckon the wonderful thing about photos , especially those of wildlife is how they freeze moments in time that can then be savoured over and over ..  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ayjay on 22:40:26, 06/02/21
You are right but even allowing for the normal winter conditions there really are fewer birds. I've lived in my house for over 40 years and for most of that time I have had a merry flock of house sparrows, plus song thrushes, blackbirds, chaffinch, goldfinch, greenfinch etc. with winter migrants depending on the weather

Sorry, I'd thought you were just talking about on your walk. We lost about half of our House Sparrow flock when my neighbour removed the hedge between them and us, the Sparrows moved to the front garden instead.

Anyone ready for Summer yet?

(https://i.postimg.cc/nL4gjFfq/IMG-6704-c-r-f.jpg)

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 10:08:47, 07/02/21
Sorry, I'd thought you were just talking about on your walk. We lost about half of our House Sparrow flock when my neighbour removed the hedge between them and us, the Sparrows moved to the front garden instead.

Anyone ready for Summer yet?


Looking forward to the summer , and I see a pair of Robins doing what they do , along with occasional visits from long tailed tits sweeping through all the gardens in small flocks . .

We too had a colony of Sparrows that would roost in huge conifers near by , but the owner had those cut down two months ago , and this appeared to disrupt their behaviour also , and only just recently seem to be returning to the feeders . It just feels like there are less in numbers now though .
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 12:13:29, 07/02/21
Beautiful Grey Wagtail, Ajay.
Apologies if I got a bit carried away but I do so miss having a garden full of birds.
Yesterday a female Sparrow Hawk visited the garden as they have done before in harsh weather, even hunting out the small fry and frogs around the plant pots by the back door. I used to feel guilty that the busy feeders and bird table offered them an easy dinner but nothing here for her yesterday.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 13:19:27, 07/02/21
I agree with you Jac .
I think bird numbers have dropped dramatically and continue to do so .


When I was a child I remember my Father blocking up gaps along the corrugated shed roof to stop dozens of starlings roosting & nesting in the shed roof right next to our house . They nested literally anywhere and everywhere .

Now we are lucky to see any small flocks of young starlings at nesting time , especially April to August . :-\


I have made the mistake though of thinking to myself there are just no birds left...the garden is so quiet.. then that evening when the birds become active it feels different again , and they start to feed before roosting .  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 13:30:17, 07/02/21
Have had a few more arrivals in the garden, some entertainment provided by Blackbirds... two males running, as only blackbirds do, around the lawn then having a bit of a squabble. Then one flies into a shrub, comes back out onto the feeder, the other one goes underneath to collect the bits that fall off. Then it starts all over! Later on a female blackbird turned up attempting to use feeder, just could not seem to get it right, always falling off! It tried numerous times, but had some determination! A Magpie is back in the trees so guess the Tits wont be too far away.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 16:41:54, 19/02/21
Crossing footbridge, heard an unusual sound, looked right and saw these two flapping along.
Grabbed camera out of pocket quickly snapped!
(https://i.postimg.cc/tJBR9FnB/481465-D4-FDA4-4856-B9-BA-A148-B74-AF0-C3-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CnfpNBN8)


This is what they thought of my attempt..
(https://i.postimg.cc/59RZWP6Z/92215-A28-9950-4746-A91-B-0-D43-F703-AC7-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhVC918r)


Further along spotted am unusual Duck, a Merganser I was told... too far away to photo.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 16:46:16, 19/02/21
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: gunwharfman on 14:38:31, 20/02/21
I went for an off-road run this morning and stopped for breath at a small bridge and stream and suddenly saw a bright blue kingfisher. I was gone even before I could put a hand on my camera.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 12:11:39, 22/03/21
The current lockdown has been very quiet on the bird front but things seem to be picking up as the days start to get longer. I have even managed to get the odd picture. These two were from our local walks during the last week.


(https://i.ibb.co/s33JhvD/P1120825.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/wZHVqCW/P1120861.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 13:11:39, 07/04/21
I managed to get up close and personal with a stunning male Bullfinch on a local walk at the weekend. Unfortunately it point blank refused to move out of the dense Blackthorn blossom it was hiding in but I still managed a few nice shots.


(https://i.ibb.co/54YYH03/P1120940.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 13:19:38, 07/04/21
Fantastic photos, andybr  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 12:03:47, 08/04/21
Fantastic photos, andybr  O0
+1 O0


Especially the bullfinch - better from being not being a full in focus image
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 12:57:21, 08/04/21
Thanks. The last lockdown was a bit of a lean time for watching "non garden" wildlife but hopefully things will get easier now. I am looking forward to the summer when I should be able to get to more of my favourite sites.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:11:18, 13/04/21
Postimages has stopped copying photos... I'll try again later.

Working again today.

Been avoiding this riverside stretch due to number of students, none around today... pubs are back open!

Mandarin Ducks charging down river.


(https://i.postimg.cc/tTphPpbx/6773-EA17-1-C60-4-C77-8-D91-58-A381-A6-F387.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3p6xrNS)


What a crazy place to build a nest, right under a busy footpath


(https://i.postimg.cc/Ghwssbjh/C4-AF2383-5923-443-B-A33-A-F3-EA115-F0-C9-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6TcQkJSD)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 16:08:02, 14/05/21

Sparrows having their daily ...

(https://i.postimg.cc/Hn35N6BQ/P5131301.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 20:00:18, 18/05/21
Did a Ten mile walk around the Back Of Ronas Hill today and met an old friend.


(https://i.postimg.cc/PfQxGB0w/P1044661-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 13:14:33, 20/05/21
Walking along Fharaid Head near Durness last week there were lots of very obliging small waders feeding on and around piles of seaweed. These birds are normally quite skittish but the glut of food seemed to make them less cautious than normal.


Dunlin.

(https://i.ibb.co/861XLwk/P1130361.jpg)


Sanderling in winter plumage.
(https://i.ibb.co/syZJmBT/P1130377.jpg)


Sanderling in summer plumage (almost).
(https://i.ibb.co/hfh13rV/P1130381.jpg)

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 13:37:53, 20/05/21
Walking along Fharaid Head near Durness last week there were lots of very obliging small waders feeding on and around piles of seaweed. These birds are normally quite skittish but the glut of food seemed to make them less cautious than normal.

Dunlin.

Sanderling in winter plumage.

Sanderling in summer plumage (almost).


Love these birds, they always keep me entertained on a beach walk, great photos andybr  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 14:14:14, 20/05/21
Beautiful pics.  The sanderling looking at it's own reflection is my favourite.


This Tuesday there were 15 dunlin on the beach down here in Devon - should have been away up north somewhere.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: RoMeR on 15:34:56, 20/05/21
That's a great shot of the Dunlin
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 11:46:57, 21/05/21
Thanks everybody. Jac. - I picked the Sanderling one from many similar shots without really thinking about why I preferred it but I think you might be right. The way it is focussed on its own reflection adds something to it.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 08:47:03, 26/05/21
Lovely pics, love the sparrows G&P, and Watershed's owl and Andy's waders are beautiful.   O0
Title: My names Tom...Tomtom
Post by: GnP on 17:36:01, 30/05/21

I have told her if she doesn`t start laying within a few weeks she will end up in the oven .
She looks like a mop head on legs . :coolsmiley:

(https://i.postimg.cc/kGVLRBzn/Tom-Tom.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pleb on 21:29:39, 14/06/21
(https://i.postimg.cc/bwX22bMH/thumbnail-2.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)pretty and unusual girls names (https://treetop100babynames.com/exotic-baby-names-girls-2)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 10:58:35, 06/07/21
(https://www.hikingbirdman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SUR_L_MusicianWren1c.jpg)

Musician Wren, encountered when walking in Brownsberg National Park in Suriname.


However, to get the real experience, just listen to its song. It's one of the most beautiful in the world :) Just play this and imagine you are on your own in this forest without any human noises. It was exactly as in this clip:

(Not recorded by me): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvZVcvxmOgo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvZVcvxmOgo)


Later on, I came face to face with a Puma, but that is another story!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Mel on 18:19:39, 12/07/21
No photo of it but (and warning for the squeamish)....




Sat at the traffic lights on Saturday and I saw a Sparrowhawk successfully catch a Sparrow and ...well... you can imagine  :(   Amazing, sad, gruesome sight to see.  Only a youngster by the looks of it.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 15:53:13, 14/08/21
I heard a kerfuffle in our garden and came across this beauty . At first I thought she was wounded but realised she was holding firmly onto her prey . Her prey being a dove or pigeon most likely as we get plenty of both . After extricating herself from behind the runner beans and eyeing me for a while she decided to fly off to a neighbours garden to indulge in peace and quiet .

(https://i.postimg.cc/wMVtzL76/Sparrow-Hawk-JPG-21190x.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4x5mhz5V/Sparrow-Hawk1190x.jpg)

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Birdman on 17:10:54, 14/08/21
A beauty indeed GinAndPlatonic!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Ridge on 17:51:33, 14/08/21
Impressive shots G&P  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 07:57:52, 15/08/21
Love that G&P - cracking shots
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 16:04:38, 18/02/22
Sometimes you spend hours trying to get a good shot. Sometimes you are just washing up when the conifer outside explodes in a cloud of feathers. This Sparrowhawk was so intent on her meal I could have removed the tick from her wing without her noticing.


(https://i.ibb.co/RPRcBK0/P1150323.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 16:23:13, 18/02/22
Just finished washing up, then I saw your fantastic photo!
All I watched out of the window was the trees bending over as another storm arrived!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 07:55:13, 19/02/22
Superb photo ( poor collared dove :( )
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:56:13, 15/03/22
Any idea what this is?


(https://i.postimg.cc/V65GjrJC/6-E2-C2540-7-B26-405-D-95-DA-CDABFE5-B8-A2-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYK3SsB9)


and this one, seen diving in photo above...


(https://i.postimg.cc/NGHbBwmB/6-C9919-F5-3401-497-C-8-DED-368251-B13-A6-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kD7WvzTp)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 23:41:55, 15/03/22
My guess:
Ruddy Shelduck
Female Goldeneye.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 10:38:06, 16/03/22
The bottom one is definitely a female Goldeneye. The other looks strange and may be a hybrid. It looks to have some Shoveler in it to me but I wouldn't claim to be 100% sure.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 15:25:19, 16/03/22
Another go, it was the apparently white head that fooled me but the spotted back and beak - how about a Red Shoveler?
https://www.british-garden-birds.com/Red-Shoveler_2867.jpg
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 16:43:20, 16/03/22
That's the one! Thanks for your help ninthace  O0


Someone else I asked came back with the same answer, Red Shoveler.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: SophyQQ on 04:17:20, 30/03/22
Sometimes you spend hours trying to get a good shot. Sometimes you are just washing up when the conifer outside explodes in a cloud of feathers. This Sparrowhawk was so intent on her meal I could have removed the tick from her wing without her noticing.


(https://i.ibb.co/RPRcBK0/P1150323.jpg)
Nice picture

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: SophyQQ on 04:18:51, 30/03/22
Sometimes you spend hours trying to get a good shot. Sometimes you are just washing up when the conifer outside explodes in a cloud of feathers. This Sparrowhawk was so intent on her meal I could have removed the tick from her wing without her noticing.


(https://i.ibb.co/RPRcBK0/P1150323.jpg)


What is this bird called? Is it a common eagle?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Skip on 07:40:02, 30/03/22
What is this bird called? Is it a common eagle?

@ SophieQQ
The clue is in AndyBR's caption - it's a Sparrowhawk  :)


@Andy BR
A lovely clear shot - well done.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 13:31:16, 30/03/22

Two unusual looking Ducks on river, advised they appear to be 'mix of breeds', unless anyone knows differently!
One with tuffed head looks a bit odd.

(https://i.postimg.cc/fRJXQdzS/1-B687-ED0-65-F0-46-EA-9-D23-BE8-EB3-FBC49-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LJFhznZm)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: SophyQQ on 04:29:26, 31/03/22
@ SophieQQ
The clue is in AndyBR's caption - it's a Sparrowhawk  :)


@Andy BR
A lovely clear shot - well done.


Thanks  :)
I searched for a Sparrowhawk but found a branch of kinds of sparrowhawks
This one looks like a Collared Sparrowhawk. Their habitat in Australia
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: SophyQQ on 04:30:44, 31/03/22
Two unusual looking Ducks on river, advised they appear to be 'mix of breeds', unless anyone knows differently!
One with tuffed head looks a bit odd.

(https://i.postimg.cc/fRJXQdzS/1-B687-ED0-65-F0-46-EA-9-D23-BE8-EB3-FBC49-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LJFhznZm)


So nice ducks  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 10:41:55, 31/03/22

Thanks  :)
I searched for a Sparrowhawk but found a branch of kinds of sparrowhawks
This one looks like a Collared Sparrowhawk. Their habitat in Australia


Female Eurasian Sparrowhawk. This is the only Sparrowhawk native to the UK though we do also have Goshawks which are similar but larger and less common.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ManofKent on 09:23:48, 03/04/22
Two unusual looking Ducks on river, advised they appear to be 'mix of breeds', unless anyone knows differently!
One with tuffed head looks a bit odd.




Yes - mainly Mallard ancestry with something else thrown in.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 16:09:56, 03/04/22
 Many years ago I was wandering around Slimbridge Wetlands Trust with one of the wardens. They breed endangered wildfowl from all over the world.  He told me that during the breeding season female Mallard can be a problem.  It seems that for many boy ducks, a girly Mallard is the epitome of sexiness and they would rather mate with her than a lady of their own species.  It probably explains the ducks in the picture.  Bit of Mallard, bit of farmyard by the look of them.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/82651895@N08/11359963774 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/82651895@N08/11359963774)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 12:23:35, 04/04/22
I have never really got the obsession with rarity which drives some bird watchers to go to extreme lengths just to see a bird which is basically out of place. In most cases the bird is just lost and is probably exhausted and distressed. That said what is probably the rarest bird in the entire northern hemisphere returned to the Yorkshire coast last week and we took a short trip to have a look at the weekend. We were far from being alone and when the bird has a six foot wingspan and spends most of it's time in the air it is not difficult to find. This Black Browed Albatross has spent the last two summers at Bempton Cliffs and will hopefully settle there again this year. Unfortunately there is no chance that it will ever be able to return home to the southern hemisphere so it joins the nesting Gannets for company. Not great pictures I'm afraid but I always struggle with birds in flight.


(https://i.ibb.co/4fsw8xF/P1150510.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/Z6L0n3S/P1150508.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 14:34:30, 04/04/22
That is an impressive bird - good photos.


Wondering if it is looking for one of those sexy Mallards!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: SophyQQ on 09:53:17, 06/04/22
I have never really got the obsession with rarity which drives some bird watchers to go to extreme lengths just to see a bird which is basically out of place. In most cases the bird is just lost and is probably exhausted and distressed. That said what is probably the rarest bird in the entire northern hemisphere returned to the Yorkshire coast last week and we took a short trip to have a look at the weekend. We were far from being alone and when the bird has a six foot wingspan and spends most of it's time in the air it is not difficult to find. This Black Browed Albatross has spent the last two summers at Bempton Cliffs and will hopefully settle there again this year. Unfortunately there is no chance that it will ever be able to return home to the southern hemisphere so it joins the nesting Gannets for company. Not great pictures I'm afraid but I always struggle with birds in flight.


(https://i.ibb.co/4fsw8xF/P1150510.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/Z6L0n3S/P1150508.jpg)


Great pictures. Which camera do you use?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:33:48, 06/04/22

What friendly little birds, with an amazing whistle!

White Faced Whistling-Duck at Washington Wetland Centre
(https://i.postimg.cc/1tDk40Yc/BAF27-E46-8-D6-C-4159-83-D4-5-A08-AF8-C4-CA9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JD462X8G)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:16:21, 15/04/22
(https://i.postimg.cc/SK33Bpz7/892-AFD82-E05-C-459-B-9354-E200280-BEB18-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t1dB6wkY)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: pdstsp on 12:20:38, 21/04/22
Just spotted this fella landing in a lake in South Africa while out on a walk - animals to follow too...


(https://i.postimg.cc/cCYF4QBK/DSC08324.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Zvb8wvgZ)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 19:40:38, 27/04/22
Super photo of a lovely Heron .!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 22:45:48, 27/04/22
Just spotted this fella landing in a lake in South Africa while out on a walk - animals to follow too...


(https://i.postimg.cc/cCYF4QBK/DSC08324.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Zvb8wvgZ)


 :) You just spotted this fella landing in a lake in South Africa while out on a walk, did you?  :) Looking forward to the animal photos and TR's of your walks you lucky git  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 11:04:39, 09/05/22

Kittiwakes creating such a magnificent din at Seahouses , Northumberland .

(https://i.postimg.cc/vBtdKNjL/P5060861-735x.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ManofKent on 11:21:50, 09/05/22
Great photo!
Title: Do chickens count
Post by: GnP on 11:46:52, 09/05/22

Our birds closer to home but so intriguing to me .The brown one is a Warren and the blue/grey one is a Bluebell . Both prolific layers . Presenting us with up to 260 large eggs each per year O0


(https://i.postimg.cc/kX51SgQv/P5090947.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/dQZDV8X2/P5090938.jpg)
Title: Re: Do chickens count
Post by: Dodgylegs on 13:39:55, 09/05/22
Our birds closer to home but so intriguing to me .The brown one is a Warren and the blue/grey one is a Bluebell . Both prolific layers . Presenting us with up to 260 large eggs each per year O0


One of my favourite hens was a 'Warren'... Tinkerbell ... who followed me everywhere, liked to sit on my knee. Unfortunately I once gave her a bit of Magnum ice cream.... she started to attack me when sitting in garden eating ice cream, trying to nick it! Ah memories!


Hens are such characters.
Title: Re: Do chickens count
Post by: GnP on 14:28:55, 09/05/22

One of my favourite hens was a 'Warren'... Tinkerbell ... who followed me everywhere, liked to sit on my knee. Unfortunately I once gave her a bit of Magnum ice cream.... she started to attack me when sitting in garden eating ice cream, trying to nick it! Ah memories!


Hens are such characters.


Nice story..they certainly take no prisoners when  they want to eat something...!  :)



The Warren is so calm and friendly but a real escape artist ! She has flown the coop more than once ..


Great photo!


Thanks ManofKent.  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 11:38:55, 10/05/22
Beautiful photo of the kittiwakes. I can almost hear them from here :)


I miss having hens, in fact I just miss having animals and pets  :(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 12:27:38, 10/05/22
Beautiful photo of the kittiwakes. I can almost hear them from here :)


I miss having hens, in fact I just miss having animals and pets  :(
Those Kittiwakes were just super . One of the calls is as if laughing at jokes they are telling each other.. :2funny:
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 16:27:25, 10/05/22
Super pics G&P. We saw masses of kittiwakes today on the cliffs at St Abbs, also razorbills, guillemots and shags.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:30:36, 10/05/22

The city centre Geese have three chicks....

(https://i.postimg.cc/R0ztndyH/DE50649-A-FAA8-4-DCA-A330-76024-FEA0-D43.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3knNsXK8)
 
The nearby Swan, I was told, is sitting on 19 eggs!!!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 17:55:43, 12/05/22
Sadly we couldn't land on Staple Island today because the sea was too rough. We still saw lots of puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and seals on the boat trip from Seahouses but a wee bit disappointed. We will have to come back!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 18:53:41, 12/05/22
Anyone seen any House Martins yet this year?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 20:08:12, 12/05/22
yes, I saw a good few at Finchale Priory, while walking The Weardale Way last week
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:23:14, 12/05/22
yes, I saw a good few at Finchale Priory, while walking The Weardale Way last week


How did the walk go? Any highlights and unexpected finds?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 20:59:35, 12/05/22
Hi Dodgylegs,


A good walk, thanks, though the western section was a lot more interesting than the eastern section. Multi-day walks tend to cut my feet to bits nowadays, so i gave up the ghost at South Hylton.


The Newcastle to Stanhope bus appeared to have been taken off, which was a bad start to the trip.


Finchale was a highlight, with an amazing amount of hirundines, a mandarin duck, goosanders, a dipper and a few grey wagtails on the water. A little disappointing on the wildlife front in general, as I failed to see any ring ouzels, short-eared owls, merlins or redstarts, but the sight of a pair of GS woodpeckers mating near Wearhead was a delight! It doesn't appear to be a particularly well-walked route, and I did get a few funny looks with my big rucksack on my back.


Durham City was also a highlight, as I know Newcastle and Sunderland a lot better, and a visit to the cathedral was well worth it. I also thought Stanhope, St John's Chapel and Wolsingham were pleasant spots.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:26:03, 12/05/22
Hi Dodgylegs,


A good walk, thanks, though the western section was a lot more interesting than the eastern section. Multi-day walks tend to cut my feet to bits nowadays, so i gave up the ghost at South Hylton.


The Newcastle to Stanhope bus appeared to have been taken off, which was a bad start to the trip.


Finchale was a highlight, with an amazing amount of hirundines, a mandarin duck, goosanders, a dipper and a few grey wagtails on the water. A little disappointing on the wildlife front in general, as I failed to see any ring ouzels, short-eared owls, merlins or redstarts, but the sight of a pair of GS woodpeckers mating near Wearhead was a delight! It doesn't appear to be a particularly well-walked route, and I did get a few funny looks with my big rucksack on my back.


Durham City was also a highlight, as I know Newcastle and Sunderland a lot better, and a visit to the cathedral was well worth it. I also thought Stanhope, St John's Chapel and Wolsingham were pleasant spots.


Pleased it was a good walk ... and you didn't have any bother with cows!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:03:04, 17/05/22
Three Mallard Chicks resting on Lilly Pads.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzwVtksd/A1-BEE933-6602-493-D-ADB3-D0-C435-BCD2-E3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1VX2j4nS)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 08:52:24, 18/05/22
Aw so cute :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 19:08:50, 18/05/22
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52078251231_cbe818c7c3_z.jpg) (http://)


Puffins on Staple Island. Pic is from the boat as it was pitching up an down, the sea was too rough for us to land on the island. I will do a TR when I have time and not too tired.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:15:37, 18/05/22
Amazing birds...  don't look real in your photo!... are these the imitation ones to fool the tourists! ;)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 11:57:27, 19/05/22

I love Puffins and a great shot . They always remind me of painted clowns .
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 13:15:13, 19/05/22
Got some pictures of this lovely Tawny Owl this morning. Very close to a footpath it is quickly becoming a local celebrity.


(https://i.ibb.co/LSJtjHz/P1160223.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 14:09:33, 19/05/22
Beauty!  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:01:20, 22/05/22
Lovely owl photo.


My contribution - Canada Goose family on Devoke Water.


(https://i.ibb.co/RHPc5TF/014-Canada-Geese.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:04:46, 22/05/22
My contribution - Canada Goose family on Devoke Water.


It's a brilliant time of year with all the new life about.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: beefy on 11:56:13, 23/05/22
A few pics from a boat on a choppy sea The farne islands


https://youtu.be/IjZc1n31FSo (https://youtu.be/IjZc1n31FSo)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dovegirl on 13:01:28, 23/05/22
A few pics from a boat on a choppy sea The farne islands


https://youtu.be/IjZc1n31FSo (https://youtu.be/IjZc1n31FSo)




Excellent photos beefy. Love the puffins  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 18:04:41, 23/05/22
Some really good photos there beefy  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 19:47:31, 23/05/22
Nice slideshow. Our local Puffins nest in crevices on very vertical cliffs so I always enjoy seeing ones which nest on more traditional ground.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: beefy on 21:43:59, 24/05/22
Thanks dovegirl, April and Andy  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Gump on 02:40:46, 25/05/22

Wonderful puffins in flight too .
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 13:50:30, 27/05/22
One of my regular wildlife watching spots was looking like a bird nursery yesterday. Nothing exotic to note but a total overload of cuteness. My favourite has to be this Mute Swan Cygnet.


(https://i.ibb.co/L6V4j5W/P1160259.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 17:56:16, 27/05/22
 :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:06:51, 27/05/22
One of my regular wildlife watching spots was looking like a bird nursery yesterday. Nothing exotic to note but a total overload of cuteness. My favourite has to be this Mute Swan Cygnet


That's an amazing shot, andybr  O0


Attempted to get a close up of Coot with her wee chicks, but she kept taking them away as soon as I got close!
Best I could get...
(https://i.postimg.cc/26CJQF1L/3111-F250-514-C-41-F3-9885-EC58271-EDD87.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Lq0NRPBm)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 21:00:05, 27/05/22
Has anyone heard a cuckoo this year?


Sadly, I haven't and I'm not sure I did last year (though I may have heard one)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:17:00, 27/05/22
Cannot recall the last time I heard a Cuckoo.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 11:41:15, 28/05/22
Cuckoo's are about and calling on the N.York Moors. Jugger Howe just north of Scarborough is good. If I had to guarantee sightings, however, I would head for the NW Highlands.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 11:43:18, 28/05/22
Dodgylegs. I really like Coot and Moorhen chicks. They have an almost primeval look to them which disappears all too soon.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 12:52:32, 28/05/22
Cuckoo's are about and calling on the N.York Moors. Jugger Howe just north of Scarborough is good. If I had to guarantee sightings, however, I would head for the NW Highlands.


Indeed. I recall seeing a pair as I descended to Inchnadamph Lodge having walked Conival


The patches of woodland on the Dartmoor uplands also yielded quite a few when I was last there
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:36:23, 28/05/22
Dodgylegs. I really like Coot and Moorhen chicks. They have an almost primeval look to them which disappears all too soon.
Moorhen chick.... it's mother left it on bankside between some Mallards.... there was a Heron nearby!
(https://i.postimg.cc/VLYYPdHj/CD4-CCFB8-0-A58-4435-8403-0-B6-C2-E14-EB84.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7bWvgY46)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Restonica on 22:34:42, 30/05/22
Great photo Dodgylegs  O0
If you hadn't explained it being a Moorhen chick I'd have thought it was just rolling in from the all night pool party  O0
Title: Love is .
Post by: GnP on 20:52:30, 01/06/22

I hope it is ok to post a pic from a walk round Chester zoo today.  :)

(https://i.postimg.cc/pL7G5pLT/Love-is.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:56:59, 01/06/22
If you hadn't explained it being a Moorhen chick I'd have thought it was just rolling in from the all night pool party  O0
See what you mean! :)
Title: Re: Love is .
Post by: Dodgylegs on 21:58:17, 01/06/22
I hope it is ok to post a pic from a walk round Chester zoo today.  :)


Fabulous colours  O0
Been to Chester on a few occasions, never made it to the zoo.
Title: Re: Love is .
Post by: GnP on 22:15:24, 01/06/22

Fabulous colours  O0
Been to Chester on a few occasions, never made it to the zoo.
Yes indeed their colours are intense .  :)


I am not into zoos to be honest but I promised my daughter a visit , ages back when she used to watch the series of it on TV.

ps love that moorhen with the morning after the night before look... :o
Title: Re: Love is .
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:34:13, 01/06/22
Yes indeed their colours are intense .  :)


I am not into zoos to be honest but I promised my daughter a visit , ages back when she used to watch the series of it on TV.

ps love that moorhen with the morning after the night before look... :o


You would have enjoyed watching two Blue Tits feeding from bird feeder this evening… suet pellets.
They were back and forth numerous times, one kept sitting on the nearby electric cable down to shed, could hear in the house this loud tap tap tap, as it attempted to make pellet smaller!
That was entertaining!


Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 06:57:51, 02/06/22
Soon after filling the bird bath , I find a big chunk of bread thats been dropped in by a magpie to soften it up for eating .
Title: Robin stealing my Poto cakes
Post by: GnP on 19:26:13, 14/06/22


I made a friend today at Llanthony Priory , Monmouthshire in the Black Mountains , Wales .


(https://i.postimg.cc/R01pCk8H/Robin-Llanthony-Priory.jpg)
Title: Re: Robin stealing my Poto cakes
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:56:04, 14/06/22

I made a friend today at Llanthony Priory , Monmouthshire in the Black Mountains , Wales .


What a beauty!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:06:14, 15/06/22
Visited Washington Wetland Centre, some amazing birds and lots of activity.... after watching Terns, had to leave hide due to experiencing a headache with the constant noise!


Spent the last twenty minutes attempting to take a photo of the Cranes with their Chick...
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZnBhBrS6/E3600-EA9-CD00-4414-AE13-64-B2-BFE05-C58-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8fSYxfsC)
Have a few photos of Black Swans with Chicks, Flamingos, Andean Goose, various Ducks, Woodpeckers, Noisy Geese & Chicks and a few more of the Cranes if anyone would like a look.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 15:15:03, 16/06/22
Visited Washington Wetland Centre, some amazing birds and lots of activity.... after watching Terns, had to leave hide due to experiencing a headache with the constant noise!


Spent the last twenty minutes attempting to take a photo of the Cranes with their Chick...

Have a few photos of Black Swans with Chicks, Flamingos, Andean Goose, various Ducks, Woodpeckers, Noisy Geese & Chicks and a few more of the Cranes if anyone would like a look.
Those Cranes , they sometimes just do not cooperate  :o

Would love to see a few more , especially the Flamingos and Woodpeckers .  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:26:45, 16/06/22
Those Cranes , they sometimes just do not cooperate  :o
Would love to see a few more , especially the Flamingos and Woodpeckers .  O0


Here we are GnP, hope you enjoy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gkK7WTJn/C2-EFF990-0-A81-4-A87-9-C9-A-8-C9-DF63949-D0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rKKjGg5k)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KvcNnvG8/916644-D4-C330-4826-9-D6-B-3-C669-C01-E060.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cdtk00n3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3r1jJ5X5/E7-DE4187-510-B-48-C7-839-B-B3-A68312-EEBB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CdZnm2rm)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qq22TSxq/4-C750-A19-584-D-4928-9777-15-D1366-A5504.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fSTV7HFQ)
The bird on Island would not let any other bird anywhere near... it was constantly calling!


(https://i.postimg.cc/13MWNVhB/0964-C63-B-167-F-44-F3-A8-E2-1529259-C4-AB2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKLjzwP5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rpPQf6pt/302-EFE99-8734-44-BC-A6-D3-A9-F8-A6956779.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ff0yKB39)


My favourite Duck...
(https://i.postimg.cc/9QNdhdH6/683376-B0-9203-41-DE-9-E21-85074798-F0-EA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87MJdr54)


Enjoyed my visit, so going again tomorrow!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 14:54:56, 17/06/22

Hope your day went well Dodgy .

Great view of those flamingos .
Woodpeckers seem to be solitary birds . Its a privilage to see a woodpecker arrive in our garden . It rarely happens here or at least times when I catch sight of one , and probably what makes it so special .
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 18:03:58, 17/06/22
GnP Arrived and no sign of Cranes, they had been right under the window of ticket office most of the morning.
On the way back, one was near the path, looked to capture it's photo..
(https://i.postimg.cc/13k8nqVN/EB27-FC2-E-C413-4179-BBEE-BFEB8125-F358.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JsQrStq1)


It came towards me in 'attack mode'! Had to take a quick shot... shame I missed the end of the pointy beak!
(https://i.postimg.cc/T1f7R1Jz/08-A19971-8322-402-B-9492-B3640085843-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ygpXjV5j)


Then I got an ear full of cries!


(https://i.postimg.cc/HsQMw3H9/2-D0016-D8-F893-4879-9-B45-E05-FE0-A06-CE6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ln8hRtJJ)


Lots of various chicks about!


This bird landed on the muddy bank on riverside.... long beak like a Curlew, any idea what it may be GnP?
(https://i.postimg.cc/5yH8wMgP/20-D321-BF-AAA6-4-C7-E-8274-995-E6-A09-CB9-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bShGhWKb)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:12:20, 05/07/22
More Woodpecker watching at Gibside Estate ....


This one landed on branch, walked backwards downwards, then came up to top again.... did this for about 5 mins!
(https://i.postimg.cc/JnQ3f4jv/5-DE39-C59-596-B-491-A-BFB3-D543-EEDD8521.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mztFM4Xy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/LhFHjRb4/4-FCC6-A26-5319-4-D21-8-FA3-D321-F6-A51-B80-1-201-a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gL4FW9p1)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 21:52:57, 15/07/22
Black-browed albatross, Bempton Cliffs(https://i.postimg.cc/2yZg3bGD/DSC-0070.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:00:33, 15/07/22
Black-browed albatross, Bempton Cliff


Wow that must have been an amazing sight!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 22:02:05, 15/07/22
Razorbill & Chick


(https://i.postimg.cc/m2GTCBHw/DSC-0020.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 22:03:48, 15/07/22
Thanks Dodgylegs, it certainly was


Gannet:


(https://i.postimg.cc/8z03dmYS/DSC-0025.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 22:04:23, 15/07/22
Puffin duo:
(https://i.postimg.cc/PxhM1LdH/DSC-0049.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 22:05:07, 15/07/22
Puffins and Razorbill pair:


(https://i.postimg.cc/MZ9YjKNk/DSC-0061.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 15:20:47, 19/07/22
In my hometown of Scarborough Great Northern Divers are a regular sight in the winter when they are rather drab looking birds. This week in North West Scotland I sat for a while and watched no less than ten of them clothed in their summer plumage and they are definitely not drab in any way.


(https://i.ibb.co/s3KDKjt/P1160752.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 19:03:35, 19/07/22
wonderful shot


I recall seeing a diver in Sandsend when doing the Cleveland Way, but I think that was a red-throated diver.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:07:17, 19/07/22
What a beauty! Lovely photo.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:05:50, 26/07/22

(https://i.postimg.cc/QtvJJdLW/6-C1-DC8-D6-25-DC-44-F0-8-FB7-E8-B9173-E183-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mzN9bRgb)

Poor bird couldn't fly, young lass contacted animal sanctuary, they asked her to catch it and take it to them. I managed to catch it for her!

(https://i.postimg.cc/GpW4M82r/591-F25-AB-8-AF7-4964-B6-E5-4-F1-F8-C8-A3-FFE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1gKRXzwY)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: April on 19:12:31, 27/07/22
Wow, is that a young sparrowhawk? Is that your photo Dodgylegs?


Lovely photo Andy too.


Fab pics Rambling Minster. Lovely puffin and razorbill shots. There is sad news from the Farne Islands because avian flu has affected the colonies there. Fingers crossed not too many are wiped out  :(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 22:29:38, 27/07/22
Thanks April


Dodgylegs' lovely photo is of a kestrel, also called 'the windhover'
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: barewirewalker on 10:24:07, 28/07/22
Female Kestrel or immature male. We have just had a fledgling Chaffinch fly into an upstairs window. It is showing signs of recovering from an unconscious state to dazed indecision, not wise to take an immediate intervention, let nature take its course, for the moment. Hypothermia is the main danger, no predators around, air temperature is just about OK.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 11:56:47, 28/07/22
Wow, is that a young sparrowhawk? Is that your photo Dodgylegs?


Kestrel had been seen by numerous walkers just sitting amongst tall grass, by the side of Cleveland Way Coastal path near Staithes.
Teenage lass had carried on with her walk, because of her concerns rang sanctuary, met her coming back to find it, to take it to sanctuary. It was easy to get photos as it sat looking for help. I picked it up and put it in her dads rucksack, where advice was it would be dark and keep it calm.


A little further south, could see a couple of birds of prey hovering over the sea, hope they weren't after dead sea birds.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: barewirewalker on 13:02:55, 28/07/22
After over an hour of various stages of recovery, the Fledgling Chaffinch has flown away, though we did make it aware of our proximity when we thought it should make a move.

Throwing a cloth over a wild bird or animal is a good way to minimise the stress caused by close contact. Mrs BWW and I once managed to reverse a yearling bullock out of a position where it had got its head stuck in wire netting and was strangling itself.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 15:09:21, 28/07/22
After over an hour of various stages of recovery, the Fledgling Chaffinch has flown away,


Good news! I've contacted Wildlife Sanctuary to see if I can find out how Kestrel is doing.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: barewirewalker on 15:48:57, 28/07/22
As I step into my 8th decade, my memories of early life are a bit distant. I remember an occasion of finding a grounded bird when I was with an old gamekeeper. I am fairly sure it was Kestrel, he showed me that this bird was infested with parasites under its wings, newly flown from the nest it was weakened by the infestation and possible suffering from the heat as well. Brushing off most of the infestation he placed the young bid in a safe place. Perhaps it recovered and flew off but then there were true countrymen around, farm workers who moved Plovers' nests when they were ploughing or Passerine nests during hedge brushing.

Now all the farm cottages are part of greater suburbia and the families steeped in country lore are long gone.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:43:21, 08/08/22
Some photos from the Yorkshire coast....


(https://i.ibb.co/VggHFts/15.jpg)
Kestrel hovering below Gristhorpe Cliff


(https://i.ibb.co/tDkDWhc/19.jpg)
There's something not quite right about this egg......


(https://i.ibb.co/9qCgb8Q/31.jpg)
Gannets nesting on Scale Nab, Bempton Cliffs


(https://i.ibb.co/GtNfHwr/32.jpg)
This guga is lucky that it didn't hatch on Sula Sgeir!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 21:02:52, 08/08/22
Nice photos, Richard


Not sure if it's the same for other people, but here in Yorkshire, the swifts appear to have departed a little earlier than usual, and rather suddenly too - I usually see the odd straggler about, but now the skies are empty.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 21:27:47, 08/08/22
Nice pictures Richard. Did you manage to see the Black Browned Albatross?

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:24:46, 08/08/22
Richard, hope you didn't come across any of the birds affected by virus, such an awful sight when you see many of them lying on beaches.


Haven't noticed any Swifts for a couple of weeks.


Just walked through Steelhall Wood, walking Way of Light, along section of Pennine Journey, met gamekeepers who were followed down track by unusual white coloured Pheasants...
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdPQYFSd/4-B3-D5-F9-F-06-A0-48-B1-B7-F4-C7-C44381-D573.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cv58dr0q)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 23:52:30, 08/08/22
Nice pictures Richard. Did you manage to see the Black Browned Albatross?


Thanks Andy, rambling minster.


No, wasn't aware that there was an albatross in the area.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 10:41:38, 09/08/22

The Albatross has been a summer visitor for the last few years and tends to hang around with the Gannets on Staple Newk (Scale Nab). There has been quite a bit of media coverage this year but in some ways it is quite a sad story.
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/europes-only-albatross-is-back-in-yorkshire-as-exiled-bird-from-the-atlantic-seen-at-rspb-bempton-cliffs-3633481 (https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/europes-only-albatross-is-back-in-yorkshire-as-exiled-bird-from-the-atlantic-seen-at-rspb-bempton-cliffs-3633481)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 10:19:38, 12/08/22
Following on from a mention of Filey Dams nature reserve in Richard's trip report this was the main attraction there yesterday. A lovely Wood Sandpiper. Unfortunately it would not come right out into the open while I was there so I did not manage to get it's legs into the picture.


(https://i.ibb.co/rm835HW/P1170160.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 10:14:55, 13/08/22
What a beautiful bird O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 11:28:09, 04/09/22
We were lucky enough to get a visit from an Avocet on the N.Yorks coast this week. They breed at a site up on the Wolds but this is the first time I have ever seen one closer to home in Filey.


(https://i.ibb.co/m6zMpyd/P1170341.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 10:55:34, 06/09/22
I was in Filey on 4th, finishing the YWW but didn't spot the avocet; too busy enjoying a celebratory ice cream ;D


Avocets are regular winter visitors down here on the River Exe but I had no idea they nested inland. Whereabouts on the Wolds do they nest?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 11:14:40, 06/09/22
They nest at YWT North Cave, not quite in the Wolds, but more or less on the edge of them. I also see them at Blacktoft Sands (a bit further away)


I'm not an expert, however, so I'm not sure where else you can see them inland
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 11:38:52, 06/09/22
Thank you.
Yes, just off the higher Wolds. I was surprised as, especially in this drought year, the YWW was incredibly dry walking, even the dewponds were empty. Most of the birds we saw, pheasants and red legged partridges, were blithely unaware that they were there simply to provide sport.
However, we did see a beautiful kingfisher over the little pond at Wintringham and several red kites.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:31:45, 06/09/22
Nice Avocets, brilliant photo.
Only ever seen them once, Titchwell reserve on the north Norfolk coast. Or Twitchwell as my wife called it!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:42:28, 06/09/22
Spotted these bruisers patrolling the harbour waterfront at Whitehaven at the end of our recent walk along the St Bees cliffs (https://wildaboutwalking.wordpress.com/lake-district/st-bees-head/). Tourists and locals alike gave them a wide berth, and one over inquisitive dog was pecked on the nose for its trouble!


(https://i.ibb.co/hDq3xB7/016.jpg)


PS - for those that are interested, I believe that these are Embden Geese.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:44:48, 06/09/22
Also spotted a small flock of birds flitting about on the grassy summit plateau of Grasmoor (https://wildaboutwalking.wordpress.com/lake-district/grasmoor-via-liza-beck/) - think that they are Golden Plovers - can anyone please confirm?


(https://i.ibb.co/R4GpHmt/112.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 18:14:50, 06/09/22
Thank you.
Yes, just off the higher Wolds. I was surprised as, especially in this drought year, the YWW was incredibly dry walking, even the dewponds were empty. Most of the birds we saw, pheasants and red legged partridges, were blithely unaware that they were there simply to provide sport.
However, we did see a beautiful kingfisher over the little pond at Wintringham and several red kites.


You're welcome. I saw a few red kites, a pair of peregrines over Welton Dale and a Barn Owl opposite Ganton cricket club, when I did the walk in June 2011. I also saw a few marbled whites, my first ever sighting of these delightful butterflies.


I also recall two very steep but short sections, one near Huggate and another near Wintringham - think it's called the 'ski slope!'


Richard H, I'm no expert on waders, but that does appear to tally with being a golden plover, if my bird guide is anything to go by.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:19:15, 06/09/22
Thanks RamblingMinister, I thought so but wasn't certain. :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 11:12:32, 08/09/22
Re Richard's Golden Plover?


I think (from looking it up in Collins) it may be actually a Juvenile 1st winter Dotterel. The eye stripe (supercilium) looked a bit too white for a Golden Plover but as we only see them in winter plumage down here on the R. Exe and Dartmoor I needed to check.
There is also a peachy coloured spot visible on the nape and a pale 'collar' on the upper breast.
Other opinions please
If it is a Dotterel I'm envious.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 13:25:08, 08/09/22
Interesting, Jac, very interesting. My wife said Dotterel when we first saw them, but we decided against it. Further study required.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 13:30:54, 08/09/22
After careful study of lots of photos online, I'm going to go with the Dotterel, the details that you point out, and the wing feather patterns, just seem to match. As do the summer distribution charts on the RSPB website. Thanks Jac. O0


can't edit the original picture, so here it is again - DOTTEREL on the summit of Grasmoor.


(https://i.ibb.co/R4GpHmt/112.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 11:25:41, 11/09/22
Thanks for the comments re my Avocet picture. I have just got back home from Assynt and been off line for a week. The nesting colony I mentioned is indeed at North Cave Wetlands which has featured on a number of TR's on this site in the past. The Dotterel must have made your day Richard. We get the odd one most winters and they always attract a lot of birding visitors.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 00:44:49, 18/09/22
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdxRMNVj/P1056598-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 00:48:32, 18/09/22
(https://i.postimg.cc/rww718pQ/P1067421.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 00:52:29, 18/09/22
(https://i.postimg.cc/J425FmqT/P1056819.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 00:54:40, 18/09/22
(https://i.postimg.cc/cLftcN5t/P1034547-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:27:12, 18/09/22
Lovely photos Watershed - so that is what a Golden Plover looks like.
Is the owl up on Ronas Hill or thereabouts?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 08:04:41, 18/09/22
Thanks Richard, yes, all the photos are from there.
Much less Bunxies this year as the Bird Flu has decimated them, along with the Gannets.

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 09:28:23, 18/09/22
Nice pictures. It is nice to see a Bonxie on the ground. I am much less keen on them when they are in the air.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:07:39, 20/09/22
What a fantastic photo of the Golden Plover watershed... and your Snowy Owl friend!


Still receiving daily emails relating to avian flu cases from APHA, still decimated flocks of hens.
Have had a few flocks of geese flying south overhead over the last few days, hope they aren't bringing further flu infections with them.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 14:54:55, 25/09/22
Thanks, Dodylegs yes, the avian Flu has been devastating here. Certainly, the worst I have seen. Some breeds seem to have been affected more than others. Bunxies and Gannets have had a terrible season. Maybe I have noticed them the most because their corpses are easier to see, as they are some of our largest Birds. But it could be because they nest close together so smit easier, Not Sure. Thankfully The Snowy Owls seem to be Okay, at the moment. There appears to be lots of Golden Plovers around, so I hope they haven't been hit; they are some of my favourite Birds.
I saw these Snow Buntings a couple of Days ago when Up Ronas Hill for a wander with my Youngest Daughter Sanna.


(https://i.postimg.cc/Ls4GZHxY/P1067788-2.jpg)












(https://i.postimg.cc/SNWPTX5Y/P1067793-2.jpg)

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 18:28:06, 26/09/22
Some great photos, watershed
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 19:20:29, 14/10/22
Gentle stroll around Wetlands Centre....


Attempted to photo the head of a Black Swan on the far side of the pond, bent down, zoomed in shot, but Swan started to swim towards me. Kept on trying to focus on it, but it went into attack mode, charging across pond, coming out of water straight for me, trying to bite me! I was dressed all in black, so told it must have thought I was competition!
(https://i.postimg.cc/prtbtpK3/5182223-D-518-F-43-DD-9-D9-E-6967203-C0875.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5YpkB97m)


One of it's young, separated from it's parents and will shortly be looking for a new home.
(https://i.postimg.cc/x1qzmCbw/0-EB1-ECB5-ECF8-4231-A4-D5-385-D1-F00174-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZcrcqgg)


Southern Screamers
(https://i.postimg.cc/4d4ZKKYt/35063167-94-C2-4405-8-F17-CD9-C740524-D0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LqWGw8B6)


Duck in a flap!
(https://i.postimg.cc/X76WFDB4/08-AF9-EDE-3405-47-A7-A9-AD-E2299-F9-D759-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Th0Bv0c4)


Lovely place, smashing folk ... great afternoon!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 21:37:16, 23/10/22
Whooper Swan, YWT North Cave(https://i.postimg.cc/gc1rthmJ/DSC-0049.jpg)ave
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 21:39:09, 23/10/22
Grey Heron, RSPB Blacktoft Sands
(https://i.postimg.cc/yYfpz7pk/DSC-0030.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 13:31:19, 24/10/22
(https://i.postimg.cc/63Y62M47/P1000240-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: watershed on 13:32:33, 24/10/22
(https://i.postimg.cc/65GwtWc4/P1000246-2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 09:04:28, 25/10/22
wow! that penultimate red-throated diver photo is exceptional!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 10:01:41, 25/10/22
Nice shots of the Red Throated Diver. For some reason the numbers seemed to be down in our usual haunts this year though we did see lots of Great Northern Divers.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 11:21:36, 25/10/22
Gorgeous heron and handsome red throated diver.
I've not seen any reports of wintering red throated divers down this way(Exe Estuary) yet.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 17:53:59, 10/04/23
(https://i.postimg.cc/bvn58rs6/IMG-4904.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z9THxTP3)


I know someone will be able to identify this bird for me.... Male Reed Bunting?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 23:18:28, 10/04/23
Yes, male reed bunting O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 00:33:45, 11/04/23
Yes, male reed bunting O0


Thanks for confirming Jac, the image in my RSPB handbook is poor. Don't think I've ever seen one before.
Also saw a small Tit with a 'black cap', book says either a Marsh or Willow Tit, hard to tell the difference!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Johnny Thunder on 11:02:33, 11/04/23
Possibly a [censored] Black Cap Warbler.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Johnny Thunder on 11:03:15, 11/04/23
Sorry, it wouldn't accept that term so we will go with male.
Title: Robin on Caldey Island .
Post by: GnP on 19:57:27, 13/04/23

We say that "our Robin"  follows us , wherever we travel .   O0

(https://i.postimg.cc/DybgCnDK/Robin.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:09:27, 13/04/23
Nice photo, GnP, captures the character of the bird.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:51:34, 13/04/23
Beautiful little birds, lovely photo.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 14:03:21, 14/04/23
Courting behaviour of Great Crested Grebes is one of the highlights of this time of year for me but yesterday I was lucky enough to get the same from a pair of Little Grebes. All over quite quickly but still lovely to watch.


(https://i.ibb.co/R9sS6jm/P1180807.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 14:52:07, 17/04/23

Thanks for confirming Jac, the image in my RSPB handbook is poor. Don't think I've ever seen one before.
Also saw a small Tit with a 'black cap', book says either a Marsh or Willow Tit, hard to tell the difference!
It is - very difficult and beyond me though the call is different so I'm told :-\
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 14:53:28, 17/04/23
Aren't Little Grebes (Dabchicks to me) absolutely beautiful close up.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:46:30, 24/04/23
No pictures, as it was night time, but at Bellingham I heard a nightjar for the first time ever, a really unusual chirring sound.
We also heard Grasshopper Warblers on our walk from Bellingham to Twice Brewed, again, a very distinctive chirring noise, higher pitched, that continued for some time, Again, no pictures as they are tiny drab little birds that like to hide in reeds etc, very camera shy.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 14:12:04, 27/04/23
No pictures, as it was night time, but at Bellingham I heard a nightjar for the first time ever, a really unusual chirring sound.
.................


Nice to know they are back; quite early especially for up north I think. Haven't seen any records for this area, Devon, yet.
Title: Phantom of the Opera .
Post by: GnP on 17:04:52, 03/05/23

Near the Village of Mickleton , Gloucestershire .

(https://i.postimg.cc/QNcP4CxM/Phantom-of-the-opera.jpg)


Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: tallymarks on 21:30:32, 03/05/23
GnP, what a beautiful photo! Do you know what kind of bird that is? The plumage is gorgeous.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:17:34, 03/05/23
@ a year ago whilst visiting Wildlife Park, came across these two with chicks, today they have some more...
(https://i.postimg.cc/fTswS2mZ/IMG-5010.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JtTw9Qpd)
Canadian & Greylag Geese!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:26:26, 03/05/23
This Crane came charging across towards me, flapping it's wings, chasing all the other birds out of the way, then went for a bath in pond...
(https://i.postimg.cc/28SKtnfh/IMG-4982.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0rhnMMjy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/C1MGKH74/IMG-4979.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7CcGszpC)
When finishing this entertainment, diving under, splashing about, came and stood near me before striding away!
(https://i.postimg.cc/2ybBqHZn/IMG-4984.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RJm0yLG0)


Found out from warden, female sitting on nest, this is male charging about attacking everything, even last years chick, which has been removed for it's safety! 
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 08:01:15, 04/05/23
GnP, what a beautiful photo! Do you know what kind of bird that is? The plumage is gorgeous.


Thank you Tallymarks , it is a Pheasant They are common in the countryside but I can rarely get close enough to take a decent pnoto apart from yesterday . 
Mostly when walking I just here a mad , raucous noise and one or two of them fly off , crashing out of a hedgerow . O0


@ a year ago whilst visiting Wildlife Park, came across these two with chicks, today they have some more...

Canadian & Greylag Geese!

Brilliant Dodgy . They look rather proud too .  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 11:27:18, 08/05/23
Walking along misty Northumberland Coast yesterday got chatting to a bird watcher who was here to see a Grey Headed Lapwing ... he told me it was first ever known sighting in this country, it normally migrates from Malaysia/India to China/Japan at this time of year! Seriously lost its way, had been here resting for five days! Didn't manage to see it for myself, too misty, he showed me a photo....


A large area of Beach near Long Nanny was fenced off for Little Terns nesting, young guy was on duty 9 - 5 keeping eyes out and replacing fence posts which keep getting pulled out by sea!


Lovely walk, will have to go back when sun shining!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 23:11:04, 09/05/23

Entertained by Coots looking after their six energetic Chicks...


(https://i.postimg.cc/SKCFLZQH/IMG-5039.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VSfVmWCF)


(https://i.postimg.cc/K8tJJCL7/IMG-5040.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDF1pnfz)

Any geese getting too close got attacked!

(https://i.postimg.cc/zBG7DBQp/IMG-5041.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XZtdQV4y)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 09:49:08, 11/05/23
 :smitten: so coote
Title: Peacock
Post by: GnP on 15:06:23, 28/05/23

I spotted this Peacock nonchalantly wandering around on the unfenced front driveway of a cottage near Weethley wood , Warwickshire today . ???

(https://i.postimg.cc/WzqvkqDN/Peacock-small.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7LcDYN6s/P5280899small.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 12:42:13, 11/06/23
I met this obliging Stonechat on the Wales Coastal Path near Nefyn.


(https://i.ibb.co/9THb2rs/P1190112.jpg)
Title: Jackdaw .
Post by: GnP on 16:39:18, 15/06/23

A Jackdaw today at Llanthony priory in the vale of Ewyas , Wales . I think my food looked quite interesting .

(https://i.postimg.cc/pLp1kjx8/P6151100crop2a.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 16:06:29, 29/06/23
Late last summer we had a bit of excitement when an Avocet turned up at a local reserve in Filey. This year they have upped their game and we now have four chicks, the first time they have ever bred here. I spent a great morning watching them along with a family of Reed Warblers this morning. Great days.


(https://i.ibb.co/QQv3HxJ/P1190449.jpg)


(https://i.ibb.co/KNdYGwL/P1190468.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:52:40, 12/07/23
Nice photo of the avocet and chicks! Only ever seen them once, Titchwell Reserve in Norfolk.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:54:53, 12/07/23
Two anxious mothers in the Cairngorms. I saw the chicks of both too, but they were far too camera shy.


(https://i.ibb.co/h2J7cpc/268.jpg)
Red Grouse on the northern approaches to the Lairig Ghru. She had 3 chicks about half her size!

(https://i.ibb.co/VqjFTmK/216.jpg)
Ptarmigan hen on the slopes of Ben Macdui. She had 4 well grown chicks. Perfect camouflage amongst the granite boulders.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:59:46, 13/07/23
Walking along misty Northumberland Coast yesterday got chatting to a bird watcher who was here to see a Grey Headed Lapwing ... he told me it was first ever known sighting in this country, it normally migrates from Malaysia/India to China/Japan at this time of year! Seriously lost its way, had been here resting for five days! Didn't manage to see it for myself, too misty, he showed me a photo....


A large area of Beach near Long Nanny was fenced off for Little Terns nesting, young guy was on duty 9 - 5 keeping eyes out and replacing fence posts which keep getting pulled out by sea!


Lovely walk, will have to go back when sun shining!


Awful news about a quarter of the nesting artic tern chicks at Long Nanny being wiped out by avian flu, over 600 of them.
Title: Cormorants on the River Dart , Devon .
Post by: GnP on 18:24:14, 29/07/23

Now all look this way !

(https://i.postimg.cc/6pmYnXYB/Cormorants.jpg)
Title: Roof top protest
Post by: GnP on 20:03:16, 29/07/23

 ;)

 (https://i.postimg.cc/RVXdT3cz/roof-top-protest.jpg)
Title: Black Swans at Dawlish .
Post by: GnP on 18:47:21, 31/07/23

We sat under a tree in the rain today watching Black Swans feeding around Dawlish Water (The Brook) . A privilege .

(https://i.postimg.cc/tCZgMzMH/Black-Swan-Dawlish.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 20:44:35, 13/08/23
(https://i.postimg.cc/zGrRmqHx/IMG-5366.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kBT5K3cS)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 15:31:37, 17/08/23
This young Cuckoo dropped in at a local reserve yesterday and seems to have settled in while it fattens itself up ready for a long flight to Africa.


(https://i.ibb.co/mzk7T6P/P1200027.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 17:29:58, 06/12/23

Although Red Kites appear to fly quite nonchalantly in the sky above, I never have much luck in getting a good shot from below. It seems to me they avoid flying directly above pesky walkers at all costs. ???

 This beauty was gliding around near the village of Ebrington in Gloucestershire today.

(https://i.postimg.cc/x8d8m4PX/Red-Kiteaa-Sharper.jpg)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 22:41:16, 06/12/23
Fantastic photo GnP, must be proud of that one!


Once had a Red Kite just over an arms length from my head with it’s talons spread out, as it neared my head!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: lostme1 on 08:38:55, 07/12/23
Cracking photo GnP
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:21:47, 07/12/23
Excellent, GnP. O0


What a beautiful bird.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: GnP on 10:23:12, 07/12/23
Fantastic photo GnP, must be proud of that one!


Once had a Red Kite just over an arms length from my head with it’s talons spread out, as it neared my head!
That must have been rather alarming and exciting in equal measure.  :)
The amount of joy I get from watching these wonderful creatures is huge. I sat on a stile drinking coffee, which was about the only dryish spot in the whole of Gloucestershire yesterday, and watched them effortlessly glide away.
Cracking photo GnP
Excellent, GnP. O0


What a beautiful bird.
Thanks both. I love Red Kites because of their size, colours and the way they circle, almost endlessly and at quite low levels at times.  O0
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 11:59:03, 07/12/23
That must have been rather alarming and exciting in equal measure.  :) 


It was the other way round…. exciting, when it first occurred, feeling the draft from it’s huge wings as it backed off, then alarming when I thought it could have ripped my face off!
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Dodgylegs on 13:05:10, 17/12/23
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsKzcnhx/temp-Imagebn-N4lx.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sBtXrDxk)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 15:04:16, 17/12/23
Are those Knot birds?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Pendraig on 15:19:37, 17/12/23
They're sandpipers, I think, given the wee notch on the shoulder.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Pendraig on 20:05:52, 20/12/23
No photo, I'm afraid, but I was delighted to come across a pair of Red Grouse yesterday on my off-piste easterly route from Raise en route to the Ruined Chimney. We spent a good few minutes staring at each other.

I will never get used to the lack of wildlife in the Lakeland fells. I treasure ever piece of mature woodland. I am grateful that progress is being made here and there. Small, slow steps, but I would dearly love it to be faster; not rushed, just faster.


Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: WhitstableDave on 14:55:15, 26/12/23
Not from a walk, but spotted just now on our front lawn...

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/8444/sabDCH.jpg)

What a treat!  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 00:47:27, 13/02/24
Pretending to be Penguins


(https://i.postimg.cc/Xv4KwFP7/20240213-104036.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 00:51:25, 13/02/24
Does this go under birds or beasts?
(https://i.postimg.cc/t4HM7Bhs/20240213-111256.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: BuzyG on 10:52:19, 13/02/24
Not from a walk, but spotted just now on our front lawn...

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/8444/sabDCH.jpg)

What a treat!  :)


And a very pleasant one at that.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:47:54, 14/02/24
(https://i.ibb.co/VBw6tZj/101.jpg)


Singing its little heart out on top of a 10 metre high conifer at the start of my wander up Dunnerdale on Monday.


Edit - Song or Mistle Thrush?
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Pendraig on 21:32:11, 14/02/24
Edit - Song or Mistle Thrush?
Song.

Yellow-buff chest.
Arrow-head spots – Mistles' are rounded.

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:38:05, 14/02/24
Song.

Yellow-buff chest.
Arrow-head spots – Mistles' are rounded.


Thanks - as I suspected, but wasn't quite sure. The arrow heads really are quite pronounced, even on my pixelly photo. I knew that I could rely upon the good people of this forum. :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 07:08:18, 21/02/24
Here’s a Weka.  Friendly guys who have been known to mistake bootlaces for worms.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5tC8VH4y/20240220-101451.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)


(https://i.postimg.cc/9fbCzbFn/20240220-101500.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Jac on 15:23:48, 21/02/24
It does look as if it finds life a bit confusing :(
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:25:55, 23/02/24
My wife saw a sparrowhawk attacking and trying to kill a blackbird in a neighbours garden recently, she was actually a little upset by it, nature in the raw, but the presence of sparrowhawks on our doorstep can only be a good thing. No photos, sadly! Or maybe just as well.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: lostme1 on 09:00:19, 23/02/24
No picture but at the weekend I had a pheasant in my garden. I live in a town not the countryside, is this unusual.
Plenty of urban foxes damaging the garden but never an urban pheasant before.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: jimbob on 20:14:42, 23/02/24
Bump
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 08:12:42, 24/02/24
Deleted
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Mel on 18:56:08, 26/02/24
Saw these in Whitby yesterday. Any ideas what they are?


(https://i.postimg.cc/8PG05xzR/2024-02-26-182636-1.png)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: andybr on 19:18:19, 26/02/24
Turnstones Mel. And not camera shy at all. I assume that you were next to Whitby lighthouse.

Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: Mel on 19:23:46, 26/02/24
Thanks Andy. Yes, I was heading onto the West Pier  :)
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:10:14, 12/03/24
No photos, I'm afraid, but we heard bitterns booming at Leighton Moss reserve north of Lancaster on Sunday, amazing low frequency sound, like a giant blowing over the top of a huge milk bottle.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: ninthace on 18:22:50, 12/03/24
I heard them there over 50 years ago - good to know they are still there,  It is one of those sounds, like snipe drumming, that is really hard to localise.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:54:26, 12/03/24
Snipe drumming will forever remind me of Unst.
Title: Re: The Birds, the birds.
Post by: rambling minster on 13:07:32, 13/03/24
Snipe drumming will forever remind me of Unst.


Skye for me. A sound that is difficult to forget. I wouldn't have known what it was but for my brother telling me.


And I heard bittern at Blacktoft Sands last week.