JT's Photoblog

Back to the car park - 27 Feb 2012

2012-02-27T22:21:00.001Z

I returned to the watermead Car park yesterday, One of the early visitors was a grey Squirrel, although he never actually came to the feeding post. I guess it was just too close to the car for him.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ 7.1, iso 800, 210mm

Then Mr and Mrs Chaffinch took it in turns to visit, Neither stopped long enough for the Robin to bully them.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/50 @ 7.1, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/80 @ 7.1, iso 800, 400mm

The robin was on and off the post all the time I was there, but having thrown off the food he didn't like and taken all the meal worm, he then had a search round below in case he'd dropped any.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/50 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Territorial disputes, Watermead Park - 20 February 2012.

2012-02-20T18:30:00.002Z

It's been a while since I last posted, one or two health problems. I asked a friend to post some of his pictures but for some unaccountable reason he thought it was a weird suggestion. I just thought it would help me and at the same time give him some publicity for his website. But there you go some people have some strange ideas.

Maja took Skipper for a walk from Meadow lane car park at Watermead park yesterday. I wasn't fit enough for a walk, so I stayed with the car. I put bird feed on two of the fence posts and waited - camera poised.

It wasn't long before they started to arrive, the Robin was first and he proceeded to throw out the seeds he didn't like. When he got down to the meal worm he was happy.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ 5.6, iso 1600, 400mm

A blue tit followed, but he had to make "flying visits" (scuse pun), every time he landed the Robin went for him.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 170mm

The Chaffinch was next and despite it's size the Robin still had a go at him every time he landed.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 170mm

The Great Tit was the fastest feeder, he was difficult to get the camera onto before he was gone, you can see he didn't stop flapping while he was selecting his food.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ 5.6, iso 1600, 170mm

If you like what you see here and have any pictures you would like to see on this blog, feel free to email them to me with the same sort of info that you can see on my pictures and if they are suitable I will post them. As you can see it's mainly wildlife but if it's of interest I will consider it and of course (unless you prefer to remain anonymous) you will be credited as the photographer.

Confusion - January 2012

2012-01-27T21:50:00.000Z

Wildlife seems a bit confused, it's only January but it's been so warm some are already mating.
Why do the always look as if the male is trying to drown the female?

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/400 @ f5.6, iso 800, 390mm

The grebe seemed more together and the sun was starting to set on the day, giving a golden glow as the lit the lake at a low angle, just before the sunset proper started.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1328 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Not so the geese this gaggle flew in from the south and would set off north the next day, several more gaggles joined them for the overnight rest.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1600 @ f5.6, iso 800, 285mm

Watermead fakes - 13 January 2012

2012-01-15T21:32:00.001Z

A visit to Watermead south turned out quite interesting, first there was this black duck with its white chest. On closer inspection it turned out to be a Monochrome Mallard.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

While I was watching the Mallard a Canada goose nearly ran into my lens as it took off. I'll take a brolly next time.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Then this Goose wandered towards me imitating a Barnacle goose. I might have been fooled if it hadn't been the size of a Canada Goose - making it twice the size it should have been.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 400, 310mm

There seems to be a lot of interbreeding going on around the ponds of Leicestershire.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Further round in the lakes near to Meadow Lane I saw this Shoveller in the golden light of the Sun.

Thornton - 9 Jan 2012

2012-01-09T20:46:00.000Z

Thornton reservoir was as quiet as everywhere else, only the usual birds about and they were not too energetic.

The Barnacle goose a lone regular at the reservoir was strutting about as usual teasing the white goose females

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/125 @ 7.1, iso 1600, 310mm

A good wash and stretch was enough for this mallard male.

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ 7.1, iso 1600, 310mm

All quiet at Watermead

2012-01-07T12:40:00.001Z

The lakes at Watermead park yesterday looked deserted, there was very little in the way of wild life. What there was were the usual common stuff and not much of them.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/64 @f5.6, iso 1600, 100mm

I rather liked the light on these swans, but they're nothing special,

Christmas Day at the Watermead - 25 December 2011

2011-12-26T12:10:00.001Z

I managed a short walk yesterday before our venison dinner, there were quite a few people out at Watermead park despite the rather grey weather and because of it the light wasn't too good for photography. So you'll have to excuse the images not being up to the standard that I usually try to achieve on the blog.

This first picture is not at all good for focus etc. but I have included it as it shows a cormorant in full breeding plumage - on Christmas Day!!!

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

That's one very confused bird - let's hope there are no receptive females or, when the cold weather comes the chicks might not survive.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 250mm

These two Mallard obviously did not have the Christmas spirit, they had a bit of a ding-dong over a bit of bread that was thrown in close to where I was standing.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/80 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

One bird that can always be counted on to raise the spirits - this Robin was sitting in the hedge by the car park belting out its sweet song. I don't care what people like Chris Packham say, what other reason could the Robin have for singing at this time of year, if not for enjoyment?

Happy Yule and a good New Year - 23 December 2011

2011-12-23T18:17:00.001Z

The weather isn't looking good for the holiday

so I chose a couple of last years pictures that feel a bit seasonal

The first is at the Highwoods in Essex

And the Robin was on a gate at Watermead Park.

Have a good Yule Tide and a happy New Year

Another post at last - 21 December 2011

2011-12-21T17:24:00.001Z

What a difference a year makes, this time last year we had snow and frosts, ice on the lakes and lots of unusual visitors. This year, hardly anything out of the ordinary and a lot of mud. Coupled with dull days it has not been the year for wildlife photography. Adding to that my poor health and I've taken very few pictures this year.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens

1/125 @ 6.3, iso 400, 380mm

I did manage to get out to Watermead Park South and caught this female Scaup, I couldn't see the male. It has been pointed out to me via a comment from Midlandsbirder that this is not a scaup it is a hybrid probably with a female Tufty - ah well we all make mistakes sometimes - thanks MB

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens

1/160 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

A few geese took flight from the island and came to land quire close to the car park giving us a nice view of the underside. I'm hoping to get out more over the holidays

found - the missing birds 17 November 2011

2011-11-18T22:52:00.002Z

The lakes at Watermead park have been empty this autumn if you compare them with the bird life from this time last year.

But Yesterday I went to Watermead South (near the Melton Road/Soar Valley Way corner). I don't go there very often because there's usually too many people.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/250 @ f5.6, iso 400, 100mm

Here you could almost walk across the lake on birds, the area in front of the car park was so crowded and a large part of the car park was filled with Canada Geese.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/160 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The Gulls found it crowded as well and seemed to be taking turns to rest on the fence posts.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 3200, 400mm

I was sitting on the rocks close to the waters edge, taking close ups of ducks and swans, when I became aware that this Heron had landed within 15 feet of me. It didn't seem to notice me, even though I was wearing a plain green wax jacket and dark trousers. Just shows you don't really need all the cammo gear.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

He stood there for at least ten minutes and didn't move until my wife and dog walked along the path towards him (he was between them and me). Then he took off and flew slowly past me at a nice distance for some pictures.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1600 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

They aren't quite as sharp as I would have liked, but the his ISO explains why. As soon as we arrived at the lake the sun took a dive behind some clouds and I had to keep winding it up.

Kelham Bridge - 6 November 2011

2011-11-07T14:18:00.000Z

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/50 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

A visit to Kelham Bridge proved quite interesting, the first hide there was some activity on the water but a young mother arrived and pointing sideways through the viewing window whispered to her child "look there, it's a pheasant."

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/64 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

I had been so distracted by the water that I hadn't noticed the bird feeders under the trees to my right. The female pheasant, being too big and ungainly to hang from the feeders was scavenging for anything the smaller birds and squirrel might drop.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/125 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The acrobatics of the squirrel were next to catch our attention as he climbed all over the swinging basket of nuts.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/125 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

He was mobbed several times by a coal tit, unfortunately the tit was flying so fast and from different angles and I didn't manage to get a picture of it hitting the squirrel.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/125 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

You would think it would hurt the bird more than the squirrel, but the tit was clever and only seemed to hit the ears and the tail, enough to be annoying but not hurt itself.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/100 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The Blue Tits were quite happy with the fat balls and kept away from the squirrel.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The sun started to slip from the sky and I was thinking about leaving when I noticed a Moorhen trying to pull out a feed

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/25 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm, flash

On the way back to the car, I could see a shadow in the bushes which seemed to be keeping pace with us. So I let Maja and Skipper walk on ahead and as I waited, this Robin popped out onto a post.

More Deer at Bradgate park - 1 November 2011

2011-11-02T18:55:00.000Z

I make no excuses for going back to Bradgate park again, I was hoping to catch the last of the Rut. But Although we heard a few calls there was no fighting and we think the Rut is finished.

It didn't stop me finding some pictures though and this Fallow Deer Stag looked worn out, but later he got up and started feeding.

It was a long time before he raised his head so I could get a picture.

Another stag came close but there was no antagonism, so I guess that shows the rut is over.

The Reds were further into the park close to the bridge opposite Lady Jane Gray's house. This one was standing guard over his ladies and was unchallenged another indication that we won't get any more rut pictures this year.

These deer were grazing on the side of Lady Jane's House.

Bradgate park - the Rut - 24 October 2011

2011-10-26T15:05:00.000+01:00

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 800, 235mm

From immediately inside the park gates the deer were out in force, this young Fallow deer was keeping out of the way, the Rut can be a dangerous time for anyone getting in the way. Whereas the stag below was taking part - even if we was still a bit young to be successful.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

The Red deer stag below looks like a veteran of many Ruts and when I got his picture he was hiding under a tree, maybe stopped to catch his breath.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 800, 170mm

This one looks like he's at his best, he's standing by a group of females and roaring out his challenge to anyone who thinks they might be hard enough.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 375mm

Kelham Bridge - 15 October 2011

2011-10-16T18:40:00.001+01:00

Skipper is well again and we celebrated by taking him out to Kelham Bridge, near Ibstock. The first hide was pretty deserted, the only birds being across the other side of the pool.

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/1600 @ f6.3, iso 800, 250mm

But Skipper enjoyed running about on the grass paths and at the second hide, there were quite a few people and lots of birds. Apparently we just missed a Kingfisher and a water Rail, but while we were watching for pictures I noticed this rock, which with its reflection made a good picture.

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

A moorhen, standing on the raised ground near a wooden post, needed to flap so it wouldn't overbalance and as luck would have it, I was watching it through the camera at the time.

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Then I spotted a Teal (going into eclipse) and as he was posing thought it worth a picture. While Maja took Skipper on a bit further, I stayed in the hide but the Kingfisher didn't return, we thought we heard him calling but he didn't put in an appearance while I was there.

Trials of skipper - 10 september 2011

2011-10-10T18:45:00.001+01:00

I've been a bit short on trips out recently, Skipper cut one of his back paws on something we didn't see. It wasn't till he got into the car and he left blood on the seat that we knew anything about it.

We took him to the vet where they knocked him out and stitched him up, he was great not chewing the bandage at all. But now they've took the bandage off, he's started worrying at it.

The Birds are Back in Town - 26 September 2011

2011-09-27T15:57:00.001+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

We'd only just got out of the car at Watermead car-park when this Robin came to have a look at us, he was only a couple of metres away but didn't seem at all perturbed about us being there,

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

We gave him a reward for posing, in the shape of some wild bird food and he was happy to look at the camera and pose.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Of course, as soon as the seed was out the Tits started to show up, there was a Blue Tit but he flew in at great speed, grabbed a nut and flew out again before I could get his picture. This Great Tit was more obliging as he sat watching the Robin picking the seed that had fallen to the floor.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Round on the lakes there was a variety of the usual waterbirds plus pochard and gadwall all too far away to photograph. But more surprising was the group of Shovellors - they were too far away to get great pictures but these two are acceptable.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Kirby Muxloe Castle - 23 September 2011

2011-09-25T20:13:00.000+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 100mm

A wander round Kirby Muxloe Castle showed the usual selection of birds, a few canada geese, mallard, coots and moorhens. The Moorhens usually stay on the island and out of harms way.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

and this female was no exception, strutting around like the lady of the manor.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

If she was the Lady than this Heron was certainly the Captain of the guard, he stood watch on three of the four corners. Unfortunately he chose the very moment that I was sneaking between trees for a closer shot, to dive for a fish and although I saw him do it I was in no position to take a picture.

Rain Stops Play - 18 Sept 2011

2011-09-18T22:31:00.000+01:00

We walked most of the way round Sence Valley Country Park, stopped at the hide where there was a variety of the common visitors, swans, coots, mallards etc. Along the back path where there are often butterflies and dragonflies, but I think they knew what was coming and were hiding.

Down to the top lake where the inhabitants seemed to want to stay between the camera and the sun so no chance of a decent picture.

It wasn't until we were most of the way round the horseshoe lake, retreating from the beginnings of the rainstorm, that we saw our first subject. This Heron, sitting on weed in the middle of the lake.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ F6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Then I noticed a little Grebe near the side of the concrete runway and turned the camera to get a picture, unfortunately the Heron chose that moment to relocate to a tree at the side of the lake and I missed the flight .... ahh well.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2000 @ F6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Shortly after that the rain got heavier and just as we shut the doors the view disappeared in a deluge. That was the end of the walk, there wouldn't be any more pictures today.

Fly against the wind - 12 September 2011

2011-09-13T15:41:00.000+01:00

Most of the birds at Watermead south were hiding from hurricane Katia, but as I walked back towards the car park I spotted Paul (alula site see link) sitting in the bottom of a ditch and pointing his camera into the air. Unfortunately Skipper saw him before he saw Skipper and he was suddenly engulfed by wet fur, excited dog and long wet tongue. I think Skipper regards Paul as part of his extended pack, he's always excited to see him.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ 7.1, iso 800, 100mm

Paul had noticed that the birds were flying between the raised grass islands near the car-park and the lake. But as they returned to the lake they were flying into the wind so they were flying much more slowly, making it easier to take photos.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 160mm

Nor were Mallard the only ones, the Canada Geese were having fun as well.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/80000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 180mm

And the white domestic geese.

Not for the squeamish - 8 Sept 2011

2011-09-09T18:14:00.002+01:00

An occasional alternative place for us to visit, usually when we have something to do in Loughborough, is Charnwood Water which we visited yesterday. It is quite popular with some of the more common waterbirds, but as we sat in the car looking out towards the lake we saw some very rapid movements on the bank.

Warning! Don't look if you're scared of rats.

TOO LATE!

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

The wild Brown rat (Rattus Norwegicus) the common rat in the UK. When you see him in the wild, you see a sleek, well groomed animal in his proper place.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

I stood quite close to this family of rats, watching them running back and forward along the lake side. As long as I didn't move too much they weren't at all bothered by my presence. There was a large male, a smaller female and three young. They all darted for cover when someone walked by with a dog, but soon came out again when they'd gone. The family were feeding on a variety of things, but their favourite seemed to be bread pieces that had gone astray when thrown to the ducks.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

We were sitting in the car having our lunch when we noticed a squirrel on the roof of the public conveniences, it sat in the guttering for a while feeding on something we couldn't see. Then descended to the path. I took the camera out again but the squirrel seemed to have disappeared.

After a few minutes it reappeared from a bush and sat eating something, that's always a good photo opportunity. But then I noticed the teats were prominent and that combined with her size must mean she is soon to give birth. We'll be going back there in a few weeks to see if there are any young ones about.

Thornton desert - 5 September 2011

2011-09-06T13:02:00.000+01:00

We had a look at Thornton again yesterday, there were quite a few of the more common birds about but we thought that might be because the reservoir is getting lower and squeezing them into a smaller area. The weeds in the dried out areas are up to about 2 feet high (60 cms if you prefer the new fangled stuff).

One good thing though, the old Barnacle Goose that has been around the reservoir for a few years, but not seen for a few months, returned. He was being followed around by a cortege of white goose admirers.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

And on a rock nearby a Gull was presenting us with the perfect 'postcard' pose.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This dry weather seems to have some beneficiaries though, this farmer was getting his crop in easily.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Where have all the birdies gone - 1 sept 2011

2011-09-02T18:43:00.001+01:00

I'm having difficulties finding interesting birds at the moment, several walks round Watermead, Blackbrook and Thornton and all I have to show for it is A few Butterfly pics and a Dragonfly. I may have to try something different in the future if things don't pick up.

However there were quite a few Speckled Woods fluttering by yesterday.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

And mixing it with them was this Gold Banded Dragonfly, which settled on a leaf to sunbathe

I haven't been bored however, I spent a lot of time tidying and updating my website

www.books4reading.com

And uploading my books to Amazon to make them available to the public

Life at the old Pool - 24 August 2011

2011-08-25T12:41:00.000+01:00

We decided to go for a walk by the lake at Watermead south yesterday, we haven't been there since they closed the car park for resurfacing, which is strange since we usually park at the other side, in Birstall, so we can avoid the traffic. The car park though has been finished for some time and looks quite smart.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ f5.6, iso 400, 170mm

The usual birds were in evidence, nothing unusual, and there were a few people feeding them. This Canada goose flew straight towards me before swinging off and landing by the rails.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 170mm

With the wind in the direction it was blowing from (ESE) the goose looked like it was flying in slow-motion and gave me plenty of opportunity for photos.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 800, 170mm

Water water - nowhere - 18 August 2011

2011-08-20T13:10:00.001+01:00

The two pictures above tell their own story, this was the sight that greeted us at Thornton Reservoir. Both are showing areas, of the middle of the reservoir, that this time last year were covered in water.
There were few birds and of them most were Mallards and Coots, with a few tufty's and a couple of Grebe. it was a sorry sight and even the Squirrels weren't raiding the bird feeder.

Lets hope we get some serious rain soon!

Distracted - 17 August 2011

2011-08-17T13:58:00.000+01:00

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ramblin-Jacks-Bawdy-Tales-ebook/dp/B005HG4Y22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313577105&sr=8-1

I've been a bit distracted from photography for a couple of weeks, but now my book has been released on Kindle, I can get back to it.

The book is available at the link above and if you don't have Kindle you can get a FREE download from Amazon that emulates a Kindle Reader.

"Ramblin Jack's Bawdy Tales" by John Gwynant (my pen name) is about the risque adventures of the inhabitants of a fictitious English Village 'Lurking in the Wolds'.

A second 'Lurking' book will be out soon, but will be slightly more serious.

I'm going out this afternoon to see what wildlife is about, so another post tomorrow - hopefully.

Watermead Park - 6 August 2011

2011-08-07T20:56:00.000+01:00

Watermead was a bit more lively yesterday, with a variety of wildlife showing itself.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

The orange tip females were first to show and there seemed to be a lot of them, strange though, no males that we saw.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1600 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Then this Red Admiral showed up and settled on a few places where I could get it's picture, nice to see a bit of colour after all the white wings of the orange tips.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

A bee joined them and hovered for a second when my lens was pointing in her direction.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/5312 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

As I approached the hole in the wall hide I could see this Heron, but as I got closer I could see a Little Egret and when the Heron saw it, he took off. After he left another Little Egret arrived and a few minutes later a third landed. It looks like they've decided to settle here.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

A short walk at Watermead - 31 July 2011

2011-08-01T18:36:00.001+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

The Lakes at Watermead were so quiet, I thought I would only get a few photos of Mallard and Swans. But this Hoverfly decided to settle for a moment and allow his pic to be taken.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

When I first saw this mother with her chicks I didn't realise what she was so I took a picture anyway. It wasn't till I got home and put it on the iMac that I realised it was a Scaup.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/160 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This Heron seemed unconcerned that it was standing in a position that allowed a good view of it from the path. Then it opened it's beak and gave us a good view of the rather odd shaped tongue.

Getting back to it! - 28 July 2011

2011-07-28T18:24:00.000+01:00

Not fully fit yet, but I've started taking short walks and pictures when there's anything about.

Canon EOS 7d, EF100 - 400m L Lens
1/3200 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This cygnet has been trained well by its parents, as soon as it saw us at the water's edge, it came across for some food.

Canon EOS 7d, EF100 - 400m L Lens
1/2000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This little monster decided to settle close to us, only another dragonfly could love that face

Canon EOS 7d, EF100 - 400m L Lens
1/800 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Lots of butterflies about, this speckled wood was flitting about at great speed, but eventually set down for a rest.

Canon EOS 7d, EF100 - 400m L Lens
1/2000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

and this Comma was sunning itself when we passed.

Canon EOS 7d, EF100 - 400m L Lens
1/2000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

And a bit further round the same bush a common blue damselfly was doing the same.

Canon EOS 7d, EF100 - 400m L Lens
1/64 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

The waterlillies are starting to look at their best, but there wasn't much in the way of birds to see. Maybe they've gone on holiday.

something different - 16 July 2011

2011-07-16T20:49:00.001+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF - s 60mm
1/800 @ 7.1, iso 1600, 60mm

I had to go to hospital on Thursday for a minor op, so it'll be a few days before I can get out with the camera again.

I decided to post this Ammonite to show I'm still about.

Butterflies and bugs - 7 July 2011

2011-07-09T12:50:00.000+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This Speckled Wood butterfly took some keeping up with, it seemed hyper active, hopping from plant to plant and not stopping for more than a couple of seconds on each. But eventually it settled and spread it wings in the sunshine, giving me a chance to get the picture.

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

While I was taking the picture of the Speckled Wood, this fly came and settled nearby so I took it's picture as well.

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

A bit further along and this female Orange Tipped White was too busy taking the nectar to care what I was doing with my camera.

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

At Moorhen Marsh a coot parent was feeding its chick, looking at the head of the chick I suddenly realised where the saying "bald as a coot" comes from. It's remarkable to see such a belligerent bird as a coot, which will ague with anything in its area, being so tender when it feeds its chick.

Canon EOS 7d, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I took some pictures of Teasels and it wasn't until I was at home looking at the pictures on the computer that I noticed this little monster, it looks like something out of a kids monster comic. But in fact it is the Larva stage of a Seven Spot Ladybird, it seems strange that it is bigger than the adult form.

An unusual visitor - 3 July 2011

2011-07-03T22:28:00.000+01:00

A walk at Watermead today and first thing was to check on the grebe nest. The mother seemed very settled and comfortable, so i would think the egg is safe under her.I think it's due to hatch towards the end of next week. The mother was very low and didn't look like a good picture, so we'll have to wait for some pictures.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Walking on there wasn't much happening until I reached the Hole in the Wall hide and a glance through the gap showed this young Grey Heron. He seemed quite happy to pose and allowed me to take a lot of pics.

Then a flurry of white feathers announced an arrival, at first I thought it was a gull arriving. But it was soon obvious that it was a Little Egret.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm

Not a common bird so far inland, they usually prefer coastal waters, but before long a second one arrived. Unfortunately it went behind the reeds and flew out again when the first one flew at it.

Grey after the heat - 28 June 2011

2011-06-28T21:27:00.000+01:00

Well after the heat of earlier in the week, today was quite grey and when we arrived by the worcester avenue entrance to the lake, there were few birds in sight.

I decided to sit at the moorhen marsh and wait, it was quiet and warm with a slight breeze, quite a pleasant place to sit. I could see a grebe in the distance, he was swimming across and back at a safe distance. A family of mute swans swam out at a similar distance and while I was distracted with a heron, flying into the reeds at the other end of the lake the grebe came closer. I watched him grooming for a while then shaking himself.

As he came closer he continued grooming so I got the camera ready and before long he obliged :

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ 5.6, iso 1600, 350mm

It was worth waiting for and you can see his crest hanging down like a black head scarf.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ 5.6, iso 1600, 350mm

Then the area started to live up to it's name and, between the coots, several moorhens started to appear.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ 5.6, iso 1600, 350mm

As I was leaving, a miniature frog showed itself, briefly, then disappeared into the undergrowth before I could take its picture.

Kelham Bridge - 22 June 2011

2011-06-23T22:21:00.000+01:00

A short walk at Kelham Bridge, in bright sunshine and there was plenty to be seen. Almost as soon as we were out of the car we started seeing butterflies and hoverflies. We also saw a Kestrel, but although I got a photo of it, it was too far away and the image wasn't good enough to reproduce here.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm
1/640 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

I saw this hoverfly flitting from flower to flower until it finally settled and I was able to take this photo.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm
1/1328 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm
1/400 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were keen to catch the rays of the warming sun and easy to get pictures of. Although I had just achieved focus on one, which had settled on the path in front of me, when Skipper rushed back to see why I'd stopped and very nearly trampled it.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm
1/800 @ 6-3, iso 400, 400mm

In one of the hides, there was the usual friendly greeting from the locals and a chat about what had been happening. Then as we were watching a Buzzard in the distance, this Heron decided it would be a good idea to balance on a post. It didn't look comfortable and had to keep flapping to maintain it's balance. After a while it flew to the next post, but suffering the same problems there, it disappeared while the Buzzard was holding our attention.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm
1/2656 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Although this picture isn't perfect, it is as close as the Buzzard came to the hide, I intend to go back and try to get closer to it's hunting area.

A dull day at Watermead - 19 June 2011

2011-06-20T21:17:00.000+01:00

We had walked most of the way round the lakes before Anything presented itself for my camera. Skipper and I had stopped at the picnic table at the south end of the Worcester Crescent lake, when this Coot family started to feed in front of us.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/4000 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1600 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

And when Mother Coot ran out of food, down she went again, diving to bring up more.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2656 @ 6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

I dont think her chick was too keen on his mother diving over him/her.

More wet days - 17 June 2011

2011-06-18T21:27:00.000+01:00

With the rain coming down, a quick dash round Watermead was all we managed and even then there wasn't much wildlife showing.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

A female mallard brought her two offspring over towards us, obviously trying to teach them how to beg for food.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

This Green teasel looked different, I usually don't see them until they've gone brown.

Here's hoping things will improve soon and the wildlife will come out again.

A surprise at Thornton - 16 June 2011

2011-06-16T23:09:00.000+01:00

A trip to Thornton Reservoir started out fairly boring, there was very little wildlife even the squirrel wasn't there to rob the bird feeder. I was about halfway along the west side before I saw this Ringlet butterfly, it was accompanied by another brown butterfly but I haven't been able to identify that one.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I watched a pair of grebe necking for a while, but they were too far away for decent pictures, martins were skimming the fields and water but too quick for me to get focus on them. I'd resigned myself to look for butterflies and was some way back towards the car park, before I saw a black and white shape on the shore.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2656 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

It wasn't until it turned round that I realised I was looking at an Oyster Catcher, a rarity for us, being so far inland.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/4000 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

After a few minutes it took off and flew along the reservoir and I didn't see it again - maybe it went to look for the sea. Anyway what looked like an unpromising outing suddenly became very interesting and I entered the Oyster catcher on the record of unusual sightings in the local garden centre.

A note on equipment; I wear a Tilley Hat (you can see it on the photo of me in the right hand column). It is a well made Canadian hat, made of cotton. The brim, when it gets wet, goes stiff so it guides the rain away from your face. The reason I'm telling you this is, mine recently developed a small hole so I emailed them and a replacement will be posted to me first thing tomorrow. Tilley have a Life time guarantee - not the life time of the owner, but the life time of the hat. You can Will them on to your beneficiaries when you pop your clogs. I think I might take mine with me when I go :o)

A wet afternoon at Watremead - 15 June 2011

2011-06-16T13:07:00.000+01:00

It was very much a dash out, with skipper, between showers. It seemed to be clearing and I put my coat on, but by the time I got to the door it was raining again.

I had to visit Paul on the side of the river and decided to go in to Watermead from Mill lane rather than battle with the rush hour traffic and I'm glad I did.

The weather seemed to have improved and I was standing next to the first lake after the bridge when I heard a bird singing, camera at the ready I scanned the bushes next to me. I couldn't see any sign of the songster until I looked up and realised he was sitting on a prominent branch in full view and still singing his heart out.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

He is a Reed Bunting and stayed there singing for about five minutes before moving to another branch and repeating his song, his next move put him out of sight on the other side of the bush.

Then the light started to change and the bird life seemed to mostly disappear. I carried on round the lakes then this happened.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2656 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 100mm

And the heavens opened, I followed a thine of over-hanging trees to the hole in the wall hide then round the to the main path and back to the car. I did try some pics of a Little grebe, but it was too far away and the the darkness of the clouds meant they didn't work out, so I deleted them.

Watermead Park - 14 June 2011

2011-06-15T12:26:00.000+01:00

After a battle through the undergrowth I was able to get a bit closer to the Grebe nest and without disturbing them get some better pictures.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Again there wasn't a lot of bird activity, but this teasel looked interesting in the sunshine.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

One one of the lakes that are only separated by the footpath, these Canada Geese were out in force, but paddling along slowly enough for the goslings to keep up.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2656 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Then on the path back to the car park, these cygnets were taking an afternoon siesta while the parents stood watch.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

I had some problems getting skipper past them, but fortunately he is well behaved around wildlife and walked slowly until he was level with them, then with a few hisses from the adults he rushed away along the path and waited while I took some photos.

Kelham Bridge - 13 June 2011

2011-06-15T00:07:00.000+01:00

At Kelham Bridge there were a few people in one of the hides and there was a friendly atmosphere. Unfortunately it wasn't very busy with birds this afternoon. There was a mute swan family right next to the hide and a few coots. A pair Little Grebe were on the far side of the pool but slowly came closer and I was able to get a couple of photos.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/5312 @ f6.3, iso 800, 380mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/4000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 390mm

I took a couple of shots of bees on the way out and although there was plenty of birdsong I didn't see anything else.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Morning at Watermead - 13 June 2011

2011-06-13T23:07:00.001+01:00

A morning visit to Watermead Park and the birds were a bit more active than they have been in the afternoons.

Beside one of the picnic areas on the lake near Worcester crescent, a Coot was chastising her fledgling.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I don't know what it had done, maybe become a rebellious teenager (a Kevin for those who follow Harry Enfield).

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I know it looks like she's drowning it, but the young one was happily feeding a few moments later.

Then I was distracted by a disturbance at the far end of the lake, near Moorhen Marsh. A dog had run down to the water for a swim and scared a whole lot of Canada Geese into the water. Unfortunately for them, a belligerent swan then attacked them and put them into the air.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I could only get a few of them in the lens, but that one swan harassed all of them until they flew into another lake.

I was nearly back at the car-park when I spotted a pair of Great Crested Grebe making a nest. I looked away for a few seconds as a Heron flew over and when I looked back, the grebe had laid an egg.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

I'll have to watch them for a few weeks see if they manage to hatch it, I think they are inexperienced parents because they left the egg several times for several minutes at a time.

When I returned to the car, this squirrel was sitting on a nearby fence post.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

It ignored Skipper and didn't move until I clicked the remote and all the doors unlocked, then it scampered up a nearby tree.

In the Afternoon I went to Kelham Bridge but I haven't processed the pictures yet so will post that tomorrow.

The Young Ones - 10 June 2011

2011-06-10T23:03:00.001+01:00

Watermead Park seems to be full of chicks at the moment, they're everywhere. These Mallard Chicks where in the corner of the lake next to the car park.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

And a little further round on the lake lake near Worcester Crescent, this Coot was feeding her brood.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

By way of a change there was a lot of bee and wasp activity and I caught this bee hopping between meals of pollen.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f 6.3, iso 800, 400mm

I have added some more photos to my Flikr site (see the link at the right of the screen) some from here and some previously unpublished. I will be updating that regularly so keep looking. Also if you haven't seen them all ready don't forget that clicking on "Older Posts" at the bottom of the page will take you to more pictures.

Thornton Reservoir 7 June 2011

2011-06-08T11:52:00.000+01:00

The Reservoir is very low at the moment, we really need some rain. I heard that Thornton is no longer being topped up, it will have to wait for rain to fill it - going to be a lot of rain.

The wildlife is still there though and this Speckled Wood butterfly was basking in the sunshine.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2656 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Down on the exposed mud a Pied Wagtail was taking advantage of a place he can't normally see and seemed to be finding plenty to eat.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

A Robin flew across the path in front of me and settled in a tree, he seemed to be posing and showing off his collection of food.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Close to the fishing lodge a squirrel was taking advantage of the bird feeder and his comic antics kept us amused for a while, they are incredible acrobats.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ f5.6, iso 1600, 400mm

A quiet day at Watermead park - 4 June 2011

2011-06-06T11:52:00.000+01:00

There wasn't a lot of wildlife in evidence at Watermead today, a couple of nests were a bit confusing though.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f10, iso 800, 275mm

Like this one they were both coots nest last week, but they're now occupied by mallards with well grown fledgelings.

No such problems with swans though, this sleepy group took their rest on the water.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ f10, iso 800, 400mm

There where quite a few of these butterflies at one point, I thought they were moths at first, but a look at my books showed they were butterflies.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/2000 @ f8, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1328 @ f8, iso 800, 400mm

Here there be monsters - 1 June 2011

2011-06-05T18:28:00.000+01:00

Bug Alert, if you're screamish about Bees, Bugs and moths, I suggest you give this entry a miss.

We went to Castlehill park, between Anstey, and Beaumont Leys. entering from the Anstey Lane end, we heard a lot of bird song but few were evident. About halfway round and as we turned back in the direction of the gate, the footpath passed between waist high cow-parsley and hogweed. both sides there were a variety of insects etc. collecting pollen.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f9.0, iso 400, 400mm

This one was doing particularly well, as the pollen sacks show (the thick creamy yellow round the back legs).

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f9.0, iso 400, 400mm

The next one had obviously just started, there's very little pollen in evidence, but he's busy collecting .

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ f9.0, iso 400, 400mm

This flew across the path and first I thought it was a butterfly, but I soon realised it was a moth, I had to look it up in my books because although it is apparently quite common, I'd never seen one before. It goes by the strange name of a Silver-Ground Carpet moth and should make people re-think their ideas about what a moth should look like - this one was very pretty to look at.

Now for the nasty bug - just kidding - although it looks like the stuff of nightmares, but it probably has a nice personality.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ f9.0, iso 400, 400mm

I think it's a beetle of sorts but have yet to identify it.

My thanks to Paul ( http://alulawildlifephotos.yolasite.com) for suggesting it might belong to the Soldier Beetle family. They look very similar but they seem to have a black tip to their bodies, maybe it's a variant.

Watermead South - 31 May 2011

2011-06-02T12:46:00.000+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

The car park for Watermead South is still closed so we parked at Birstall and walked across the bridge. The first thing we noticed was this huddle of Canada goslings, taking their after lunch nap.

They didn't seem bothered by people walking by, or me taking pictures, but one of the parent birds was keeping an eye on things.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f7.1, iso 800, 180mm

There wasn't much happening in the way of wildlife, but the unusual colours of this mallard female caught my interest.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Most of the way round the lake and Skipper decided to play, he wanted me to throw this log for him.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 400, 100mm

It was more like a small caber from the highland games, but he wouldn't give up and carried for most of the remainder of the walk.

Watermead Park - 30 May 2011

2011-06-01T12:22:00.000+01:00

I went back to Watermead today looking for the Little Grebe which failed to put in an appearance and then a woodpecker that I'd been told about, this also failed to show itself.

However, there was some activity today which started with this Mallard being chased by a coot because it strayed too close to the coots nest. I slowed the speed a bit to get this effect with the spray.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/6 @ f6.3, iso 400, 340mm

Further round we came to, what we've dubbed, Moorhen Marsh. It's a boggy area at the End of the Worcester Crescent lake. There wasn't much happening there until this chick climbed out on to a sand spit and started to dance and jump about, apparently with joy.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

It kept this up for several minutes, then slipped back into the water and swam away. I know people say we shouldn't attribute human emotions to animals, but if that chick wasn't dancing with joy, it was certainly giving a good impression of it.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 310mm

Close to the entrance to Worcester Crescent, this Mallard flew towards me and landed close by, several more swam towards me as if I was going to feed them.

Watermead Park - 24 May 2011

2011-05-26T12:17:00.001+01:00

We went back to Watermead today, hoping to get some more photos of the Little Grebe.

I was just focussing on a Coot chick, when Maja called me over to the side of the pool and pointed to a movement on the surface. I had to be quick and the photos aren't perfect but this is what we saw.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

It was about two feet long and moving quite quickly, friends think it is from the Carp family, I've never been a fish person so I don't know but I did hear there was a ghost carp in one of the pools a couple of years ago.

When it had disappeared we started to walk on and were immediately confronted by a Mallard family with eleven chicks. We were pleased to see them because we think they are the family we saw a couple of weeks ago, but we didn't think she would manage to raise all eleven. They usually lose a few to pike, heron etc.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 400, 100mm

The trouble with them was I could never get a picture with them all in shot, there were always a few delinquents off exploring on their own.

As I walked around the pool looking for the Little Grebe, which never showed up all day, I saw this Bullfinch fly into a bush. Luckily it stopped just inside the outer branches and I was able to get this shot, it's not the best but there was no way to get closer, the lake was between us.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

Time to go home and I made my way to the car park where, on the ground in front of me was a Chaffinch.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

And a few feet away was this fledgling.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

A good tip for taking wildlife pictures - don't put the camera away until you leave the area, you never know when something interesting will pop it's head out.

Watermead Park - 23 May 2011

2011-05-25T15:39:00.000+01:00

The weather looked as if it was going to get wet, but Skipper needs his walk and doesn't seem to worry about getting wet. So Watermead park was decided on. The wind was blowing a hoolie as we arrived at the car park and before we crossed the bridge the rain was coming down in bucket loads, cant really complain we need it.

I walked most of the way round before I took the camera out of the bag. What prompted me was the sight of this mother Coot feeding her babies.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/125 @ f6.3, eos 1600, 400m

The chicks again look bigger than their mother with a head that looks too small for the body.

When they were younger, they really are the Ugly Ducklings, with a face only a mother could love.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, eos 400, 400mm

In the next lake this Grebe and reflection caught my eye.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ f6.3, eos 1600, 400mm

And on the other side of the path, these two Little Grebe were fishing and keeping company with each other. They are so small, I'll have to keep an eye open for their chicks.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/32 @ f6.3, eos 400, 400mm

I saw this Sedge warbler fly into the reeds and waited for it to emerge. When it came it was flying quite fast so apologies for the less than perfect image. I had difficulty keeping it in focus, even with the 7d's tracking facility.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, eos 1600, 400mm

As I crossed the bridge on my way back to the car park at Thurmaston, I spotted this white throat hopping about in a small dead tree. It wouldn't keep still and it was hard to predict where it would jump to next

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ f7.1, eos 1600, 400mm

Kirby Muxloe Castle - 16 May 2011

2011-05-18T22:40:00.000+01:00

A visit to Kirby Muxloe Castle was decided on for our walk and although the castle interior and car-park weren't open in the week, the grounds are.

Through the gate our first sight was some Canada Geese and goslings on the bank close to the main entrance bridge.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 28 - 105 Lens
1/1328 @ 6.3, iso 400, 105mm

This gosling was particularly plucky and came quite close, despite my lying on the ground, to get a goose eye-level picture.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 28 - 105 Lens
1/800 @ 6.3, iso 400, 28mm

It's only a short walk around the castle, we had to take skipper round several times to give him some exercise. But there are nice views of the ruin and the fields beyond.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 28 - 105 Lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 400, 28mm

There were not a lot of people about, just a few walking children and dogs.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 28 - 105 Lens
1/500 @ 6.3, iso 400, 28mm

Maja spotted this pigeon through the old window.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 28 - 105 Lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 400, 105mm

A quiet day at Watermead park - 15 May 2011

2011-05-16T15:08:00.000+01:00

It was a quiet day at Watermead, the weather wasn't ideal for photography and most of the birds seemed to be staying at home in their warm nests. The only picture worth taking on my walk round was this Coot feeding its chick, interesting the way the chick is almost on its side to receive the food.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/125 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

When we got back to the car park, there were a few small birds about, mostly Robins, a Chaffinch and a sparrow. I put some bird food on the fence and waited to see what would come, a squirrel wandered across the tarmac but didn't come near to us and I was about to give up when a Robin landed on the fence nearby.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/64 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

I took some pictures but I already have a lot of Robin photos and wasn't too worried about getting more. This one kept coming and going very quickly, instead of posing as they usually do, so I thought something was different. Then this little (?) fella appeared.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/64 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

At first I wasn't sure what we were looking at but it was obviously a fledgling and it kept on opening its beak or gaping for food and it was soon rewarded for its efforts.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/50 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

Given the young one's size it would be easy to think it was a cuckoo, but that is the right size for a Robin fledgling and in fact it's not as big as it looks - the feathers are all puffed out (much like an adult in winter), I suspect it's to keep it warm and make it look bigger to a potential predator.
Apologies for the slight softness of some of the images, it was very low light in the car park hedges.

Blackbrook Reservoir - 13 May 2011

2011-05-14T12:51:00.000+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f6.3, iso 400, 100mm

We took Skipper for a walk by Blackbrook Reservoir (near Loughborough) where the farmer of the adjacent land seems to be growing a crop of Canada Geese.

On the walk in we saw a duck with a family of chicks, but she was very shy and disappeared into the bushes on the other side of the water. As she was going I caught a flash of light coloured feathers on the side of her face.

Fortunately, when we returned, I was ready for her and managed to get this shot as she again set out for the far bushes.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

We identified her as a Mandarin Duck and when we saw her mate, we were certain of our identification.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

He was swimming a little to the side of his family and keeping a close eye on us. This is the first time we've seen Mandarin here and certainly the first time we've seen one with young. They are beautiful birds, let's hope she manages to raise most, if not all, of her brood.

Watermead park again - 10 May 2011

2011-05-11T14:25:00.000+01:00

Blame the Dentist, I had to visit him yesterday and as his surgery is close to Watermead Park I decided to spend the remainder of the afternoon there. But it was worth it, there seem to be a lot less waterbirds about but there are other attractions to take my interest.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

This Azure Damselfly flew in front of me then posed in the sunshine, it was difficult to get focus on it because a light breeze was moving the stalk.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

As we walked towards the 'hole in the wall' hide, I peered through the gap and in the opening view I saw a Heron take off and fly away over the trees. Luckily, when we got to the wall, he circled round and landed in a nearby tree.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens

1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

No apologies for yet another Robin, there seem to be a lot of them about this year. There are three or four males competing for areas of the small car park. This poser sat on a fence post about 6 - 8 feet from the car I was sitting in and helped himself to the dried mealworms I'd left there.

Watermead Park - 4 April 2011

2011-05-05T21:42:00.000+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ f9, iso 800, 100mm

Close to the Meadow Lane car parks we saw these two enjoying the sunshine, it just looked so idyllic I decided to record it.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ f9, iso 800, 235mm

The mother of these Mallard chicks had her work cut out, she has eleven. It would be nice to think she'll raise all of them, but it is probably a vain hope.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ f9, iso 1600, 400mm

Robins seem to be everywhere this year, they'll soon be more common than sparrows. This one serenaded us by the crossroads near the car parks.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

For some reason lots of Canada Geese took to the air and flew towards King Lear's Lake as we were walking past the Worcester Crescent Lake. A few minutes later, they returned and were close enough for this picture.

Thornton Reservoir 3 May 2011

2011-05-05T20:38:00.000+01:00

The Reservoir is very low, at the top end it is almost dry. There are beaches all the way round. Having said that there is a lot of wildlife about.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

These loved up grebe necked for several minutes but didn't go for the dance, I suppose it's a bit late for their mating rituals. They're still nice to watch though.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

On the edge of one of the beaches, these Terns had a battle with a Herring Gull for the position on the beach. Two against one, they had to win, then they went fishing.

Further round we had a fabulous display by a Heron, but he was too far away for any decent pictures.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/64 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

Perhaps someone can name this tree for me, the collection of young cones caught my imagination.

Panic Over!

2011-04-27T22:20:00.003+01:00

The internet problems have been solved, I've ditched Vodafone and gone with three. Their hotspot dongle, allows Maja to do her emails while I'm doing this blog.

A few days ago we went for a walk round Blackbrook Reservoir although there is some litter the water is very pretty, there were a lot of fry near to the bridge and a variety of the common water birds. In the woods above the lake the floor was carpeted with bluebells. As we returned to the lakes there was a bird of prey hovering but it was too far away to identify. The Grebes pictured below caught my eye and I was convinced that they were going to do their dance. But following this head bobbing display, they separated and swam to opposite sides of the lake.

All were taken with
Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

problems

2011-04-26T18:15:00.000+01:00

i'm having internet problems. typing this on my kindle. might be a week or so before it is sorted and I can post photos again.

Two very different places 20 April 2011

2011-04-20T12:33:00.000+01:00

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

This Rabbit, doing a fair imitation of a meercat, was captured in a field close to a water meadows near Maldon in Essex. The area is quite similar to Watermead Park in that it is a collection of lakes formed from gravel workings, surrounded by trees and water filled. There the similarity ends, the litter surrounding the lakes ruins the countryside and it has to be said, most of it is angling related. There were broken anglers chairs, bits of rod, bait bags a broken reel, beer cans and food wrappers all discarded around the fishing pitches.

Despite this I did get a couple of pictures of Coot and Grebe like this one.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

I was glad to get back to Leicester (and those that know me will know that I don't make that statement lightly). Watermead Park is so much better and although we can criticise our local councils for many things, we should give them a vote of thanks for the parks around Leicester and Leicestershire and hope that we can enjoy them for many years to come.

The first pond I saw as I walked from the car park had a couple of Mallard with five chicks, three of which are pictured below.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

There was a variety of butterflies racing round collecting the early pollen and lots of blossom. at the far end of the lake, close to Worcester Crescent entrance this moorhen was exploring the small pond in the corner of the park.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Another Fishy Tale - 6 April 2011

2011-04-07T00:54:00.001+01:00

I'd walked most of the way round the lakes at Watermead and was on my way back to the car-park with not a single worthwhile photograph. Skipper was just ahead of me with his stick, he always selects a stick to carry or for me to throw for him - preferably into the water. He turned to face me and dropped his stick for me to pick up, but as I approached it I caught sight of a Heron on the edge of the lake, to my left.

It was concentrating on something and didn't even notice Skipper. Calling him quietly, I stepped back behind a bush and out of sight and prepared my camera. I took a couple of pictures before the Heron struck at his quarry in the water, unfortunately the photos of the actual strike only showed his back, hidden in the reeds.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1300 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

But when he came up again, he'd caught quite a sizable fish, which he proceeded to eat. I got some pictures but when he repositioned the fish to swallow it I had to move to a better position, he caught sight of me and flew away. Still it was an interesting interlude.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1600 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

I continued on my way back to the car-park, where I again put some nuts and seeds on a fence post and waited to see what would appear.

As usual it was the Robin first and he seemed as if he'd decided to pose for the camera.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

He was followed by another Robin who, after a shouting match, flew back into the bushes. Then a Great Tit and a Blue Tit both were seen off by this bully before I could get their pictures.

Then a pair of Chaffinches came along, the female managed to get something to eat before he saw her off.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

But the male was quite persistent, every time he landed the Robin chased him away. But he soon came back for another go. Eventually he seemed to develop a strategy, he'd fly in and land on the lowest fence spar, the Robin went into the attack and the chaffinch, instead of flying away, flew up to the post and grabbed a few seeds. Then as the Robin flew up to attack, the Chaffinch flew down the other side of the fence to the bottom spar again, then repeated the process, every time the Robin flew down the Chaffinch would fly up the other side and grab a beak-full.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

It was fun to watch, but I think the Robin got tired because later he flew into the bushes and didn't even object when the female Chaffinch returned.

A Good weekend - 3 April 2011

2011-04-05T01:39:00.000+01:00

It looked as if the weekend was going to be fairly slow, around Watermead a lot of the birds from the winter have gone and we are back to the usual collection - with most of them not putting on a show. On Sunday I was cycle-walking Skipper, he likes that it gives him a good run and being a Border Collie it's something he needs - lots of exercise.

As we reached the Thurmaston end of the main track, I heard a young mother say to her child, "look he's got a fish!" So I stopped and looked again at the lake, there right in front of us was a Grebe with a fish in its beak.
Before I could get the camera out it dived and shortly after a fish skipped across the surface, but then the Grebe resurfaced with an even bigger fish in its beak. This all happened in a few seconds and I was still astride my bike, but I took what pictures I could and though they're not the best quality I thought I'd show you these two.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/5000 @ f 5.6, iso 1600, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/8000 @ f 5.6, iso 1600, 400mm

They were the only pictures I got on the way round the lakes. But when I returned to the Meadow lane car-park I had some time to spare and a few bird nuts and meal worm in a container in the back of the car so I put some on a fence post at the end of the parking area and sat in the car with the camera at the ready.

At first nothing happened, but after about ten minutes a Robin appeared, it's usually Robins that get in first especially when there are meal worm about. He hopped about for quite a while, posing and sometimes seemed to be looking right at me.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ f 6.3, iso 1600, 350mm

There was a brief exchange with the male blackbird, who came to investigate the food and took away a beak full.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/125 @ f 6.3, iso 1600, 380mm

But then it started to rain and the birds disappeared, so I started to pack my camera away and turned to put it in its bag when I caught a movement in the bushes halfway down the car-park. A grey Squirrel popped out and ran down the fence, he looked around then ran towards me - so out came the camera again and I took some photos as he came closer.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ f 6.3, iso 1600, 200mm

He ran up the fence, to where the birds had been, and feasted on the remaining peanuts. He stayed for quite a long time, despite the rain and hail. After about fifteen minutes he'd obviously had his fill. he climbed down and disappeared into the undergrowth.

Close ups - Swthland Woods 26 March 2011

2011-03-27T00:39:00.000Z

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/250 @ F7.1, iso 1600, 370mm

I went back to Swithland Woods today, I wanted to try for some closer pictures of the smaller birds. About a week ago I started seeding a tree stump that was further away from the road than the one in the one in the previous entry, which was right beside the road into the car park.

I set the camera on a tripod, lined it up and manually focused on the stump, then covered the kit with a camouflage cape and put some seeds, nuts and meal worm on the stump. I connected a 5 metre USB cable between the camera and my lap top, then using the remote control program (on EOS Utility) set the camera to live view on the lap top screen.

Then all I had to do was watch and wait, it wasn't long before a blue tit came to look. Unfortunately when I looked at the computer screen he was out of the picture, but he didn't feed because the whole area of the feed was covered by the camera.

After several flypasts, they started to come and the Nuthatch (above) was one of the first. But he wasn't sure if he should eat the nut or play football with it.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/250 @ F7.1, iso 1600, 370mm

I'll let you decide if he finally made is mind up to eat the nut or if he's just looking for someone to pass it to.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/250 @ F7.1, iso 1600, 370mm

When there is food on offer, particularly mealworms, the Robin is never backwards in coming forwards and this one made several visits. He had an argument with the Nuthatch over it, despite there being plenty for all.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/250 @ F7.1, iso 1600, 370mm

In between the others this Coal tit made a few visits, but was very shy and tried to keep out of sight, I got several pictures showing just his back or tail as he ducked. The blue tit came and perched in a nearby bush several times and did several more fly pasts, but never came into view of the camera.

Spring is Here - maybe - 14 March 2011

2011-03-15T23:41:00.000Z

Having not found many birds in the usual places recently, Maja suggested we went to Swithland Woods and put some seed on an old tree stump by the car park. Here are the results;

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Cheeky as ever, the Robin was the first one at the table, he looks a lot slimmer than when he had his feathers all puffed out to keep warm. He took a mouthful of meal-worms and disappeared.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Next up was this female Chaffinch, she surveyed the area from a nearby post, before commiting herself.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

And where there's a female the male is usually not far away. This male Chaffinch had a walk round the base of the stump before taking his share.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/60 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Following the Chaffinches, this Dunnok had a feed on the ground and never tried to get onto the stump.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

In spring you cant move far without seeing a Blue Tit and this one made several visits getting second and third helpings.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Then along came the Nuthatch, and bullied his way in. I don't know quite how he did it but the picture on the right shows him flying without the use of his wings (although he did spread them a after I took this).

Let's hope this is the start of spring and plenty of wildlife to follow.

Beacon Hill 13 March 2011

2011-03-14T00:40:00.000Z

I decided to go somewhere I hadn't been for a while, so Maja, Skipper and myself went to Beacon Hill, we approached from Martin's Woods on Deans Lane and walked up through the woods.

It wasn't any improvement from the wildlife point of view, we could hear a coule of rooks shouting at each other and a Peacock calling in the distance but that was all.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Beside the footpath there was a herd of Longhorn cattle ruminating and this one looked up as we passed, so I took his picture.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1600 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

From the top of Beacon Hill, you can see Old John on Bradgate Park, (if you click on the picture you'll get a better view) and these were the only pictures I took today.

Quiet Times 10 March 2011

2011-03-10T21:38:00.000Z

As I walk about the various parks of Leicestershire, I'm struck by how little wildlife there is now. Through the summer, autumn and winter, there has been plenty of choice and even some rare visitors. But now there are a few of the more common birds, although very few Moorhens and I've had great difficulty getting decent pictures.

So below are two common birds that attracted my attention at Charnwood water, Loughborough. This seems to have a good selection of the commoners, probably because it's on the edge of a housing estate and they get fed regularly.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2656 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Above a male Mallard having a good shake after washing and below a Canada goose having a good loud honk.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 400, 170mm

Another Grey day - 28 February 2011

2011-02-28T21:54:00.000Z

Yet another wet grey day, the wildlife at Waterrmead Park had more sense than to come out in the rain and the Goosanders, that were floating about on the lakes, had their heads tucked firmly under ther wings.

But the weather doesn't stop a Collie Dog wanting his walk, so Skipper and I were out in it. My thanks to the wet footed man who warned me that the path was flooded and saved me a futile walk.

I doubled back from near the Worcester Avenue path and went round to the hole in the wall hide. But again everything seemed to be hunkered down and keeping warm. As we neared the crossroads a Heron took flight, we must have disturbed him by walking past on the path. He didn't fly far though and posed for several pictures.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ f5.6, iso 1600, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/125 @ f5.6, iso 1600, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ f5.6, iso 1600, 400mm

A Grey Day at Thornton Reservoir - 25 February 2011

2011-02-28T11:15:00.000Z

It was a grey day and I nearly didn't take the camera, but as I arrived at Thornton Car park I spotted a shape I didn't recognise and moved in for a closer look. I soon realised it was a Lapwing and it was accompanied by two more, they were sitting on the wall at the side of the wier.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Along the path, past the fishing lodge, there is a bird feeder up in a clearing in the bushes. But the birds weren't getting a look in, this squirrel took control of it and his antics were worth watching, if only for the amusement value.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/125 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

On the water there wasn't much happening except that the Great Crested Grebe seem to be thinking about pairing up for the breeding season and there were signs of them starting their courtship dances, unfortunately they were all too far away to get a decent picture - but I'll be watching them and as soon as I get anything decent, I'll post it here.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

As I turned to go back to the car, I spotted a movement in one of the meadow like gardens on the right. First all I saw was the chaffinch, but then the Song Thrush popped up out of a dip in the ground. I was pleased to see him, I have seen any kind of thrush for quite a while.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 800, 300mm

I turned away from the Thrush and was serenaded by a Robin, I think he was jealous that I hadn't taken his picture, so always happy to oblige, here he is.

A walk in the Park - 18 February 2011

2011-02-21T00:45:00.001Z

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1.0 @ F32, iso 400, 100mm

The weather hasn't shown much of an improvement and it looks like continuing like this next week.
On Friday I took Skipper for a walk in Bradgate park, the light was so grey I nearly didn't take the camera. But you know the old adage about a real photographer never goes anywhere without a camera, it must have been playing on my subconcious. Because as I reached for my mobile phone, I picked up the camera as well. It was a good thin I did!

As we strolled through the park, there was not a bit of animal life in sight, apart from people and their dogs. I looked at the river and wasn't inspired, but when I reached the waterfall, I decided to play with shutter speeds and get that silky effect that displays the movement of the water.

Furthe along the road to Lady Jane Greys house I spotted a deer crossing the road and knowing they rarely travel alone, I got in closer and hid behind a tree. Skipper lay down behind me and we were rewarded by a mass crossing of about 200 deer. They were looking for grazing close to the house.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/ 250 @ 4.5, iso 800, 100mm

This is just the advanced party, there were so many even Skipper was getting restless by the time the last one crossed.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

This old one gave me a very suspicious look as I moved round the tree to take his picture, I suspect he could see Skipper on the ground behind me as well. I dont suppose he has many seasons left in him. He looks too old to win a rutting challenge.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @5.6, iso 800, 400mm

This one seems to have chosen his mate already, or she chose him, any way they stayed close together all the time I was there.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

I got the feeling this 14 pointer was the boss, he looked magnificent and strutted around like he owned the place.

Not Good Weather for Photography - 16 February 2011

2011-02-20T00:39:00.000Z

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1250@ 5.0, iso 800, 100mm

It has not been good weather for Photography recently. Last weekend I was in Snowdonia and the weather was so bad, I didn't take my camera out of its case. Wednesday I was at Watermead Park and apart from a ragged old teasel and this swan there was not a lot worth taking. It's not just that the light becomes grey and uninteresting, but also the wildlife doesn't come out to play.

I took the swan because of its reflection and its cheek in demanding to be fed and hissing at Skipper who was lying down behind me and bothering no-one.

I ran into Paul as I was leaving and stopped for a chat, he was set up near to the car park, watching for a Heron that seems to be building a nest. Paul can sit there for hours waiting for some action, but I have to exercise Skipper. Sometimes that works in his favour and sometimes in mine (like the Mandarin Duck a couple of weeks ago).

While we were talking, the light dropped and we heard the unmistakable sound of the starlings coming in to their night time roost. I knew it was time to go then and a chill air was creeping in.

As we left I looked up and saw a clear Moon - not quite full - but a good view non-the-less. So I decided to experiment with some pictures, Paul cycled away as I took my camera out again. I experimented with various pictures and reflections. This was the result.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2500@ 5.6, iso 3200, 400mm

Using just my 100 - 400mm zoom at 400mm I was very pleased with the clarity of the results. Note the craters on the left side and round below - you can see them better if you click on the image to increase its size.

A rare visitor - 2 February 2011

2011-02-09T01:06:00.000Z

As I walked around Watermead Park in the sunshine, I noticed that only the usual birds were in evidence - Swans, Coots, Canada Geese and Mallard. I didn't even see a moorhen.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

This Tufty was looking quite dapper so I took his picture, then he turned away and paddled after a female I dont know if he thought spring had come.

At the "hole in the wall" hide There was only a couple of Mallard and a Heron in the distance so nothing to take there and I continued on my way. Skipper decided his stick wasn't big enough so dropped it and picked up one that was over twice his length, which he carried for the rest of his walk and only relinquished it when we got back to the car park.

I carried on round the back of the North West Lake past the pollarded trees, standing like sentinels on guard over the lake. I was please they hadn't pollarded the last tree on that side, it's a large and good looking tree that I took pictures of when it was covered in Hoare frost a few weeks ago.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ f14, iso 800, 100mm

Round past "Moorhen Marsh" there were just a couple of coots drifting about aimlessly in the sunshine and I'd just about resigned myself to there being nothing else to take.
But as I approached the dog bin, near the path to Worcester Avenue, I noticed a number of Mallard milling about and stopped to watch them, just in case they decided to flap or take off, or even have a fight.

I noticed there was a bird on the log, down near in the water to my left, at first I thought it would be a Moorhen or Coot, they both like to roost there. But as my eyes adjusted to the light and awkward view between the branches, I realised it was a Mandarin Duck.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

I've never seen one here before. a schoolgirl standing at the end of the footpath, just a few yards away, must have thought I was a bit mad as I said "Skipper, it's a Mandarin!" I often speak to him like that and he knows to wait until I've finished taking pictures, even if he's not sure what the odd shaped black box does. I think the schoolgirl was wondering when the chinaman was going to come past.

Stags Fighting at Bradgate Park - 5 February 2011

2011-02-07T01:18:00.000Z

Here as promised are the fighting stags, it may be practise but the one on the left had been sniffing the rears of the females and his male parts seem rather prominent. So maybe the weather has fooled him into thinking it's time for the Rut.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ F5, iso 800, 150mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ F5, iso 800, 150mm

The Stag on the left won the day, unfortunately the two spectators got in the way of the finale.

Bradgate Park - 5 February 2011

2011-02-06T13:19:00.001Z

We were driving past Bradgate Park on the road from Anstey to Newtown Linford, when Maja noticed a lot of deer close to the wall, I'd always thought there should be a chance of photographing them in that area but have never seen them there before.

So we stopped and I crept over to the wall and was surprised by about 40 deer using the wall as protection from the strong winds.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 5.0, iso 800, 160mm

These last two were squaring up for a fight, it was a bit half hearted and I guess it was only practise. I will post pictures of that when I've sorted them.

Long awaited entry - 5 February 2011

2011-02-05T00:53:00.000Z

This has been a long time coming, my internet connection broke, so I've not been able to post anything for a while - I'm hoping it's all ok now.

You haven't missed much, there has been a lot of grey and wet weather. But on Thursday last, there was some sunshine and I took Skipper out to Watermead Park to see what was about. There wasn't a lot but I did manage to get some pics.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 5.6, iso 400, 275mm

The first thing to catch my eye was right by the Meadow Lane car-park these two Mallard posing on a log. I've seen them there before but they usually get off as soon as anyone looks at them.

Just beyond the crossroads and dogbin there is a track leading towards the hides path. This is a favourite place for Skipper to go for a swim, but he wont go in if there are any birds already there. Luckily there weren't today and he rushed around looking for a stick, he gets most upset if I throw one and it sinks (as some do). He swims in circles looking for it until I call him out but even then he'll look back from the bank to see if he can see it.

We walked on to the "Hole in the Wall" hide (or fence if you prefer), where I could see some Canada Geese and Male and female Goosander.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2700 @5.6, iso 400, 400mm

This Male decided to get into a flap and stretch his wings, so I took several shots of him with his wings in different positions.

We walked on to the next big lake, and I was surprised at how few birds I could see. But, as I followed the track round the back of the lake, the reason soon became apparent.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2700 @ 4.5, iso 400, 100mm

The park staff were pollarding the trees, the noise from the chainsaw and JCB plus the smoke must have driven them onto other lakes. But if we want a nice accessible park, it has to be manged properly and they looked to be doing a good job of it.

As I walked back towards the car-park the sun was shining through the trees and hedges and I noticed this Bracken leaf in the ditch, it seemed to have been picked out by a beam of sunlight.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/60 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Ordinarily I'd probably walk past this leaf without noticing it but the way it was picked out, and all the other leaves were left in the dark, just appealed to me.

Opposite the car-park I sat on the picnic bench and watched more Goosander, some swans and in the distance a couple of shovellors. But this Coot drifted into view while having a good scratch, so I thought I'd catch him with his leg up.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ 5.6, iso 800, 310mm

I know we shouldn't anthropomorphise but by grin on his face he seems to be enjoying his scratch.

What a Dismal Week end - 23 January 2011

2011-01-24T01:24:00.001Z

Well not the best of weekends to out taking pictures, I did go out on Saturday afternoon but I think the birds had decided to stay at home. Although in the early evening as I walked back to the car I was treated to a chior of birds singin out as loud as they could. The tree tops were fair ringing with them. Couldn't see a one though and anyway it was too dark to have captured them on camera.

So I've pulled some summer pics from my archives, to brighten these dark winter days.

Peacock

Common Blue

Large White

The sun was out then and the temperature was up and my Border Collie loves a good swim, mind you he doesn't care if its freezing, he still likes to swim.

He's a great dog for a wildlife photographer, when I take my camera out, he just settles down and waits. He never chases the birds or any other wildlife while I'm taking pictures. The only times he moves are; if a swan gets too close or if he spots Paul (alulawildlife - see link) or if Paul tries to take his stick. Then he prances around like a puppy, so does skipper.

Skipper will chase the odd Grey squirrel up a tree if I haven't got my camera out - I dont know how he differentiates, I've never taught him, he just seems to know.

Next weeks weather looks as if it could be better, though colder, so let's hope I can get some decent pics then.

Wildlife watching - 21 January 2011

2011-01-21T17:49:00.001Z

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/50 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

What does a squirrel do when he/she senses your presence, it doesn't matter how fat it looks, if it's a wild one it'll do what this one did -

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/40 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

- RUN!

OK so a fiftieth of a second is living in hope, it should have been around a four hundredth fo sharpness but I do like the image at a fortieth and wouldn't have got it if I'd been shooting at faster speeds.

Sunny Days are here again - 18 January 2011

2011-01-18T22:47:00.001Z

The sun was out and the wind was blowing, so we decided on a change and visited Thornton Reservoir. All the usual birds were there so nothing to get excited about. But this Black Headed Gull, in its winter plumage (so no black head), gave an interesting display of fishing technique.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1600 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm
(for all three)

These pictures were taken on rapid fire on the 7d which is 8 frames per second, or one eighth of a second between shots. So the whole dive took just three eighths of a second.

After the rain - 17 January 2011

2011-01-17T20:51:00.008Z

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/250 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

A break in the dull wet days and everyone was out looking at the birds. There was positive army of spotter-scopes and binoculars and more than a few cameras. Trouble is there wasn't much in the way of unusual bird life.

The Canada Geese are back, I haven't seen so many for a while and their honking as they call their mates to fly really fills the air.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2000 @ f5, iso 800, 235mm

Of course the Mute swans have been here all through the snow, ice and rain. The sedate movement of this one was steady enough for it's reflection to be mostly undisturbed.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/8000 @ f11, 800, 1000mm

As the sun sank slowly behind the trees, it didn't seem to want to go and the birds swimming across its golden glow made interesting silhouettes.

A Grand Week-end - 8 & 9 January 2011

2011-01-10T13:02:00.000Z

The sun was out, the light was good and there were more cameras per square inch od the Watermead park than I've ever seen. This was mostly due to the announcement in the local press that a Bittern had been sighted.

I didn't go looking for it, the queues were apparently similar to the start of the January sales and one report I heard was that the clicking of so many shutters frightened the poor bird into the reeds.

So we stayed away - maybe later in the week - hmm.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Gadwall are much in evidence at the moment and this one provided much amusement, just before I got my camera onto it, when it tried to stand on one leg and fell over. I guess the ice is just as slippy for them as it is for us.

Saturday evening and were beginning to lose the light. But as the sun disappeared in the west, it lit the lake up with a soft redish light. It is one of those strange anomalies of photography that photographers spend thousands of pounds on equipment that gives tack sharp pictures, then look for this kind of light to give a soft feel to their efforts.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

This Mute Swan set it's sails and with a slight angle to the direction of sunlight was nicely lit up by it's softness.

Sunday and again there was good light, but for some reason - less birds,, maybe it's because more water is opening up as the ice slowly melts.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

I liked this coot with the droplet of water just falling from it's beak. and similarly the Gadwall below.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

As I write this on monday morning the sun is coming and going and I don't know if there will be any light for pictures later - we can only try.

Another grey and wet day - 7 January 2010

2011-01-08T02:36:00.001Z

I didn't take the camera out today, the weather was so bad.

So I've pulled some pics out of the archives.

This tree caught my eye as I was returning to the car, after walking Skipper, one evening.

Canon EOS 400d, EF-S 18-55mm Lens
1/400 @ 6.3, iso 400, 55mm

An autumn scene, the colours are just beginning to change. This boathouse is a place I like to use to test lenses. It is across the Cropston Reservoir from the footpath and behind it is the Bradgate Park (ancestral home of Lady Jane Grey). I sometimes think Cropston is one of the prettiest reservoirs in England.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 28 - 105mm Lens
1/125 @ f14, iso 250, 105mm

This Northern Damsell fly with its electric blue colour wouldn't harm anyone and makes a beautiful line of colour in the green grass.

Canon EOS 400d, EF 70 - 300mm Lens
1/100 @ f11, iso 200, 300mm

If you are squeamish about Creepy-Crawlies, look away now .

Canon EOS 400, EF 28 - 105mm Lens
1/640 @ 4.5, iso 100, 105mm

This lady, set her web up between our dustbins, but she didn't like having her picture taken and scuttled away as soon as I'd got this shot.

A bit more light - 6 January 2011

2011-01-07T01:36:00.000Z

A slight improvement in the light today had me out at Watermead Park looking for birds and there were plenty to be seen, although the most interesting ones stayed out of reach in the middle of the lake. The ice is receding and over half the lake is water again. I could see the Goosander, Shovellors a couple of Pochard and Gadwall, plus Grebe, Cormorant and the usual residents - Mute Swan, Mallard, Coot and Moorhen.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/200 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The colours on the water caught my imagination, then this Cormorant swam out. It was too good to miss.

A bit further round the lake this female Mallard settled down in front of me and as there wasn't much else happening I decided to take the picture she was posing for.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

Interesting how the colours changed as I walked round the lake. Further out in the Lake the contrast was so bad, most of the pics I took, from there, weren't worth keeping. At least it was better than yesterday and the day before. that grey horrible drizzle made it a waste of time taking the camera out - so I didn't.

Watermead Park again - 2 January 2011

2011-01-03T02:06:00.000Z

I went to Watermead Park again today, I hadn't the time to go further afield, but my trip was rewarded with some interest.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/800 @ 7.1, iso 800, 400mm

Although not techinically brilliant, this struck me as amusing, the cormorant seems to be showing his physique to the gulls, to scare them off. In fact he was drying his wings for some time before and after their arrival.

After checking the hides and finding nothing, I looked in at the teasel patch and the light looked good so I took some more of what must be the most photographed teasels in Leistershire.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/160 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

From the Teasels, it's only a short walk back to the carpark, but with the car in sight, I could hear the beautiful and complicated sound of a Robin singing and after a short search I found him near the top of a small tree.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

New Years Day - not a lot happening

2011-01-03T01:33:00.000Z

All was very quiet today at Watermead Park (maybe the birds were sleeping off the revelry of the previous night as well). Several people wandering about, mostly families. I only saw one other photographer and we stopped for a chat, He'd been told there's a Merganser about but neither of us have seen it.

When I got to the most active lake the grey skies and murky light weren't good for photography, but I took a couple anyway.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ 7.1, iso 800, 400mm

This wigeon pops up from time to time and was the only different fayre from the usual coots, moorhens, swans etc.

On my way back to the car, I wandered round by the river Soar. Up near the Thurmaston Locks there were several of the usual birds. But no sign of the male Goosanders I photographed a few days before. I stopped for another chat with a local. He was bemoaning the Goosanders for taking "his" fish, he seemed relieved when he said he hadn't seem them for a few days and hoped they'd gone. As he was saying this his back was to the river and I spotted this female Goosander swimming out from the sluice gates. But I didn't enlighten him - might have ruined his day :o)

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/100 @ 7.1, iso 800, 400mm

Happy New Year

Misty day - 29 December 2010

2010-12-29T22:46:00.000Z

I went out yesterday but the weather was so bad, I didn't bother taking the camera out of the bag.

Today there was a mist but a lot more light, so, with thanks to the creators of Digital photography, I risked it and took some pics at watermead park.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ 5.6, iso 800, 150mm

The mute swan flying out of the mist and then turning across the front of me was worth the effort, even if there is very little colour.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1000 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

This Shovellor found a small area of open water on one of the minor lakes and I was able to snap him through the hole in the wall hide.

A Grey day again - 27 December 2010

2010-12-27T22:56:00.000Z

A grey day with rain, sleet and snow, not a good day for photography. But I had to take the dog out, so I took the camera.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens

1/160 @ f5.6, iso 400, 135mm

The lack of contrast made auto - focus difficult, and the low light made manual focus just as unreliable, but I managed a couple of mediocre shots. This swan thought I was going to feed it so flew in from the other side of the lake.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/160 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

This Mallard, also under the impression she was going to be fed came flying in but couldn't find her footing as she landed and slid quite a way before she regained her composure.

The snow's melting and the skies are grey, let us hope the new year brings better weather.

Boxing day and an uncommon visitor to Leicestershire - 26 December 2010

2010-12-26T23:39:00.004Z

I visited Watermead South today, that's the more organised end of the park. It usually draws a lot of people and today was no different. But its saving grace is it has a lot of waterbirds, usually the more common kind, however with the ice closing down most of the available water, I thought it was worth a look to see what was there.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

At first I thought there wasn't much about, but then between the Canada Geese, Swans and Coots, I spotted this unexpected smaller bird. The Ruff (*)is associated with flood meadows etc. but I have never seen one round here before. Apologies for the back end of the Canada Goose but the Ruff was keeping close to the bigger birds, I think he was using them to shelter from the breeze.
(*) I have to own up to misidentifying this bird I thought it was a Knot, but got it properly identified at www.birdguides.com

Then a group of juvenile swans provided some amusement, they ran across the ice at full speed using their wings for balance, flapping as if they were going to fly, but then sliding to a halt near the far shore.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Several of them did this and a couple of adults joined in, then they plodded back to the start, slipping and sliding on their way.

Now a question, this goose, was among the birds on the ice and I cant identify it. It may be a cross breed but just in case its not and someone can identify it I'll put it up here.

Canon EOS 50d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

It is similar in size to a Canada Goose but with pink beak and legs, more white on the face and a speckled neck. It's not a Barnacle goose, the face is wrong and it's too big.

So anyone got any suggestions??