Goldcrest and Treecreeper at Far Ings today. 15.9.11.

I decided to look for these two species in the small thorn woods around the reserve today after a poor session in the hide. I knew it wouldn't be easy to get many decent shots of these two tricky species with the trees still in full leaf. Also I wondered if It might be a bit early as they are not as numerous here in the summer months.  To my surprise there were a few goldcrests on the reserve already. Not as easy to find yet though as they are in the winter. The treecreepers were not as evident, I only managed to track two birds down. They gave themselves away with the distinct shrill sound rather than thier musical song. I will look forward to trying again during the winter when the light penetrates the bare trees and these lovely birds roam the woods joining flocks of tits feeding.

Marsh Harrier from July 27th.

Here is a Marsh Harrier shot from far ings I didnt get round to editing from July. Never seem to find the time to get them all done.

Male Sparrowhawk at Far Ings today 12.9.11.



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Far Ings 11.9.11.

The first Bearded Tit I've seen in quite a while. A pair were present today but only one showed in the open.  Also male Marsh Harrier made a high speed pass carried by the very strong wind.

Little Grebe 9.9.11.

This Little Grebe fed this chick while its partner fed a second chick. They both caught fish almost at will. The birds didn't mind my presence, but the light was less than ideal this afternoon, with only hazy sunshine breaking through at times and otherwise mostly cloudy . Whatever happened to the summer.

Common Kingfisher. Far Ings Nature Reserve 28.8.11.

Fox at Far Ings 22.8.11.

More Kingfisher today. 7.8.11.

A Day of Grey Heron at Far Ings 3.8.11.

Today was very much a day of The Grey Heron on the patch. It tried to fish in the shallows in front of the hide with very little luck. It caught just one fish in about an hour despite many strike attempts. It constantly followed the large shoal of minnows instaed of standing still and waiting for the fish to come to it. Eventually it caught a large fish as reward for its rather comical display.

Marsh Harrier 28.7.11.

Common Kingfisher 28.7.11.

I was very pleased to see a kingfisher return to perch on a regular basis and fish in front of the hide today. After such a harsh winter there were none of these birds left to watch. Its nice to see the return of this beautitul bird again.

Marh Harrier Prey Pass. 17.7.11.

Managed to get a few shots of prey passes this morning, The bottom picture was taken between the showers and was quite a bit closer than usual. I have just arrived home from holiday and missed the fledging of the young, I set off on the day the birds began to fledge. I was happy to see they are still around the nest site and hope to catch up with them again inbetween work before they leave the area. The top picture is one of the juvenile birds.