RSPB Titchwell Marsh Passerines

 It was too windy yesterday to go onto the beach for Waders and possible Snow Buntings/Shore Larks, so after visiting the Hides (images to follow), we spent time in the woodland around the visitor centre. It was very sheltered there with lovely low sunlight illuminating sudden flashes of gold as a flock of Firecrests flittered around in front of us - often too close to get them in focus but still an entertaining sight. Amazing how the morning disappeared before a complete bird was in the frame and just about in focus.There were also Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, Goldfinches and Tree Creeper to attempt to photograph and, of course, the very tame robins.

Oystercatcher's Day at Hunstanton

 We were very fortunate with a sunny though chilly day for our RPS outing to Hunstanton and an abundance of waders to keep the cameras clicking. The Oystercatchers were present in the largest numbers so here is a day in their life from warming in the morning sunshine, searching for good spots to rest, joining large flocks at high tide, to feeding as the tide and the sun go down.

 

Sculthorpe Moor Reserve

I stopped off at Sculthorpe Moor Reserve on the way to Hunstanton. There were very few birds showing themselves in the reeds, on the water or in the woods but the feeders did present quite a few species including various Tits and Finches. This is the first time that I have caught a Bullfinch in flight - shame light level was low so quality not great! 

Toft Minifungi and Slime Moulds

With the recent damp weather, my log pile is beginning to show some slime moulds and minifungi. Tentative IDs are under the photos - certainly the first one is a species of Trichia slime mould and the fourth/fifth are a very strange eyeball like fungus, Lasiophaeria ovina.

Welney Swans and Sparrows

The cloudy conditions at Welney on Monday were ideal for photographing the Whooper Swans close up from the basement hide. I had in mind a set of almost abstract images so went for low key processing to try and emphasize their softness. It was also possible to shoot the sparrows coming to the feeders directly into the light. Only one Tree Sparrow recorded in my photos but there were a few more among the dozens of House Sparrows.

Welney WWT Visit Highlights

 The rain stayed away and we even had a few brighter intervals for our Paxton Pits Volunteers visit to Welney WWT yesterday. Amazing numbers of Lapwing, several flocks of Black-tailed Godwits and all the usual ducks including good numbers of Pintail. Swans were limited to a few resident Whoopers and maybe a few distant Bewicks. The first image is going to rate as one of my all-time favourites - a Cattle Egret flying past one of the sheep walking along the bank.