Summer Leys Stonechats, Little Grebes etc

A day of difficult light for photography but lots of birds and action to enjoy with RPS Nature Group friends at Summer Leys reserve. The weather was very variable with rain, bright sunny intervals and occasional thick cloud giving a real challenge for photography. A pair of Stonechats and athreesome of Little Grebes kept us entertained from one of the hides with the Stonechats coming close at times and the Little Grebes generally hiding in the reeds but with one clear view. I photographed a flock of Lapwing and amongst them birds that  appear to be Short-eared Owls (there is a site fairly close and birds were being driven off by the rising flood waters) now identified as Golden Plovers. Very high ISOs so not great quality for images

New Forest Beetle and Birds

A walk along the disused railway at Burbush produced a variety of birds and this intriguing Whirligig beetle, which apparently has two pairs of eyes - one to see above water and the other to see under the water. The Goldcrest was in very dark conditions but the bright head flash showed up fairly well.

RSPB Arne's Elusive Dartford Warbler

Our target for the RPS Nature Group visit to Arne was obviously the Dartford Warbler. It was certainly very elusive with brief views at quite a distance. However, with mainly sunny weather I enjoyed our walk around the reserve in great company. Life in the gorse  included Dartford Warbler, Dunnock, Stonechat - male and female, Robin, Chiffchaff, and Tree Pipit

RSPB Frampton Marsh Birds

Overcast but largely dry day for our RPS Nature Group visit to Frampton Marshes. Not ideal for distant photography, but I did enjoy the landscape (later blog post) and a few birds came close enough for portraits in habitat. Frampton is renown for its huge flocks of ducks and waders and also Raptors - we  enjoyed views of Peregrine, Merlin and, for one Member, Short-eared Owl.

Last Day in New Forest

I spent my last day in the New Forest walking around the Burley Heath area. Here is a selection of birds I encountered on a drizzly gloomy day - Egret, young Chiffchaff and parent, lots of Stonechats, Hobby and Swallow. Final photographs before very heavy rain stopped operations were mating Ichneumons.

Stonechat Versus Emperor Moth and Bee

This female Stonechat appeared to call to the disinterested male before flying out and returning with an Emperor moth. She consumed this whole with some difficulty and then flew again and returned to a better position to photograph her swallowing bee!