Territorial Birds

Yellow Hammer, Whitethroat and Blackbird were singing at full volume on my morning walk today. The light was excellent, only problem was quite a strong wind which made handholding the lens difficult.

A Glimpse of Toft Wildlife

With the current lockdown, I am spending more time than usual photographing in our local area rather than visiting neighbouring good nature areas but I am certainly enjoying the great range of species the village can provide. These range from the Cluster flies ready for squadron take off, hoveflies -  Myathropa (with the bat mark on the thorax) and Merodon (a great and variable mimic of bees), various solitary bees some very small so needed adjustment of depth of field, to hedgerow birds - Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Yellow Hammer

RPS Visit to Wicken Fen

Unlike my usual luck when arranging Nature Outings for the RPS, the weather remained fine and warm on Sunday and the Short-Eared Owls behaved and appeared on cue on Burwell Fen. I missed the best shots of the day when one SEO camer very close as the Highland Cattle were between me and the owl!! We also enjoyed great view of Yellow Hammer, Stonechat and Reed Buntings who were displaying well.

Birds around Exeter

We went for a walk round Aylesbeare Common looking for Dartford Warblers. Very few birds around but a male Yellow Hammer performed well and also a Willow Warbler



We then went to Ladram Bay, a cove with red sandstone cliffs and standing pillars, which were dominated by Herring Gulls. One of them caught and consumed a crab watched by a hopeful pair.