Bradgate Park

This young Jackdaw was about as happy as we were for our visit to Bradgate yesterday -  overcast and damp with low light values. I am always surprised to see young fallow deer still suckling when mating is in full progress. There were lots of ritual displays evident from decorating the antlers to active fighting and the youngsters were also joining in though never in a good clear area! We spent a time along the stream and were pleased to record deer and squirrels drinking.

Afternoon at Wicken

The rain stopped after lunch and I enjoyed a couple of hours on Burwell Fen before the very strong winds arrived. The herons were the most confiding - otherwise the birds were at a distance including male and female Kestrels, Short-eared Owl and two Marsh Harriers.  The landscapes were with my not-very-good mobile camera!

Bradgate Birds etc

Final few from the Bradgate trip - mainly birds that I enjoyed for various reasons - the Jackdaws intent on removing ticks etc from very patient Fallow deer, pictorial views of Peacock and Pheasant, water-level views of Swans etc.

Dorset - West Bay People and Birds (30/05/2023)

The strong late afternoon sun at West Bay last week created some great silhouettes and side lighting for the people and birds. 

 

Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre

We were promised sunshine for our Nature Group outing to Slimbridge yesterday but most of the day it was cloudy with a bit of rain. Here some of the birds around the central area of the reserve. The Jackdaws and Rooks were busy building nests. The views of the Estuary and its birds were great with a dark stormy sky behind while it was good to get images of Chiffchaff, Snipe and four different Kingfishers