Devil's Dyke Newmarket - Pasque Flowers

Several of the Pasque flowers on Devil's dyke are only just coming into bloom - much later than the Royston ones. They are also much larger, growing in tall grass rather than short turf. Tried various apertures from 2.8 to 7.1 including image 3 which is focus stacked of 3 images at 6.4. Hundreds of St Mark's flies around, the males having large eyes, females (first image) smaller eyes. Named as they are abundant normally on St Mark's Day, April 25th. The very small spider and Weevil beetle were photographed at f22  but impossible to get it all in focus at that magnification

Baker's Fen Hide, Wicken Fen

We spent a couple of hours in the new hide on Baker's Fen. As we arrived, a Bittern flew across the reeds but did not reappear once we were set up with cameras. Most birds were very distant but this pair of Reed buntings played in the reeds close enough for some decent photos,

Meredith is Five Today

Our Granddaughter, Meredith, had her fifth birthday today supported by her sister Sadie. A small birthday tea at home today but the Belle dress is ready for her party on Sunday.

Visit to Newmarket Stable

Many thanks Geoff for showing us round Stanley House Stud yesterday - great to see so many healthy foals and mothers enjoying the sunshine. Ouija Board certainly thought the whole thing a laugh. I concentrated on manes, bristles and eyes including one shot of our party reflected in an eye

Fowlmere - a Miscellany from Bees to Cockerel

A mixed bag of snaps from Fowlmere including a bee swarm in a willow - in fact there were two swarms in the same tree. A very confiding warbler allowed some good shots - although it didn't sing, I am sure this was a Willow Warbler with the pronounced eye stripe and supercilium and the paler legs  (compare to photo of a know Chiffchaff). I also managed a photographic glimpse of a Cetti's Warbler as it hopped around the undergrowth while the Long-tailed Tit happily displayed. As usual the only abundant birds were Grey Lag Geese with a few Canada Geese looking great among the emerging reeds and two very noisy cockerels.

 

Lakenheath RSPB Reserve - Confiding Wren plus Distant Views of Great Species

Wrens were shouting their territories all over the reserve but otherwise the birds were all pretty distant including a Glossy Ibis and Great White Egret. Good to see a Bittern flying and also a daytime Barn Owl. Greylags with six young.