Fun with Fungi at Paxton

We had to abandon the Conservation Work Party at Paxton Pits early when the heavy rain arrived  but, after a revitalising drink,  four of the younger members of the group joined me in a fungi hunt in Rory's Wood. We got soaked through but the woods looked and smelt wonderful and we even found a few loose twigs with interesting fungi to take back to photograph at the visitor centre in the outside shelter. Tom had some small light cubes that took colour filters - I went for a blue one and then discovered that the visitor centre itself made an interesting back drop. It is unusual to see a hexagonal full moon but otherwise quite convincing - even got some surface detail one shot!!

RSPB Titchwell Marsh Birds

Here a selection of distant and closer shots at Titchwell - not all in the best direction for the light but gives a flavour of the variety and sheer numbers of geese (Pink-footed and Brent), ducks (Shelduck,Shoveller, Teal and Widgeon) and waders (Golden Plover) there in the winter plus distant view of Marsh Harriers as in the first shot.

 

More Hunstanton Birds

Sanderlings, Redshank and Turnstone from Saturday. At this time of the year, the light is directional all day and shows off the plumage of  the waders beautifully. Fulmers pair up and set up their territories in December and then disappear out to sea until returning to lay eggs etc later in the year.

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.