Even on a quiet day, there's always a bird photo to be had.

It's a funny thing but, even when I come back from a bird photography outing feeling that I have had a pretty blank day, there always seems to be something surprisingly interesting in the camera. I guess that this is all about pressing the shutter when your instincts whisper to you, and having an open mind when you come to review your shots on the computer afterwards. This quirky shot of a Cormorant on an ugly pole for example seemed to have more charm than I had thought when I took the shot.
 

The day started with me watching some Wigeon cruising the edge of a tidal creek at Seaton. Some other Wigeon were grazing on the island above them and it became apparent that the floating birds wanted to join them, only problem being a two foot bank to get over. After much consideration they did what they do best of course and decided to fly up and over. It was surprising what an obstacle they seemed to consider it. Here is a female on her way up.

Later more Wigeon flew in to join the happy band.

There was also a Curlew in attendance. Apparently Curlew are suffering a population decline so it is always nice to see one.

Even better when you can snap one in flight.

Then finally, after a drenching shower, these two Little Egrets came into land. I caught a rather pretty arrangement.

So, admittedly not a great day but not a write-off either. Just follow your instincts and see what you get. I am really looking forward to the Spring when all the bird activity increases, but in the meantime I will still go out and do what I can. After all, you can't beat a day out in the wilds.

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More wildlife from France

There was certainly plenty to see on my recent trip to Normandy but, as with wildlife watching elsewhere, it was only by spending patient hours observing over several days that any of it came within camera range.

The Water Vole above for example only showed itself after I had been standing by a ditch for several hours. I was not actually expecting it, I was just watching out for anything that might come by and my eyes were on the sky rather than the ground. Once it did appear, it then came out about every twenty minutes to graze. After a few minutes it would then gather a mouthful of greenery and run back to the ditch where it presumably had its burrow. This pic catches it on the homeward run, mouth full. Here is another water vole that was just sitting quietly in a different ditch later in the trip.

Whilst we're talking of waterside mammals, you can't go anywhere in Northern France without coming across Coypu, or Ragondin as they are called in French. Pretty amazing beasts, and big compared to a Water Vole.

 

 This Coot seems to be interested as this one passes by. This shot helps show their size.

They are very happy in the water, like Otters, but unlike them Coypu are entirely vegetarian. No one I spoke to was very pleased about their presence on the waterways. They make large burrow networks in the banks and seriously damage them. They did occur in Norfolk in the 1980s I believe, but they were eradicated to avoid just this unwanted outcome. I think the French probably wish that they had done the same. Originally they are escapees from fur farms.

Of course, much of the wildlife in France is the same as here in the UK. This is a Linnet posing on a roadside wire.

And here a Wheatear, freshly arrived from Africa. Interesting colour combination in this photo with the red rocks and the yellow lichen.

Below is a Sedge Warbler in full song.

And here a Meadow Pipit, again using the barbed wire as a perch.

Below is a somewhat distant Roe Deer, complete with antlers.  

 
Of course, one of the delights of a foreign trip is seeing those species that are relatively rare here. The landscape of the marsh lands of the Cherbourg peninsula is flat, and I mean flat!

As are the coastal marshes at the major river estuaries.

You can come across a Marsh Harrier or a Montagu's Harrier almost anywhere. Trouble is, they range very widely and it is a matter of pure chance whether you will see one. I saw two Montagu's on my trip and a few more Marsh Harriers - no decent photos though!

At the end of April all these fabulous locations were pretty devoid of wildlife. The main reason would be the departure of the over-wintering wildfowl. But, as I said at the beginning, with enough patience there is still plenty to see. Like these seals that I gradually crept up on at Le Grand Vey. I think I could have got closer, but unfortunately two other people came along and, although they were being considerate, it some how put me off. I left with the photos that I had managed to get and the seals, although watchful, were not disturbed. Sadly, after I had retreated, one of the remaining people eventually caused the seal below to plunge into the water in alarm.

They don't look comfortable to me, but I suppose they must be.

These passing Spoonbill were another unusual sight for an Englishman abroad! Unfortunately the light was very dim.

Whereas this pic of a Coot feeding its youngster a disgusting mouthful of slime could have been taken anywhere.

On the final day I visited a succession of coastal reserves only to find them largely deserted. I was losing hope when, at the Gatteville Lighthouse I spotted Gannets passing out at sea. Their trajectory seemed to bring them close to the rocky point at times so I set off on a long journey out over the rocks till I could go no further and sat and waited. It was worth it.

I also saw this distant party of Shag skimming along the sea surface.

So, that is about it for my Normandy trip.

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The Appeal of Furry Mammals

My chief passion since I took up photography  about five years ago has been to catch birds in flight. It still is. However, I can't help noticing that when I post pictures on Facebook it always seems to be the occasional picture of a mammal that draws the warmest reaction. I think this Fox however looked a bit too mean and focused to elicit many "oohs" and "aahs"

I photographed it at Seaton in Devon on the Axe Estuary Reserve. There is a tourist tram service that runs alongside the estuary and I caught it running along the lines. It is obviously intent on something. The following day I went back to try to get another shot. For various heart-breaking reasons I missed the main opportunity as it ran along the lines in the other direction this time. I did however get this fleeting shot.
 

Rubbish photo, but interesting because you can see it has milk teats showing beneath. It is obviously a vixen with a brood of young in the earth. It should be very active over the next few weeks so I will be going back to see what I can do.

Another mammal readily seen on this reserve is the humble rabbit. Funnily enough I do not seem to see many rabbit photos posted on the web, oerhaps they are too common to interest anyone. Anyway, I like a good rabbit photo or two.

Other than these recent photos, I have to go back into my archive to find more mammal photos. Compared to Rabbits, Hares are very popular. Here are a few of my Hare shots collected over the years. I would love to get some more and I am always on the look out.

Some photographers set themselves specific subjects to photograph and study over an extended period. I think this is a good idea and there are some fantastic collections to be found online. I find myself to me more of an opportunistic generalist, photographing whatever I come across and crossing my fingers that some of the shots will be OK.

This Mink was also photographed at the Seaton Reserve. I was really lucky that it came out into the open and showed itself for a few seconds. They are not popular animals of course. They rob eggs and nestlings from the breeding shore birds. They are controlled on most reserves, but still manage to keep a toehold.

 Whilst the Mink may not be that cute, this Wood Mouse certainly is. Ten out of ten I would say.

 I am going to try to concentrate on mammals a bit this year. Much more difficult than birds of course. They are timid and elusive but that just sounds like an interesting challenge to me!

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A day out on the Somerset Levels

At this time of year I eagerly scan the weather forecasts for upcoming fine days and try to ensure that I am free to get out with my camera. I find Winter sunlight to be very sympathetic to the creation of clear, serene images. I love it and there are no better subjects on these crisp days than the wildfowl that over-winter in their tens of thousands on the Somerset Levels.

Recently I have been favouring the RSPB reserve at Greylake. The new "Treetop" hide gives good views over the main lagoon and is well orientated to take advantage of any sunlight. Actually, "Treetop" is a strange choice of name as there are none, trees that is, as long as you discount the row of small willows which are currently threatening to grow up to block the view. I have faith that the RSPB volunteers will keep an eye on this.

On this visit, the ducks were unusually close to the hide allowing some portraits to be taken. This drake Shoveler for instance.

 And here he is scratching his ear.

 My usual aim is to catch birds in flight, so here is a Shoveler doing just that.

I always look out for Swans in flight, not that you can easily miss them. The whistling of their wings gives an early warning.

 So after about two and a half hours sitting in the howling wind coming through the open hide window, and thoroughly chilled, I set off for Westhay reserve to see what was brewing there. Whereas Greylake had thousands of ducks, plus Marsh Harriers and Peregrines to boot, Westhay seemed initially devoid of life. However, after an hour or so, the birds started to show themselves. Gadwall were present and you could not wish for a more beautiful bird.

Here is a particularly serene shot of a drake Gadwall glimpsed through the reeds.

And here are few shots of the same species in my more usual style. This landing Gadwall has only just touched the water and there are no ripples yet to be seen - just the slightest splash.

And  Westhay would not be Westhay without the patrolling Marsh Harriers. They never come near enough to the hides for a real portrait, but I felt myself lucky to get this shot. I live in hopes of a better one - actually, there are a few on my website.

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