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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When I start to get wildfowl pictures like these I know that Winter is well on its way.
The temperature is a bit of a giveaway too. I came home after a day at RSPB Ham Wall feeling pretty
chilled and resolved to wear more layers next time. It was the wind as
much as the temperature which contrived to rob my body of its essential
heat. Was it worth it? Yes, as always!
Below is a Gadwall landing on a crowded patch of water.
And this Shoveler positively glowed in the afternoon sun.
Geese always make me think
of Winter too. In this case it was just some Canada Geese that came
noisily honking in to land.
Won't be long before the Whooper Swans
arrive. Sadly, this was just a Mute Swan, but one day it will be the real thing!
The funny thing was that, even though Winter is just starting, there were already signs of Spring behaviour amongst the birds. The Mallards below were seen mating. This photo catches them just after the male's head-bobbing display has caused the female to adopt a prone, submissive posture prior to mating.
These Herons were also engaging in a playful aerial game very reminiscent of Spring.
Even the Coots were making a playful splash.
Of course the Bitterns were still very much in evidence. It is very difficult to photograph them at this time of year. They only make very brief flights and it is difficult to get on to them. Once they catch Spring fever it will be easier as they chase each other about the sky for extended periods.
Marsh Harriers as well of course. I often wonder how they survive. I watch them hunting for extended periods and imagine their growing hunger pangs. They never seem to catch anything and I fear that they will not survive the night.
This is a typical sighting with the bird fluttering over the reed tops whilst staring intently downwards
Marsh Harriers always seem to keep so far away from the hides. I often kick myself afterwards for not fitting my 2x teleconverter. Never seem to think of it in time. I am always hoping instead that this time they might come nearer.
Here is one with Glastonbury Tor in the background.
Finally, this fine Cormorant posed for me.
And this Grey Heron cruised by in the low winter sunlight.
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I really have been trying to get to grips with this year's garden-bird-in-flight project. Somehow, though, it is proving difficult. The garden birds are reluctant to visit my many feeders in any numbers - whatever food I offer them.
It has been like this for about six months now, and I hear similar stories from other people.
I have no idea why this is. It must be to do with the availability of other natural food supplies, or perhaps it is just that my neighbour has better bird food on offer than I have!
The other problem is that as soon as there is any fine weather, I find myself drawn back to the Somerset Levels and the numerous wildfowl. I can never resist a good Swan!
This, of course, is a Mute Swan. There are a few Whoopers about, but I have not yet seen one this winter. Fabulous birds both of them.
The Shoveler also takes some beating for photographic impact.
Likewise, a Pintail.
The big drama always centres around raptors though. Whilst I was at Greylake a few days ago, this female Marsh Harrier was stirring up the ducks. It did not attempt to attack them. John Waters (noted wildlife cinematographer) suggests that they just try to clear the lake and then look out for any ailing birds left behind. It certainly looked like that was what it was doing.
Here is a view of another, taken this time at Westhay NNR.
As much as I like a good Marsh Harrier, I never like to overlook a Buzzard. Shame the light was not just a bit better for this shot.
For the technically persuaded, just a short note on my experiences with the new Canon 7DMk2. I have had difficulty persuading myself that this camera represented much of an advance on the original 7D, which I used for four years. However, on Monday, I took my old 7D on a coastal walk and tried to photograph some Fulmars wheeling about below the cliff top with the sea as a background. I was struck by the difficulty the autofocus system had in picking out and holding the bird against the background. In the few months I have had the Mk2, I have become used to being able to take this type of shot. So maybe it is doing something for me after all?
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