Leighton Moss

Broad Bodied Chaser

Champion Moor - Lancashire

Blacktoft Sands Today

Grasshopper Warbler

What Beetle sp. please?

I found this brightly coloured beetle at Whetstone. Anybody know what species it is?

Get Off!

This Dipper was very territorial at Strid Woods and harassed the Common Sandpipers whenever they landed near the Dipper nest site.
Coincidently earlier in the morning I had watched other Dippers at two other locations chasing birds off their territory including C. Sand. and Grey Wagtail.

Goosanders looked splendid in the bright sunshine even if it did play havoc with the auto-exposure.

Mandarin Heaven

An early arrival at Strid Woods before the hoards on Good Friday provided some good birding. All the expected summer migrants were showing fairly well however the stars of the show for me were this pair of Mandarins. I sat quietly for over half an hour and watched as they fed in the rapids before being disturbed by a dog and stick-throwing owner. I hadn't realised just how proficient the ducks were at feeding in the fast flowing water. Throughout the morning I saw Mandarins on at least 12 occasions however it was impossible to say how many birds were involved; this was the only female I saw though. Amazing how much the males looked like some kind of bizarre auk sp. when flying!

Patient wait at Leeshaw Res.

A patient wait at Leeshaw using the car as a hide finally allowed some close up shots of the resident pair of Little Owls.

Leeshaw Part 2

The weather today reminded me very much of the early 90's when Black Terns were regular visitors to Leeshaw Reservoir at this time of year and so I couldn't resist a break from work this afternoon. Alas no terns although a quick check on the web confirmed that many were passing in the southern half of the country so maybe tomorrow????
Nevertheless there were plenty of others things to watch and not all of them feathered.

Leeshaw Res Little Owls

The regular pair of Little Owls were showing very well at Leeshaw today.

A Mixed Bag from Whetstone

The fine sunny weather today brought out good numbers of Green Hairstreak butterflies with several 'paired' including these two that fluttered on to my hand whilst I was trying to take a closeup shot of a single.

Red Grouse were much in evidence although it was noticeable that displaying has reduced and the females are lying low, no doubt

nesting has begun. I photographed the Stoat yesterday and it was doubtless the same one that was teasing the Wren on Friday.

Wren

This Wren was pre-occupied with a Stoat that was playing hide and seek in the wall opposite Whetstone Quarry.

What`s this?

Paul, Caught this coming off the sea at Babbacombe,Devon. Thought it might be the Greenland sub-species of your favorite bird,but would like confirmation . Roger

St.Ives 10th April

Springtime at St Ives

A very lively morning at St Ives with a great deal of activity from both newly arrived migrants and the resident birds.

This Redstart was less willing to have it's picture taken.

This Great Tit chased and caught the Bumblebee in flight and then despatched it with a few sharp pecks before flying off with it.

Willow Warblers are back in very good numbers and very vocal.

Green Hairstreak - Whetstone

Several Green Hairstreaks at Whetstone today (about a week earlier than in previous years for me at this site).

Black-necked grebe

1 of 3 at a site out of bog, also 1 Red-necked grebe and Wood lark near by.