WHAT'S BUZZING OR FLYING NEAR YOU TODAY - 2017

Hi @wiseowl there was an article on our local news this morning or was it last night no think it was this morning,or it could have been last night and there was a group of people that were sitting round a small camp fire in the dark listening out for the Nightingale as he started his early morning singing session.It was so beautiful a song when he did start singing but then one of the groups started making a weird noise and so it was difficult to hear the son above the noise

We have been in the past over to Paxton Pits in Bedfordshire to hear the males sing but if we leave it too late after May by then the males have stopped singing.

Unfortunately the Maltesers and Cyprus and other European hunters are either shooting the migrants out of the sky or are catching them with traps etc.The hunters shoot them down for sport and the ones that are caught on sticky traps are killed and eaten as they are quiet a delicacy in their countries.The wildlife presenter Chris Packham got arrested the other week when he was over there trying to educate and stop all this illegal hunting.

Good Luck and hope you manage to get to either hear them or to film their song

 

Archer fish out for some fresh air

 

Blackcap.

Whimbrel, first one I have seen close up to see how similar they are to a Curlew. It will only be here for a day or two, after overwintering in Africa, before flying up to the Northern Isles and Arctic to breed.

 

Female Sparrowhawk swooped down to try and capture a blackbird but she missed and landed in my cherry tree Even got it on film to show Mr Kandy when he gets back from the Lottie.

 

The humble House Sparrow (not great quality, taken on my phone); they have doubled their numbers this year in contrast to last. Wonder if it has anything to do with higher quality nesting materials?

 

First young Chaffinch.


Grey Wagtail catching Mayflies.


No young Siskins yet but the adults are still busy.

 

Only photos of setup and no wildlife. But here goes.
Last year, I bought a remote for the Nikon that is a cheep copy but a tenth of the price of a genuine Nikone one. I played with it last year but other thinks took their course and put it to the side.

Today, I had a play as we have Tits building a nest in the box. It's lovely to watch and spend some time daily with camera to get decent shots. Well, today, I learned how close I can get on a step ladder with camera, on tripod, on shed roof. They don't mind my presence at all. (I am very discreet) and although not good light gave me a lot of hope and inspiration for the days to come.

So for now, here is the setup and hopefully, some decent photos to follow.

Enjoy the wildlife and have a good one.
Russ

 

I hope we will see some great shots @Rustler, what lens are you using?

 

Not Flying


There isn't much wildlife about at the mo, a few Bumbles a ladybird and two Swallows
Where have they all gone

 

Stonechat.

 

Would these be Greylags?

 

Hi @strongylodon, Thank you.
The lens is a Sigma 150- 500 6.3.
Although a bit soft for my liking. Would love a faster lens but price prohibits!
Cheers, Russ.