Druridge pools

 Its been a long time since my mate and I got together for a mornings birding so this was a long awaited get together.  Druridge was to be our destination,arriving at about 6-30 things looked quiet with the main pool holding a doz swans and about the same number of Canada geese and little else.Turning our attention to the budge field it had the usual ducks including six young shell ducks at distance a large flock of Greylags split into various groups and of course the pony's which had congregated in front of the hide. Things didn't look good on the birding front !! ,movement from our right saw three Roe deer fawns appear and start browsing very close to the hide here's a few pics.

 

We may have been spotted ?

having a shake down

I cannot recall ever been as close as this to  deer and its just over a month since I saw them still trying to feed from mother. 

even a portrait to boot.

lets not forget the pony;s

Turned out to be a decent morning in the end.

Thanks for looking

Joe.

 

July hols part 3 conclusion.

Frampton Marsh.

 Its been two years or more since my last visit to Frampton and it would seem something always tuns up on one of these visits ,last time it was a Black winged Pratincole which had the better of me as far as photographs go ,this time it was a Pacific Golden Plover I was assured of that by (them that knows ?)albeit a bit moulty.

On the way up to the flood bank to see the plover we passed eight spoonbills  just chilling or should that be nearly awake ??

It was best viewed through a scope as it was quite a way out on the marsh but this was the best I could get out of my gear and the bird was a first for me.

Back at the campsite the owner told me of a kestrel that had nested in an owl box at the bottom of his garden and had two young fledglings ,this is a picture of the female sitting on top of the box

Just packing up now hols all over,(now where did I leave that bloody horse ??)

Thanks for looking

stay safe

Joe

July hols part 2 (Strumpshaw fen)

 This was probably the best stop off of the hols even thou we were too late for the Swallowtails. Having being told at reception about the Kingfisher that was visiting the fen hide lagoon I chose an early morning start.

No time to check my settings as this Marsh Harrier took of from its night perch on a very misty morning

The info proved to be correct.

This little Reed warbler kept me entertained while waiting for the kingfisher

The Harriers had two youngsters which kept them busy with food passes

This Great white Egret gave a decent view as it flew past as did the Tern chick below waiting to be fed.

As I was leaving the fen hide this bold little fella took me by surprise

Thanks for looking

next stop Frampton marsh.

Stay safe

Joe.

July hols part 1

 Minsmere was our first port of call a little disappointing but we were about six weeks later than previous visits but still plenty of things to see.

                                          Stonechat keeping an eye on us as we passed

nearly always see a Bittern from the bittern hide

we came across a flock of Reed Buntings feeding.

Plenty going on at the dipping pond with these Four spot chasers.

even at night there is still things about Elephant hawk moth

Just goes to show I don't always get the settings right !.

Thanks for looking 

next stop Strupshaw fen

Stay safe

Joe