Natural World Photography by Bob Sharples

Post Number 300

2012-02-12T20:14:00.000Z

Well this is post number 300 and unfortunately it is a rather short one, lacking any impressive images. A visit to Marazion today with Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic group was greeted by dull lighting and a distinct lack of action from the wildlife. I knew it wasn't my day when I put the camera in my van and the Bittern flew across the marsh whilst I was having a mug of soup!!! (the G-t!!!) I will quickly post the images as lots to do away from the computer.

Record shot of Eider just off Marazion beach

Grey Heron, a rare still wind giving the opportunity for reflections

Shelduck bathing, a common bird but not seen to often on the marsh

Buzzard, one of the locals on his favourite perch

Quiet Day, New Nikon

2012-02-07T20:38:00.003Z

Well a quiet day on the marsh and on return home I find a new announcement from Nikon a 36mp DSLR see here http://www.nikon.com/news/2012/0207_dslr_01.htm

And straight onto todays images:

Buzzard, spent all afternoon on low passes spooking many Teal

Chiff Chaff hunting insects across the water

Song Thrush

The Grey Herons are already nest building

Stonechat to end with

Winter Photography Workshop

2012-02-04T22:46:00.001Z

Now having left work and wishing to get fully into wildlife photography I booked myself on a winter photography workshop. Not one of those that sits you down and give you death by power point but a workshop mostly in field conditions. The workshop was run by Marcus Conway of Ebirder . On the first night we an given an introduction, on various equipments, hides, camoflage, safety etc and after about one hour that is the power point done. On the first day we have to trek into a Scottish forest in search of Capercaillie, we are fore warned that some of these birds are territorial and will sometimes chase people who stray into their territory. Also we are told it may take a few visits to find the Capercaillie. We walk about a mile and off load our excess bags and start to venture into it's territory. Were in luck as we round a corner in the forest a Capercaillie is in the open. And as warned it is on the defensive approaching a photographer who got to close. It is low light, a light covering of snow here and there, and Marcus is continually giving out information on exposure settings and warning us to step back when necessary if the bird approaches. All works out well and despite the low light we get some images. So a good start and we leave the Capercaillie after a short time. We return to the Landrover for lunch and a brew. Were lucky with the weather at the moment it is mid winter but really mild in Scotland.

Capercaillie

After lunch we head to a feeding station where we hope to get Crested Tit. We arrive there and the lights still poor with the odd glint of sunlight now and again. Marcus sets up a couple of props and lays on some inviting morsels for the birds. It not long before the birds start arriving, but they dart in and out not that easy to get pictures. Marcus helps out by telling us where the birds are and what direction they approach form etc. We spend about an hour here, but have to move on to photograph Red Deer.

Tree Creeper

Coal Tit

Crested Tit

Next it onto photograph the Red Deer, this has been arranged with a Game Keeper who we hope can get the Red Deer down to the edge of the forest. After a drive up a dodgy road we arrive at the forest. The Red Deer are no-where to be seen, but after some calling from the Game Keeper they soon appear. I get out my camera with 300mm lens and disaster it won't focus. I switch to manual, I can now focus but can't set the aperture so the 300mm lens, my main lens for the trip is fubarred!!!! Well this is not good news, I try, Marcus has a look but it is not going to work. I grab a couple of Red Deer shots with my wide angle lens.!!

Red Deer

Back to our B+B we down load all the photos, have a bite to eat and then assess the days images later.

Day two and Marcus informs us were climbing in the Scottish Highland to photograph Ptarmigan. He also informs us the weather is perfect. We get a brief on the perils of being in the highlands and how changeable the weather is, field craft etc. We then start the long trek up hill. Me accompanied by my monster 600mm as the 300mm don't work. After a while we stop, crampons are the order of the day. This sort of photography to get these images needs a good level of fitness and if your lucky like me an higher level carrying the 600mm lump all day. After two/three hours we are told we are in the area for Ptarmigan, it's quite a large area, covered in snow and the Ptarmigan winter plumage is mostly white. Were described the noise these birds make and after about thirty minutes we locate a bird. (getting to it is another thing) We cautiously approach and learn if we can stay with the hen bird the males will come, which they duly do later on in the day. Were lucky again were onto some good photographic opportunities. We left all our surplus gear in a pile a look behind us reveals just how high we have gone in pursuit of the Ptarmigan. After a couple of hours we mange to find around five birds in one area, so lunch is postponed. Satisfied with the photography we get some lunch and make our way down the mountain. It tricky I keep loosing my footing for some reason, on taking my boots of at the bottom I realise I have lost the crampon of my left boot. My phone goes off a text says Liverpool have beaten Man Utd in the cup, despite the hard days trekking this is turning out to be a quality day. Back to the B+B and I am knackered, but still time for a meal and a look over the days images.

Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan calling

The Long Way Back (well about half way actually)

The final day see us in pursuit of Mountain Hare, we venture to a steep sided valley, and I mean steep. We spot the Hares from the road and they are a long way up, (bugger more carrying the 600mm lens around) We get briefed on the field craft and best way to approach the Mountain Hare and duly set off after the white spots in the hill side. We have varying amounts of success but do spot a distant Golden Eagle as a bonus. What a gigantic bird. After spending sometime on the first hill we venture down for lunch. We then have to climb the steeper hill on the other side, joy.!!! Well its now blown a gale a holding the camera steady is a mamouth task, but I manage some how (must be all that time in the gym!!!) After the ascent I look down and the Landrover is a minor speck in the distance.

Mountain Hare

Golden Eagle (Distant)

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable workshop, hard work physically, combined with delicate field craft and skills, certainly makes you appreciate the time and effort that goes into get these shots by pro photographers. It is not a case of just pitching up an getting the image. Lots of research of the area's etc is also required first. Makes me think I need to do a lot more looking now before picture taking.

Ptarmigan

2012-02-01T22:50:00.000Z

Hi, I have been away for a few days taking part in a Winter Wildlife Photography Workshop, more on that to follow over the next few days but here is a picture as a from the workshop. I will post more and catch up on the blogs once I am settled back in sunny Helston!

Ptarmigan-Scotland

Sunny Cornwall "at last"

2012-01-11T19:30:00.004Z

Well it has been a long wait but finally after some weeks the light and wind was good for photography, so a lot of cameras out and about today. A bit foggy early on but this soon burned off to allow the winter sun to shine through. Marazion was quiet apart from the Reed Cutter. Did see the Bittern so that is still there, Kestrel made an appearance also. Then I went to the boating lake in Helston for another go at the Egyptian Goose, light here was fantastic. So onto the images:

Chiff Chaff

Kestrel

Cormorant (thought it was tangled in a fishing line, but this was not the case)

Egyptian Goose

Mallard enjoying the sun

Tufted duck

Shoveler

Helston Egyptian Goose

2012-01-09T17:51:00.002Z

Well a quick post today from Helston Boating Lake. Really awful light again despite the forecast of sunshine!!!
Anyway the Egyptian Goose is still present for now.

Killer Carrion at Ryans Field

2012-01-06T19:09:00.001Z

An injured Lapwing was struggling at Ryans Field, two Carrion Crows were immediately on it's case. The Lapwing put up a tremendous fight but in the end there was only going to be one outcome. The Lapwing had to endure its original injury, pecking and the drowning attempts by the assailants. Weakened the bird was dragged onto the shore, where the two carrion pinned the bird down and just ate it whilst it was still alive, feathers and chunks of lapwing were ruthlessly ripped from bird. All this took four minutes before the Lapwing succumbed. So that is how nature works the strong pick out the weak and a brutal, sometimes slow death follows. Anyway after watching the Crows have lunch I popped over to Marazion very quiet here, did get a fleeting glance of the Bittern so one is still there. Again photography was dogged by bad light, so image quality isn't fantastic, but I try! Hope you enjoy the images from my first post this year.

The attack commences as the injured Lapwing struggles in the water

Dragged to shore, the Lapwing is doomed

Eaten Alive

Still enjoy his ill gotten meal

Swan in flight at Mrazion

I said it was quiet, even the Mallard is in the first post of 2012

A Selection of Images from 2011

2011-12-29T18:10:00.002Z

Apologies if you have seen some of these before. These are some, not all of my favourites from 2011, some technically not perfect but I like them for one reason or another. By my standards it was a quiet year, hopefully 2012 will be much more productive. Highlight of the year was the Isle of Mull, hopefully I can return there soon. Well enough text from me and onto the images:

"Who's going first"? Black Guillemots, Oban

A rather rain sodden, Hooded Crow, Isle of Mull

Otter enjoying crab, Isle of Mull

Waxwing, as far south as Penzance

White Tailed Sea Eagle, a Barn Door of a bird, Isle of Mull

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stithians

Black Necked Grebe, Carnsew or Drift?

Red Fox, Stithians

Kestrel, Carnsew

Bittern, Marazion

Great Crested Grebes, Stithians

Sanderling, Marazion

A Wet and Windy Carnsew Pool

2011-12-28T18:51:00.001Z

Well the weather is still destroying my efforts to get some decent pictures of the Great Northern Diver at Carnsew, heavy wind and showers. The wind made it almost impossible to take pictures with the big lens today. Certainly just could not get the Turnstone's right. Do seem to be having some luck with Kestrels at present though! Onto the images from today then:

Little Egret

Turnstone, impossible to hold the camera steady even on a tripod due to the gusting winds

Kestrel, shame about the sky but that changed the next time around

Nice capture of the rare blue sky and a Kestrel, notice the blood on the claws and face area, looks like he has just fed a short time ago.

Great Northern Diver at Carnsew Pool

2011-12-26T16:00:00.002Z

Well we are still having a unbelievable run of cloud and crap light, and it looks set to continue. Well all I could do today was practice trying to get a bit closer to the Great Northern Diver using the D300s instead of the D3s. Well I did get closer but had to wait over an hour for the bird to come in range and by then the light was very poor. So just the one shot, but at least the good shots will be there if the sun ever appears again before the bird departs.

Great Northern Diver-Carnsew Basin

Xmas Eve at Marazion

2011-12-25T05:26:00.002Z

Well no cold weather/icy conditions like last year in December, pretty mild actually. Did see 2/3 Bitterns but all to distant for pictures. Kestrel put on a nice hunting display again, but today the light was not quite the right angle on the bird for photography. (most of the time) Another couple of shots of a Meadow Pipit and Mallard. Hope you enjoy the shots and a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all my blog followers.

Kestrel Shoot at Marazion

2011-12-21T19:08:00.000Z

Well I needed to burn some fuel off from the van before working on it tomorrow, so it was off to Marazion. Nothing doing and it was cold. Out of the blue a Kestrel appeared and commenced hunting near the camera. I said yesterday on the blog all I needed was a blue sky. Well today I got one. Hope you like the images:

First hunting circuit and a nice close up

Hovering low enabled a changed of background

On the ground ready to eat lunch

Off again having been disturbed by a rabbit

Finally the closest shot today

It was really difficult picking out the shots for the blog, there were so many to choose from as this bird posed beautifully for the camera. Hope you enjoyed them!!!

Cloudy Cornwall, but the camera still gets out!!!!

2011-12-20T19:24:00.000Z

Another grey day with the odd chink of sunlight, surely this run of pants weather will change soon. Don't mind another 10degrees off the temp, some snow and ice, but all this grey cloud and rain is winding me up. Made a visit to Carnsew for calm conditions today. One of the Great Northern Divers was about six meters off the edge from where I was standing, heading my way. I was just waiting for it to get the right side of the light when someone stepped hastily out from the pathway behind me and off it went. "sorry I must off scared it"(happens from time to time) so that was that scuppered. The cormorant made a close pass to make up for it. Decided to visit Marazion here I saw two Bittern, 1 x kestrel and a Water Rail. some pictures below.

Kestrel, (oh, for a blue sky?)

One of the two Bitterns

Great Northern Diver, making off.

Cormorant, up close.

Carnsew Pool Revisited

2011-12-19T10:45:00.000Z

Following on from the day before I made another attempt to get some pictures of the two Great Northern Divers currently present at Carnsew. The wind had dropped significantly from yesterday which was a great help, although I was still dogged by poor light, the odd chink of sunshine getting through for a few seconds. (I finished work on Dec 8th and it has rained every day since then, is it me????) Despite all this the birds did give some confiding passes so I will be on the case again once the yellow thing in the sky re-appears!!! On the whole a big improvement from yesterday but worth another visit when the weather improves.

Cormorant

Great Northern Diver

Sunday Lunch

Brief glimpse of sunlight nicely lighting the bird

Another chink in the clouds lit this up.

Last one for today.

A Choppy Carnsew Basin followed by Marazion

2011-12-17T19:11:00.000Z

Taking a break from the Christmas party season I managed to get out today. First stop was Carnsew Basin to see if I could locate the Great Northern Diver. Well a walk down without the camera for a quick look and bugger there it was right in front of me. And yes by the time I got back with all the kit set up it was gone. I did manage one distant picture before it disappeared from view, and I couldn't find it again. The wind was Baltic and very strong buffeting me and the camera, not a nice place to be so after a short while I headed to Marazion where a lone Kestrel was out looking for lunch.

Great Northern Diver in Carnsew Basin

A Cormorant that obliged with a close pass

Kestrel on the hunt at Marazion

Almost a blank day saved by a Bittern

2011-11-27T17:30:00.000Z

Well it was one of those days where nothing was showing or going right for me everything to far distant etc. My last call was Marazion and on the way back to the van luckily I spotted a Bittern then another one. As the first one I spotted landed in the East side of the marsh another in the same area made it clear in no uncertain terms it wasn't welcome. The first one decided it would be a good move to fly over the railway line in a patch over there. Initially I visited Godrevy to try for some shots of the Ring Neck duck but it was determined not to come close whilst I was there (B---ger) Still managed a very distant shot. Ok onto the photo's:

Ring Necked duck on left

Pochard at ST Gothian Sands

Bittern a Marazion

Bittern at Marazion

North and South Coasts

2011-11-19T18:21:00.000Z

Early start this morning for some surfing photography, wish I had stayed in bed!!!!!!!! Spotted some Plovers flying along the beach on the North Coast so was my first image. (Despite the order google wishes to put them in) I then moved onto Carnsew Basin, where I thought I spotted a Gooseander, this later turned out to be a Merganser when englarged on the computer. From there I went onto Ryan's Field loads of Lapwings, Gulls etc. Finally I called in at Marazion out of the van to have a quick look and got really nice views of a Bittern, typical as the camera was in the van. I then seen it again although distant and then another one at the other end of the marsh, so there are at least two there now. So a dull cloudy day in Cornwall but things are looking up More birdlife and less tourists!!!!

Red Breasted Merganser Carnsew Basin

Redshank, Ryan's Field

Bittern Marazion

Little Egret, Marazion

Lapwing at Ryan's Field

Plovers at Sandy Acres Beach

Bittern at Marazion

2011-11-06T19:14:00.000Z

Apparently this Bittern has been there a short time, but somewhat elusive, as usual. I managed to get a couple of distant shots today as it did a circuit of the marsh. It did re-appear about 4pm and flew behind the railway line and into the East end of the marsh. Couple of other pictures today from the usual suspects.

Bittern

Grey Heron

Little Egret with Sunday Lunch

Flaps down for landing

Quick Post from Marazion

2011-11-05T23:38:00.000Z

Hi apologies for the lack of posts lately, hopefully things will be back to normal soon and images will appear on a more regular basis. I also need to catch up on a lot of blogs, which I will do soon. Well someone spotted a Great White Egret going into the reeds on the marsh about 20 minutes before I got there. After waiting a short while I thought I would take my chances down the East end of the marsh and hopefully get a closer shot. Arrgh, sods law as soon as I moved the Great White Egret flew and landed not far from where I was originally standing, so I got a distant shot while everybody else got close ups!!(B----ger) Still I did get a record shot. So some pictures from my first day out in a while.

Small Sunday Post

2011-09-25T18:38:00.000+01:00

Ok I haven't been able to get out and about lately. To busy and crap weather when I am not busy. So bit of an image drought at present. Hopefully that will soon be rectified when winter visitors start to arrive. Meanwhile all I have is one wheatear at Marazion last week.

Hawkes Point Mini Sea Watch

2011-09-11T21:16:00.000+01:00

Went across Hawkes Point for some surfing pictures but by the time my stupid surfer pals got me there it was to late, tide to high. I stood for a while and noticed some Gannets fishing just offshore further up towards Carbis Bay. So I went up there instead. Although subject distance was someway off and the light was crap, I did manage some record shots. All below I will need help on a couple especially the fish???

Gannet

Gannet Diving

Sandwich Tern

Gull?

Grey Seal

? Looked a bit ominous this one!!!!

Mull 2012 Tour back on?

2011-09-10T11:52:00.000+01:00

With the popularity of Ebirder tours increasing all the 2012 tours are full. However after a few emails with Marcus Conway of Ebirder there is a chance he may run an extra week or two. To register your interest see here http://ebirder.net/MullBirdPhotographyTour.aspx . It definately worth going Mull has a great variety of bird and wildlife and mine experience of the place last year was fantastic. I have already registered my interest to see if he can generate an extra week or two. A couple of images as an example all taken on Mull

Isle of Mull 2012 (Screensaver)

2011-08-22T23:56:00.002+01:00

Hi, just arranged to visit the Isle of Mull again next year with Marcus Conway of Ebirder link here: Ebirder, Mull photography Tour Well I would off but my application was to late, so now on a reserve list!! below is an image I took on the same tour in May 2011. This image makes an ideal screensaver (well in my opinion) to this end I have posted it without any copy right etc so hopefully if you like it, then you can download it straight to your PC's. I haven't tested this so if it doesn't work email me at admin@bobsharplesphotography.co.uk and I will send you a copy.

Mull White Tailed Fish Eagle

Drift, snookered by poor lighting.

2011-08-22T23:05:00.000+01:00

The Cornish cloud appeared to be anchored firmly over Drift Reservoir today. As I was attempting to photograph swallows dipping low this really didn't help. So some low quality images but lots of practice if photographic conditions prove more suitable on another day. Images posted below:

Swallow emerges from the dip.

A near miss, another shot I would like to nail properely.

Better angle would off been nice.

Look closely you can see he has a fly. This is a shot I would like closer in better lighting.

Turtle Dove, still present at Drift

Great Crested Grebe

A quiet Sunday? Not!!

2011-08-22T20:11:00.000+01:00

Popped into the Ryan's Field Hyde at Hayle expecting it to be quiet and it was for a little while. Absolutely nothing happening and after twenty minutes I thought this cannot get any worse. And just the Family kids and dog decided to drop in, just my luck!!! They went after about 10 minutes, then about five minutes later the teenage drunks turned up. They seemed a bit miffed that I was there, I think they wanted to continue their Sunday afternoon booze up in the hyde. Well unlucky for them I stayed put and they had to find another drinking hole. In amongst all this noise and disturbance I did manage a couple of shots which are posted below with some from the Estuary.

Common Sandpiper

Curlew

Grey Heron

Geese

Knot

Drinking on the Wing

2011-08-19T22:35:00.000+01:00

Well thought I would spend an hour or two trying to photograph the Swallows/Sand Martins at Drift. Whizzing around all over the place it was quite difficult keeping track of the little blighters, still got a couple of shots. There wasn't to many there today and the sun wasn't playing ball but as usual I persevered. I won't label the images today as they all show similar subject matter, I did try and get a few different angles etc. I may try again on Sunday am early with the light in my favour if they haven't all migrated by then!

Drift Reservoir Again

2011-08-17T23:45:00.001+01:00

Well second time this week I went to Drift, got a better view of the Turtle Dove, lots of Swallows and a Buzzard, but no Black Kite (well there was an 1 1/2 hours after I left!!!) It is a late one so straight onto the images.

One of the many Swallows flying across Drift today.

Turtle Dove, the bird was using its tail to steady itself on the wire.

Buzzard, he came over for a quick look at the Swallow commotion

A short visit to Drift

2011-08-15T13:28:00.000+01:00

Well the camera has had the cobwebs dusted off and made an an appearance again in the field! Well it has been very busy at work and home and it is also that quiet time of year for bird photography. Well they are my excuses for the lack of posts. Ok I hadn't been out for a while so I binned the chores for a rainy day and set off to Drift on the off chance of seeing a Black Kite which has been reported in the area. No such look with seeing that, a Turtle Dove was also reported I did manage to get that although my view was somewhat obscured. A walk down the far end of Drift passed the hide proved fruitless, but it was still great just to get out with the camera again. No brilliant shots but a record of the days events below.

Swallow takes adip.

Canada Goose landing

Swan enjoying the sun

Turtle Dove, just wouldn't go on the wires to give me a clear shot!!

Hells Mouth in search of Kestrels

2011-07-09T19:17:00.000+01:00

Well it has certainly been a lean period for photography and today was no exception, almost. I headed out to Hells Mouth to photograph some Kestrels I had seen the week before about 3-4 behind the cafe; no sign of them so they must of moved on by now. Off along the coast and I heard a Peregrine Falcon (in fact more than one) These were ringed birds with a metallic ring and yellow ring. On the yellow ring were the letters W9 on noe and Z9 on the other I think. A grey seal also put in an appearance for the camera. I think I have about three weeks of blogs to catch up on also over the next couple of days. So I shall just post the images now and be off for a pint!

Meal on the cliff

Formation Flying

Grey Seal, early morning dip

No Winners Again but Improvement

2011-06-30T21:47:00.000+01:00

I again entered the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Last year I had one image reach the Semi Final stage. This year I didn't get any winners again but had four images onto the Semi Final stage so things are looking up. All the images have been on the blog before, so unless your new to the blog you will of likely seen them before, unlucky they are here again. The four images below:

Animals in Their Environnement

Waterrail on the Snow at Marazion

Bird Behaviour

Kestrel eating Vole at Marazion

Bird Behaviour

Grey Wagtail at Marazion

Portraits

The Green Heron at Heligan

Small stuff at Stithians

2011-06-27T23:54:00.000+01:00

Blighted by poor weather still, summer? I don't think so. Well it has been pants weather for photography and most everything else. So you likely find yourself like me, the sun makes an appearance and you have to spend all day catching up on gardening and DIY chores! How ever I still managed to grab an hour at Stithians with the camera. With little happening on the main lake, I decided to get the macro lens out had have a go. Quite hard as there was a strong wind and harsh lighting, but a bit of practice for me and a new post during these lean times at present. So onto the images no stunners but it was windy. (well that is my excuse) Oh and no insect names because my insect ID skills are even worse than my bird ones!!!! Ok here are the pictures.

He was feeding on small larvae in the water

Mallard

Camera out at last, Hells Mouth and Stithians

2011-06-19T21:36:00.000+01:00

June's photography opportunities have been decimated by work and weather but I was determined to get out today. I was sort of hoping I would still find some youngsters around. A few gulls and a Razorbill chick were all I seen though. It was very quiet, getting towards that time of year where everything is quiet and what is here is well hidden, so we have to work harder to get our images. Still you never know what is around the corner, as I found out on opening the hide shutter at Stithians I was greeted by a fox about 8 yards away and he seemed very interested in the noise the camera shutter was making and so posed well for me. Also this week I had a hard drive fail so lots off raw image data lost, still got the jpg's though. Ordered two new external hard drives to ensure this doesn't happen again. Then somebody mentioned docking stations, where a normal hard drive is just thrown in bare! I must do more to keep up with technology! Well enough rambling and onto some pictures from today.

Fulmar, still after a good flight shot of this bird but light conditions were poor today.

Razorbill

Razorbill with chick

Fox at Stithians (no wonder there are not many young birds around)

Cormorant bathing

Followers Missing

2011-06-12T11:17:00.000+01:00

My followers have become invisible/missing for a couple of weeks now. A search on the internet reveals this is a problem for a lot of people. Threads on the matter in google help forums are always closed without giving an answer on how to resolve this.

Anyone out there know how to solve this problem?

It is forecast to rain heavily all day so no photography, thought I would spend my Sunday off tackiling computer issues!!

A Couple from the Weekend

2011-06-08T16:54:00.000+01:00

Photography is off to a slow start in June due to work etc, having a rest after the Isle of Mull trip. I did venture out at the weekend and here are a couple of shots to keep the blog up to date.

Chough

Heron with fish, one did escape to fight another day, look left below the Heron

Cormorant off to a perch

Drying out in the sunny weather.

Final report from the Isle of Mull

2011-05-28T17:02:00.001+01:00

Well my last day in Mull and we had some good light in fact, sunlight even occasionally, despite this it was all fairly quiet on the photo front. Did mange some image though, as usual! The tour finished at midday on Friday and I stayed on until Saturday in the hope of getting some more shots. Unfortunately gale force winds picked up so that was the end of that idea. Still overall an excellent week and I look forward to going back next year possibly part of an Ebirder tour or on my own or both. I shall decide in the next couple of weeks, as there are only four places left on next years ebirder workshop/tour to the Isle of Mull. Hope you have all enjoyed the images over the last few days. I also understand there is currently an issue for people leaving comments to get around this just don't tick the keep me signed in box. Ok onto the final images: Oyster Catcher, Common Sandpiper, Otter and a couple of rubbish Landscape shots to demonstrate the typical lighting/weather. Apparently it was all sunny and blue skies in April!!! Typical.

Common Sandpiper

Oyster Catcher

Otter with fish lunch

Otter

Loch?

The road along the centre of Mull

Isle of Mull day four, White Tailed Eagle and others.

2011-05-27T10:59:00.000+01:00

With high winds our trip to photograph puffins was cancelled, instead we were offered the opportunity to photograph White Tailed Eagles again. (not a bad replacement option, great in fact) Early morning seen us looking for the Short Eared Owl and Otters but neither came close enough for the camera. Conditions in the boat for the Eagle were well, rocking and rolling, to make photographing harder!! I will get onto the images as there are a few:

Willow Warbler

Red Deer

Rock Pipit

Highland Cattle

Great Northern Diver, 600mm lens hand held on a rolling boat somewhat tricky

Eagle circling to eye the fish, oh and my first image of blue sky on Mull!

Putting on the brakes before grabbing the fish

Got it first go!!

Just for size comparison, this is a huge bird bigger than a Golden Eagle

Another Dive to get a fish, totally focused on the target!

Short Eared Owl, a grab shot on the way back didn't quite come off so this was my useless attempt to turn it into an oil painting!!

Isle of Mull day three, Short Eared Owl

2011-05-26T10:17:00.000+01:00

Another day on the Isle of Mull, today was fairly quiet except for the Short Eared Owl. He hunted for quite a while but at some distance from the camera. Best view of the day though was a stunning male hen harrier, no pictures unfortunately but brilliant to see this awesome bird. As said here are the short eared owl pictures and a red deer also enjoying the pasture at the end. Tomorrow we visit the White Tailed Eagle again and having learned from the experience of my first attempt at photographing these birds I picked up some stunning shots, so worth a look in tomorrow.

Isle of Mull day two report, Eagles and Otters

2011-05-25T11:10:00.001+01:00

Well as predicted we were greeted with heavy rain and dismal lighting for most of the day. However on a plus side we certainly were not let down by the number of wildlife we had the opportunity to see and photograph. The major event of the day would be our boat trip to view and hopefully photograph White Tailed Eagles. These majestic birds were wiped out due to persecution and egg collecting and disappeared form mainland Britain for over fifty years. The last British bird was shot in Shetland in 1918, following a couple of trial releases the birds were re-introduced in 1975. There are now believed to be over fifty breeding pairs. We were taken out on a boat, where the ships Captain is allowed to feed three fish only to the Eagles so the birds do not become dependant on his supply. Sometimes there is a no-show by the Eagle but we were in luck, and managed to get some images despite the poor light. Details On Isle of Mull Sea Eagle Trips can be found here. http://www.mullcharters.com/popular.html Well onto the images from the day, if you want to be super critical some are slightly blurred, lighting conditions were pants!!

Grasshopper Warbler

White Tailed Eagles scans the sea for the fish.

A successful take by the Eagle

Returning to the nest with the catch

Sabine's Gull, a bonus spotted on the return leg of the boat trip

Eider a difficult bird to photograph especially in poor light.

The Otter comes ashore to eat a large crab

Still enjoying the meal

Keeping a lookout whilst eating

Oban and Isle of Mull day one report

2011-05-24T11:38:00.000+01:00

My first full day on the Isle of Mull and it was raining heavily!!! We took the ferry back over to Oban we although dark and cloudy with showers, it did give us the opportunity for some photography. The subjects here were Black Guillemot's, which sometimes reside in the storm drains on Oban's promenade. Here we did observe one attacking a Rock Dove which was also trying to shelter in the drain. After this we headed back to Mull and took the road from Salen around the centre of the Island photographing waders etc and again sighting an otter. So despite the rain which would continue for much of the week some good photography was achieved, I think? In tomorrow's report, amongst others, I will be posting my first images of White Tailed Sea Eagles.

Black Guillemot, Oban

Black Guillemot in the storm drain at Oban

Common Sandpiper

A rather drowned looking Hooded Crow

Eider

Waders, sitting out the rain

Otter

Two Oyster Catchers, who were not to keen to see each other, these two were fighting for a good few minutes.

Red Deer, of which there are quite a few on the Isle

Isle of Mull, Introduction

2011-05-23T20:00:00.000+01:00

Well I arrived on the Isle of Mull on the 15th of May, the night prior to the wildlife photography workshop run by Marcus Conway of ebirder http://ebirder.net/default.aspx . I met up with Marcus and went for a quick drive before the remainder of the party pitched up. This is where I gained these initial images, nothing brilliant but some great images to follow later (mainly White Tailed Eagles and Otters) I have another four/five days of images to post as soon as I can, so call back if you wish to see what Mull has to offer.

Great Northern Diver

Cormorant

Otter, my first sighting on Mull

Preparations for Mull

2011-05-11T08:19:00.000+01:00

Well first of all apologies for the lack of posts lately I have been laying low because of a cold/flu bug. Typical we have the warmest April for years and I still get flu. Well I visit Mull next week for the first time, hopeful of getting images of Sea Eagles, Otters, Puffins etc all weather permitting of course!! Lots of equipment to take for different situations so I have my checklist and hopefully nothing is missing off it. A long drive ahead from Cornwall to the Isle of Mull, I will be setting off Thursday/Friday going as far as Carlisle and then completing the last leg of the journey on Sunday to capture the ferry to Mull around 2pm. I have chosen to visit with http://ebirder.net/MullBirdPhotographyTour.aspx well it it my first visit so I thought it would be a good idea just to book a workshop to get the benefit of all the local knowledge and even some photo tips. So all things going well there should be some new images appearing here on/around the 22nd May. I will also catch up on the blogs then.

Great White Egret at Marazion

2011-05-07T16:45:00.000+01:00

Ok not posted for a while, bit of a pants day at Marazion, light wise and the bird remained distant so just record shots today.

Size comparison between the little and Great Egrets

Great White Egret.

Windy Weekend

2011-05-02T16:37:00.000+01:00

Well pictures were hard to get this weekend strong winds and low light, two of the photographers enemies were against me so very little to show at present.

Sand Martin at Crofts Pool low light and strong wind made it almost impossible to nail these flying bullets so I gave up!

Four Spotted Chaser, Crofts Pool

Wheatear taken at Marazion in very strong winds.

Two Whimbrel on the marsh, well it was just slightly less windy than the beach.

Creative, Untruthful, Anti Photographer reporting from Windmill Farm

2011-05-01T11:34:00.001+01:00

Okay this was published about me on the Windmill Farm Blog

"More seriously, yesterday a local photographer apparently flushed the Hoopoe to obtain "action shots", selfishly disregarding birders and other photographers who had been watching from a more respectful distance. In the process he also disturbed two resting Green Sandpipers."

"flushed the Hoopoe to obtain "action shots", WRONG what an idiotic petty minded assumption, I was attempting/wanting to get pictures of the bird feeding so why would I flush it?

"disregarding birders and other photographers, who had been watching from a more respectful distance"

INCORRECT went I went down to the area concerned I checked the hide there was no one viewing from within it and certainly no-one in the field. (not selfishly disregarding other birders and photographers). At this point I would also like to take the option of saying I do not have 360 degree vision and can't see what is happening behind me.

"In the process he also disturbed two resting Green Sandpipers" well I may of done I did not see them if I did that was unintentional.

On the day I had already been up to photograph the Hoope in the morning, using a tactful approach I got some stunning shots of the bird on a post and on the ground. I was actually sat down about ten feet from it in the morning without spooking it. I went back in the afternoon and again photographed it on the ground from further away, something spooked it and it flew. It may of been me it may of been something behind me! Anyway this is where I made my mistake I followed the bird to the post but instead of taking the small steps as I usually do so as not to get in the birds ring of fear I assumed it would be happy for me to approach to the same distance in one/two moves. Sadly I got this wrong and spooked the bird. So lesson learn't. As this point a rather miffed birder came up behind me and I did apologise (oh no mention of that on the Windmill Farm blog)

Anyone that knows me knows I always treat my nature photography seriously with the animal/birds well being most important, why the hell would I want to scare off birds/animals as implied above. That is just not me.

The post on Windmill Farm blog is inaccurate and anti photographer as farm as I am concerned however on the top of their blog there is a line

"Please note this is a personal, unofficial account and is not necessarily endorsed by the owners."

So that is ok that gives them license to write whatever crap they like.

Hopefully I have now corrected their vidictive and petty minded account of what actually happened, only truthful and honest reporting is posted on this blog!!!

COMMENTS FEEDBACK

Ok many thanks for all the feedback and comments. I was informed I was the photographer in question and so took action to post my version of events. I think that is fair enough. For Andy Pay all texts and statements made on this post were to redress the post on your blog which I have now done. It was not intended to somehow undermine any outstanding work you have done or continue to do on Windmill Farm. All wardens on all reserves have a difficult job to do and everyone is fully aware and appreciative of this. So this post on here has addressed my concerns and I now consider the matter closed and time to move on.

Quiet Bank Holiday at Marazion

2011-04-25T13:40:00.001+01:00

Well very few people about early at Marazion this morning. And very little activity on the Marsh. A Wheatear was present and Sedge Warblers making lot of noise. A grey Heron landed on the depth post, which I hadn't seen before. Apart from that all rather quiet.

Wheatear

Sedge Warbler in full song

Followed by a flying disply

Grey Heron

Hoopoe at Windmill Farm

2011-04-23T13:19:00.001+01:00

Windmill farm is located on the Lizard and covers quite a wide area, with this in mind I thought I would be lucky to see the Hoopoe. Well I did, people reported its whereabouts from two days ago, a quick scan with the bino's and it was located. Shots are distant as the bird was a bit skittish. The plumage is rather striking and this can be seen in some of the images. I may have another look this afternoon or tomorrow see if I can get it feeding!!! (may be pushing my luck) The first image is worth enlarging.

A whithe throat to finish with.

Early morning on the Beach

2011-04-20T20:01:00.000+01:00

Well popped to Marazion to look for the Purple Heron again but visited the beach first. Some ideal lighting for photography but subjects to often harrassed by bloody dog walkers. It is hard enough stalking the birds only for some idiot and there dog to time it perfectly to spoil the photo, this they do with great success, t---ts!!! Anyhow perserverance always pays off, well mostly. So I did manage some pictures from the beach in the end. Did look for the Purple Heron for a while but no joy on that today. Headed to Croft after lunch to look for the Montagu Harrier but nothing doing there after two hours. I thought that was far to long but Monty had been there a whole lot longer without sucess! Well onto todays images:

Whimbrel

Lets fight it out for breakfast

The winner, with his booty.

Waders in flight

And again more waders

Ringed Plover

Last one a Wheatear from the marsh

Well Chuffed

2011-04-19T20:12:00.000+01:00

Set off early today along the coast to see if I could find and photograph Choughs. Well it didn't take to long so a brilliant start to the day and yes you have guessed it bugger all after that. So I will get staight onto the images of the majestic Cornish Chough as I am rather pushed for time tonight:

Calling for the other half

The second bird joins the first

Time for a quick--- preen

And off again to find food

Two is better than none!

2011-04-18T21:16:00.000+01:00

Well that is how many images I got today, two! A visit to Croft Pool could of produced some nice swallow images but I got there just to late and the sun direction messed it up. So the only image from there is a Willow Warbler. On to Marazion, welll the unco-operative Purple Heron was still being just that so one shot of a Buzzard from there. Hopefully tomorrow will bring in a larger amount of pictures, as today I averaged one every two hours, pretty poor. Well hope you all enjoy todays images which are best englarged.

Buzzard

Willow Warbler

Another Purple Day

2011-04-17T20:19:00.002+01:00

After yesterdays flight shots of the Purple Heron were not to good I decided to give it another go today. Luckily the bird was still there although invisible most of the time!!! Did catch it in flight twice best image below. A Grey Heron helped himself to a duckiling but necked it straight down so no images of that. Day ended with a few wWhimbrel flying along the beach. Todays Images:

Purple Heron

Purple Heron (Longrock Pool yesterday)

Stonechat

Grey Heron "Duckling Thief"

Whimbrel pitch up at the end of the day

More from Marazion Yesterday

2011-04-17T19:59:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post of some images that didn't go up last night. Some Sanderlings on the beach early morning in quite good light.

Purple Heron at Longrock Pool

2011-04-16T17:21:00.000+01:00

Ok all these shot were distant to start with as when I arrived the bird was well hidden in the reeds and didn't appear for some time. When it flew I had snags with the AF likely tripod on unsteady ground (still I will double check that tomorrow) Sods law the one time you don't nail a flight shot is when a rariety comes along!!! It flew East down the far end of Marazion Marsh, then at 10am I seen it fly west again but didn't see it go down. Anyhow onto the pictures of the bird:

Nothing New to Report

2011-04-12T18:51:00.000+01:00

Fresh images seem to be a bit hard to come by of late a combination of bad luck and work I suppose. However now I have two weeks off and true to form the sun goes in tomorrow for the foreseeable future and it rains bucket loads!!!!! A chance to catch up on the blog posts etc. So for todays post I just have the resident birds doing nothing spectacular from Marazion and Stithians:

Grey Heron at Marazion

Sand Martin perform aerobatics at Marazion

Little Grebe in summer plumage at Stithians

Coot at Stithians

Cormorant flew by the Southern Cut Off hide

Ring Necked Duck at Stithians

2011-04-03T18:02:00.000+01:00

First of all apologies for the lack off posts off late, work, DIY and bad luck to blame. Still mid April wil see two weeks off work and hopefully an increase in posts. Well the Ring Necked duck was the only thing that got within camera range this weekend. About 30yards off the hide!! Light was a problem with sun going in and out, but a glimpse of sunlight when the bird was close to the hide was welcome.

Ring Necked Duck

Bit off preening to be done.

Bit of a stretch.

The sun came out briefly on this one so we can observe the plumage more clearly.

Images are back on line

2011-03-28T18:48:00.000+01:00

Hi,

Thanks to everyone who had left comments regarding the visibility of images in my recent posts. I am now glad to say that all images are now viewable again.

If anyone is experiencing similar problems edit your post in HTML mode and in the text for each image just delete Height= "0" and Width= "0" and your images will re-appear.

This was a blog software glitch which hopefully google have now sorted!!!

Test Image

2011-03-27T23:32:00.001+01:00

Ok this is just a test to see if the image is visible as a thumbnail, if not I think I will have to restore my computer settings to a few days ago.

Fogged Off "third time lucky?

2011-03-27T20:39:00.001+01:00

Ok, I have previously tried to bring you these images twice now but for some reason they didn't post correctly, ie no images shown. A foggy day in most of the area's I visited today has well ended up with a poor show of images but the day was sort of rescued when I got some nice close ups at Drift. I hope you can see the images this time. If not if you click where they are meant to be then they should appear.

Fulmar Hells Mouth

Whooper Swan Drift

Whooper Swan

Mute Swan

Hybrid Goose, Drift

"Jaws"

Chasing off the competition

Quiet Morning at Marazion

2011-03-26T20:48:00.000Z

Only had the morning available today for photography, then it was off to repair my central heating (in time for the summer!) -It is still very quiet however there was some nice lighting and zero wind for a little while. This enabled some nice shots of the usual birds at Marazion. No Golden Eagles or Hoppoes here!!! Both seen nearby though. So onto the images:

Greylag and no wind allowing a great relection

Swan

Wheatear, first one on the blog this year

Little Egret

Spoonbills at Walmsley

2011-03-16T19:52:00.000Z

Took the trek from Helston to Walmsley today. Some mixed results most of the images distant, however the spoonbills did get within record shot distance. Decided I would go to Marazion pm, big mistake I should of stayed at Walmsley, Marazion was blown out. Did see the "possible Tundra Falcon" so might be worth another visit soon. Well onto the images:

Wigeon

Canada

Another Canadian Dispute!

Spoonbills

Godwits made a brief visit

Good view of the "Spoonbill"

Spoonbill with lunch

Spoonbills feeding

Carnsew Basin and a few other places!

2011-03-13T20:10:00.000Z

Well visited Marazion first thing, nothing much here did see the remaining Bittern though. Onto Ryan's Field, zero of any interest here. Onto Carnsew, I had visited the other day but nothing would come close enough today I got lucky. Then I visited St Gothians for some close ups of Pochards but they were not playing ball. Decided to move onto Hells Mouth, arrived there and well it's Sunday the Sun is out and so were about six million people so that was a non starter. Home for a brew and some lunch then off to Stithians to try and get the Great Crested Grebe but they weren't playing either. There were three off them to busy squabbbling away fromn the camera. So didn't get to much today but some ok results things are picking up!!!

Cormorant

Red Breasted Merganser

Turnstone

Coot

Slavonian Grebe?

Red Brested Merganser

St Gothians and Hells Mouth

2011-03-13T07:41:00.000Z

Well somehow I managed to change my camera settings today and shot JPG format instead of RAW. So lesson learnt always worth checking the settings. Good to hear and see Skylarks at ST Gothians and Fulmars are in large numbers at Hells Mouth. Canada Geese x5 were also entertaining on the day. Well quickly onto the images as the Sun is actually out so I am off to look for some pictures.

Canada Geese

Shellduck

Canada Goose

Fulmar

Razorbills

Skylark

Lean Times

2011-03-08T21:10:00.000Z

Well another day chasing images which are of late very hard to come by (Even a Mallard has made this post) Three frustrating hours at Stithians waiting for something to happen, but alas it was one of those days. I had the day off and looked for a while that all the bird life had at Stithians. Still on a positive note I did get some shots of the locals. Decided on Hells Mouth after lunch. I was trying to get the Fulmars in flight swooping around the cliffs, have no joy I decided to take the converter off the camera. Sods law a peregrine flew past timed exactly for when I had the converter in one hand and camera in the other. Left the converter off and then managed a distant shot when it landed. This was followed by an hour at Marazion which again was more noted for the absentees today. So onto the pictures I did get:

Mallard

Long Tailed Tit

Reed Bunting

Fulmar

Peregrine record shot

Fulmar

Grey Heron

Another Blog of Stunning Bird Photography

2011-03-06T10:24:00.000Z

I came across a blog by a Wildlife Photographer Richard Pittam in my view it it well worth a look on the first page I scrolled there was a large amount of images from the UK and USA with an excellent variety of bird life. I will certainly be revisiting to view more of the blog and newer posts in the future. Well here is the link: http://www.richardpittam.com/wildaperture/blog/ hope you enjoy the images.

Stithians Again

2011-03-05T15:39:00.000Z

Apologies first off all for the lack of posts lateley a combination off computer virus's, work, and crap weather are to blame. I will visit and catch up on the blogs soon and hopefully be posting a few more images than off late. The light was good this morning but due to the Northerly breeze most birds were taking shelter on the far side away from the camera including the Great Crested Grebes. However after a couple of weeks off anything is better than nothing so onto the images from today:

Moorhen

Coot

Water Rail

Little Grebe

Tufted Duck

Pochard

Golden Eye

Stithians thrives despite the Grey and the Rain

2011-02-22T20:38:00.000Z

Well as usual its English grey and murky, raining etc, yes I was in the UK this morning. Definitely a hide day so I set off to Stithians. I managed to get some closer shots off the Great Crested Grebes performing their routines, hopefully next time weather will also be on my side. A bonus were the Golden Eye and even the Pochard came close enough for a record shots. Main feature tonight though is the Great Crested Grebes again! Today's pictures:

Great Crested Grebe

Bit of weed as a gift for the missus!!

A meeting to exchange gifts!!

Four Female Golden Eye

Golden Eye

Pochard

Tufted Duck

Stithians, more Great Crested Grebe

2011-02-20T13:54:00.000Z

Another quick visit to Stithians before the light went dull and overcast. Despite the Great Crested Grebe displaying their courtship ritual, the display was still to distant or obscured from the camera view. I could of had a better view by grabbing a chainsaw and cutting down the dead tree that was in the way, but this would of been unethical and extreme gardening. So until my luck changes and they display near the hide distant shots it it is. A sunny day with no wind is what is needed, oh and a pair of co-operative Great Crested Grebes displaying adjacent the hide. Ok here are the pictures, not brilliant but you can see the potential for some fantastic images if luck is on your side and all falls into place.

Picture Drought Over

2011-02-19T18:45:00.000Z

Having had the camera out for the last few days and returned with s-d all images, it was good to get some today. I don't know what has been going on at Marazion but about 90% of the birds seem to of disappeared. Well that where I started today and I wasn't there long as apart from a lone goose it was pretty dire with nothing around. So I heard a rumour Stithians had a pair of Great Crested Grebes on the lake, so gave that a go. Ok the birds didn't quite get in camera range but plenty of courtship display going on. Important thing was to get some images which I did, here are some below.

The lone goose at Marazion

Great Crested Grebe

Pair of Great Crested Grebes

Little Grebe

Coot to finish off with.

Carnsew,Hayle and Marazion.

2011-02-12T18:21:00.000Z

A poor return so far this month and I did not get much today either. I did catch up with the Slavonian Grebe at Carnsew but just record shots as it was almost out of camera range. Ryan's Field was covered in Lapwing and Gulls but nothing out of the ordinary. By the time I arrived at Marazion the wind had picked up and it was looking pretty windswept and most wildlife had taken shelter, so I followed suit and went home. Here are the images from today:

Turnstone

Slavonian Grebe

Robin in full song

Lapwing in great lighting

Gull descending onto Ryan's Field

Redshank with a tasty morsel

Oyster Catcher across windswept Marazion.

Quality light shines on Marazion

2011-02-01T21:55:00.000Z

An afternoon trip to B and Q and I managed to get the last hour of afternoon light at Marazion. Only the common species which are often overlooked by photographers were showing. It would of been a shame to waste the opportunity so here are some pictures of the locals at Marazion on a sunny winter afternoon.

Teal

Moorhen

Mallard

Short visit to ST Gothians

2011-01-31T21:39:00.000Z

Went along to Godrevy to photograph some surfing, but that didn't happen. Whilst there I took the opportunity to have a look around St Gothians. Images below straight away as I am extremely busy and no time for text today.

Black Headed Gull in Summer plumage, January?

Buzzard, this bird look very white when perched so I was surprised to see so many dark feathers when it flew.

Drake Ring necked duck

Male Shoveller

Drake Ring necked duck

Freezing Marazion and Frozen Stithians Southern Cut Off

2011-01-30T19:55:00.000Z

Bright sunshine and blue skies in Helston disappeared about one mile from Marazion, bugger. It was freezing over Marazion with a biting NE wind, this wind seems to encourage everything to take shelter so not much was seen here. So after freezing myself for an hour or so, went to the cafe for some soup and a roll. Decided to head home for an hour and then onto Stithians. On the way to Stithians some a--hole driving a sky van like an idiot managed to scoop some stones up into my windscreen which now has a large crack in it-T--T! So this was turning out to be expensive and unproductive. Got to Stithians and I could see the main area was affected by the same Northerly winds and nothing much was around. Went to the hide on the Southern cut off and it was completely frozen out there. This meant the feeding station was rather busy. So at last I got some pictures nothing unusual but it made the journey worthwhile. On to the images.

Pied Wagtail on the frozen stuff at Marazion

Swan lands on one of the few open patches of water

Water Rail came out first within a few minutes at Stithians

Gret Spotted Woodpecker enjoying the nuts.

Moorhen ground feeding

Even the snipe was looking for an easy meal!

Starlings were also paying a visit today.

Images from a quiet Sunday

2011-01-24T18:24:00.000Z

Before working on the van, I thought I would call in at Marazion for a couple of hours. It was very quiet apart from lots of swans chasing each other. The report said 5+ Bitterns, well they must of popped out after I left; a Bitternless day!!! The little Egret provided some photo opportunities but with dazzling sunlight on the feathers it was hard to nail a good exposure. (well that is my excuse) The swan flying low across the reeds and the Kingfishers were the only other two images from the day. Then I got back to my van removed the magnetic signage and disaster, I was confronted by a chemical reaction between the sign and the paint and a £500 estimate to repair!!!! No more magnetic signs for my vans. So not many images Sunday but Saturday was good so on balance apart from the van the weekend/photography was fine. Well onto the images:

Kingfisher

Swan reed hopping over the Marsh

Little Egret with Little Fish

Little Egret

Sunshine at Marazion and Blue Skies

2011-01-22T20:24:00.000Z

Blue Skies and sun but it didn't last, the icy winds picked up later pm and at this point having already got some keeper images I decided to go home for a brew and warm up. Bitterns were again showing well today (4+ I think) despite the reed cutter making a racket. Most of the other birds left but the Bitterns were not spooked at all by this mini combine harvester. (hopefully it won't be there to long) Onto today's images:

Buzzard

Rare Blue Sky

Bittern flying low

Bittern

Grey Heron

Swan Feeding

Swan Preening

Just checking the photographers have gone before coming out!

Taster-Website Update

2011-01-17T23:05:00.000Z

Hi, I have just spent the last couple of hours selecting some images for my website gallery for December 2010 link here: http://www.bobsharplesphotography.co.uk/ About fifty images , a large percentage of Bittern pictures amongst others. Here is one which like others as a "taster" not been seen on the blog before:

Bittern at Marazion, launching from amongst the reed bed.

National Seal Santuary at Gweek

2011-01-16T19:15:00.000Z

Well yesterday was taken up with surf photography and today a visit to the National Seal Sanctuary with Cornwall Wildlife Trust photographic group. Here they house rescued seals until they are fit enough to return to the wild. Weather was abysmal right on cue at 10am it stared with bucket loads of rain. It was immediately obvious that images were going to be hard to come by and they were. Dark grey skies a lack of light and persistent rain made it all a little awkward, well near impossible. Lots of rejects today but here are some of the better efforts!!

Grey Seal

This one looked pleased to see me.

Then he realised I had no fish, just a wet camera!!

Penguin

Feeding Time

Travel all over but only Maza produces the goods!

2011-01-09T22:48:00.000Z

Decided to leave Marazion until late in the day. Visited Praa Sands for surf, not to good today. Onto Sandy Cove and Jubilee pool area's, nothing!! Started raining so onto Sennen, nothing. Thought s---d this back to Marazion. Fairly quiet. Had some lunch and took my neighbour up to show him where the Waxwings were or as in the case today "weren't" so a no show from them. Phone call while I was a Penzance said the Bittern was showing well at Marazion. Not to fussed but got there in time (just) to get the daily bittern shot amongst others. I now know why I visit Marazion a lot, there is nothing anywhere else (well that was the case today)
Today's selection:

Reed Bunting

Swan

Little Egret

The Daily Bittern

Stonechat

Redwing, determined to swallow the worm

Redwing

Snipe

Penzance Tunnels

2011-01-09T21:46:00.000Z

These images were taken on Saturday. I spent the day with my surfing pals looking for surf. It was all to big for them so a wasted day for me really, as the skies were blue I was not happy. Finally they got in the water at Penzance, just on the beach behind the railway station in an area called "The Tunnels". Looked like quite a good spot for waders but true to form the skies had now gone grey. I got soaked by one heavy shower, but did manage to get some images of Godwits and Dunlins. Looks like this may be a favourite area for waders so I shall have to revisit soon.

Godwit feeding

Dunlin, heavy going with muddy boots!

Dunlin

Godwit

More from the Weekend

2011-01-05T23:28:00.000Z

As promised just a few more shots from the weekend:

Waxwing

Bittern showing well

Heron caught in some rare nice light

Bittern "mooning for the camera"!!

Waxwing

Bittern and Debut Species on the Blog

2011-01-03T20:31:00.000Z

A visit to Marazion as usual and the a trip to Penzance Tolcarne beach for Pale Bellied Brent Goose and Grey Phalarope. I didn't get either of them as I took a detour in Penzance just in case the Waxwings were still there and they were. Light was of course pants, but the sun did shine for some nice pictures for about two minutes. Straight onto the pictures then and I may post some more later this week.

Waxwing at Penzance

Waxwing, note the tongue reaching out for the fruit!

Waxwing

Grey Heron, wringing his own neck

The Daily Bittern

Flying off, now the daily picture is taken.

Waxwing

Teal at Marazion

Light Rain and Grey Cloud, What's New?

2011-01-02T20:59:00.000Z

Answer nothing new I am afraid some daily Bittern shots amongst others. I did visit Sandy Cove and the beach around Jubilee Pool but nothing of note there, so images from Marazion are here:

Blackbird

Nice Reflection off the still water

Wren

Water Rail

Bittern Searching for food

Bittern In Flight

Shockingly grey start to 2011

2011-01-01T17:37:00.000Z

Well 2010 ended with a few days of grey skies, 2011 has continued in the same way. I know it is winter but I would rather this grey cloud fell as rain or was blown away up North, Manchester will do! This combined with the masses of people and dogs who go for a walk once a year all contributed to making images hard to get. Hopefully things will be quieter tomorrow, but that bloody cloud will still be here. Here are today's average pictures (my worst this year):

Bittern to kick off with

Redwing

Song Thrush

Grey Heron

Close fly past by the Bittern, but I messed up the exposure here.

Final Post for 2010, around the coast.

2010-12-31T21:53:00.000Z

Despite the weather being grey, cloudy and dullsville all over, I did manage a couple of nice images today. Sam Williams spotted a Great Northern Diver in Newlyn Harbour, so I decided to check it out. On getting to the harbour entrance the GND had gone to the far side of the harbour,bugger!!!! I decided to wait and it returned in ten minutes with a snack just behind the pier I was stood on. Light was pants but careful selection and adjusting of light levels over the eye in photoshop bought the image to life. A Guillemot appeared for a few seconds also. Then the light went really pants. But I still managed to get some shots of Eider and a Purple Sandpiper, images aren't to bad considering some were shot at around 6400 ISO. Ok the final images for this year:

Great Northern Diver

Guillemot

Great Northern Diver

Cormorant

Eider

Eider, thrashing the catch to bits and then gulping it down.

Eider, stretching its wings

Purple Sandpiper

I better go and open a bottle or two! Cheers see you all next year.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T12:25:00.000Z

Well that is 2010 done and dusted, my favourites this year have to be posts on Chough, Bittern and Kestrel which produced some truely stunning images. A total of 92 different species were featured on the blog, which isn't to bad. A semi finalist gained in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition was another good result, my best yet. Switching from Canon to Nikon was another good move for me, rewarding myself with the latest Nikon D3s, stunning camera. Hope you all enjoy the New Year Celebrations and dont take to long to recover.

Great Northern Diver off Sandy Cove

2010-12-30T14:08:00.000Z

Two record shots off a Great Northern Diver. Due to the high winds, grey cloud which have descended on us over the last couple of days, resulting in poor light and conditions photography is limited. Just need the minus temps and clear blue skies back so I can get something more productive!

Murky conditions at Sandy Cove

2010-12-28T18:50:00.000Z

A quick trip out today as for the second day running conditions have been dismal (bring back the freezing temperatures and blue skies!) On the way to Sandy Cove, the yellow thing in the sky popped out so I stopped off a Marazion for an hour, and got a picture of a swan!! Onto Sandy Cove and the murky conditions were in to stay. Pictures (distant) off Great Crested Grebe and Eider and a bit closer for the Oyster Catcher and Grey Phalerope, but it was pretty dark even for the Nikon D3s. So onto the record shots from today:

Swan at Marazion

Great Crested Grebe off Sandy Cove

Oyster Catcher

Grey Phalerope, Sandy Cove

Eider with crab off Sandy Cove

Grey Phalerope again.

My Favorite images of 2010

2010-12-28T10:02:00.000Z

Finally after much messing around with computer software/updates/ftp addresses etc I have managed to get a slideshow on line of my favourite 2010 images. Ideally one per month but some months were a bit lean in images. Anyway as a bonus I picked out 16 instead of the normal 12. Some of the images are picked not for quality but content, others because of the difficulty getting the image and the rest because I like them! A small description is below each image and all can be viewed by following the link here:

http://www.bobsharplesphotography.co.uk/Slideshow2010/index.htm

Wishing you all a happy new year and lots of good pictures for 2011, hopefully!

Crap Weather means More From Yesterday

2010-12-26T17:22:00.000Z

It had to happen, the weather has turned and we now have Strong winds and lots of rain inbound for the next 2/3 days. I did try Marazion, Newlyn, Hayle but no images to be had today (by me anyway) As a result here we have more images from yesterdays shoot. For those who have been away over the Christmas period it would be well worth looking back the last few posts for more Bittern shots. If we get rained off tomorrow as expected I will try to upload a slide show with my 12 favourite images of the year. They may not be best technically but hopefully you will enjoy them anyway. More of yesterday's Xmas day outing below:

Grey Heron basking in the early morning sun.

Bittern, low level past the depth post (well worth enlarging)

Grey Heron, and yes the sky was that blue in sunny Cornwall for xmas

Bittern on ice, sunny day but not melting any of the ice.

Gadwall?