12 May 2024.  Great Hautbois, Coltishall

Another scorcher of a day and we haven't ventured far from the cottage.  Not many photo opportunities, but pleased to briefly see the resident Muntjac this evening.

10 May 2024.  Great Hautbois, Coltishall

First afternoon back in Norfolk and we had ZZ171, an RAF C17 Globemaster III visit to do practice approaches at Norwich Airport, which is just a few miles from where we are staying.  Fairly happy with the shots as taken straight into the sun.

25 April 2024.  Home garden, Peterborough

The resident Grey Squirrels love this feeder - I have called this one Nicky due to the missing bit at the top of its right ear.

19 April 2024.  Saltfleetby

Today has been another extremely windy day and the majority of birds have kept their heads down.  However, thinking that was it for the week, I received a call from a friend to say a Spoonbill had been spotted heading towards Seaview scrape, which is a matter of metres from where we are staying.  I grabbed my camera, dashed over to the viewing screen, and the Spoonbill was working the shallows.  I could have done with the 800mm lens, which I had switched for the 100-500mm lens, as the Spoonbill was at the farthest point of the scrape.  However, I managed a few acceptable shots which were taken straight into the sun.  (Species count for the week: 51)

18 April 2024.  Saltfleetby

Today started off quite pleasant, although the wind has picked up again by 5pm and rain due any moment now.  An excellent first walk of the day with a Cuckoo heard and then seen as it flew off (no photo though), and then I spotted a Short-eared Owl hunting over the dunes near Rimac before crows escorted it from the area.  I managed a long-range shot with my Canon R10  + Canon RF 800mm f/11 lens.  (Species for the week: 50)

17 April 2024.  Saltfleetby

Although today has been slightly better than the last two, it has remained cold, windy and wet.  Birding has been disappointing as the number of birds in the area has dropped significantly, resulting in only one real photo opportunity (Lapwing) and my species count for the week remains at 47.

16 April 2024.  Saltfleetby

Unfortunately today has been a washout.  The very strong and blustery wind has come from a more northerly direction, and the temperature has dropped accordingly.  We have also had quite heavy showers throughout the day.  However, the evening has brightened somewhat and I was able to get a short walk in, with a few photos to boot  (Redshank, Cormorant, Teal) - nothing to shout home about, but a result nonetheless.  (Species count for the week:  47)

15 April 2024.  Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire

Well, today did not go as planned.  We woke up to very strong winds and scattered showers - the wind was around 25 mph , gusting 40+ mph. - and it felt bitterly cold when out in it.  I therefore paid a short 1 hour visit to the nearby Elm House Farm hide where I spotted two pair of Wheatear, and a small number of Skylarks.  Nothing much for the rest of day before braving the elements to look for a number a Whimbrel  seen on the nearby salt marsh (the photo is only good for id purposes!).  Let's hope for better conditions tomorrow.  (Species count for the week:  44)

14 April 2024.  Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire

First full day of our regular April break on the Lincolnshire coast, and it is great to be back out and about after my medical issues of the past 6 months or so.  Plenty of good birding to be had - my species count so far is 38.  Highlights so far are the Great White Egret (an uncommon bird, although I have seen/photographed them before) and a lovely male Garganey (I think I have seen one many (20+) years ago, but never managed to photograph one before today). 

11 April 2024.  Home garden, Peterborough

Spring  visitors starting to return to the garden and make their presence known - a lovely male Blackcap has been active the past couple of days, and nice to see/hear it singing around the garden.

11 March 2024.  RAF Waddington

First proper away trip this year, first post-surgery, and first airbase in absolute ages.  I fancied a trip up to Waddington to hopefully get Red Arrows, a possible River Joint, and touch and goes from Cranwell Phenoms.  Unfortunately the weather was not on my side with a very low cloud base .  A couple of Red Arrow Hawk T1's went up to practice approaches, but they were only visible briefly just after lift off as the cloud base was so low.  I did get an unexpected  visitor - a French Air Force Embraer Xingu landed.  Still, a good run for the car, and a chance for me to get a decent drive in.

14 January 2024.  Home garden, Peterborough

First photos of the new year, and on-going medical condition is restricting my opportunities mainly to the garden.  My first Long-tailed Tits of the year (a small flock of  around 12) in the garden.

3 December 2023.  Home garden, Peterborough

Snow fall over night (a rare event for Peterborough) and thawing rapidly.  One of my resident Grey Squirrels popped in early to raid the bird fat feeders (it has yet to find/work out the new Squirrel feeder next to the fat feeder).

15 November 2023.  RSPB Lakenheath Fen

Unplanned visit as the trip was really for air activity @ RAF Lakenheath but after a couple of hours in the cold wind with no sight or sound of an aircraft, I popped along to the RSPB site, which is only a few miles from the airbase.  Due to very wet/boggy conditions and my current medical issues, I spent a brief period of time at the screened pond close to the visitor centre.  Really chuffed as a Water Rail decided to spend a little time out in the open, so able to get my best shots to date of this very shy water bird.

7 October 2023.  Bird on the Hand, Church Langton, Leicestershire (5)

Final batch, and the comedians of the day - Burrowing Owls.  These two, called Cheese and Pickle, flew out to the log were some mealworms and crickets had been placed, and were quite happy with us lowing on our bellies taking shots of them.  Once they had had their fill, they quite happily flew back into their enclosure.  A lovely end to a great day, and one I hope to repeat next Spring.

7 October 2023.  Bird on the Hand, Church Langton, Leicestershire (4)

Penultimate post from Saturday's brilliant session, featuring a posing Kestrel and a flying Red Kite.  The Kestrel was quite a challenging shot given the low contrast between its feathers and the straw, and it was located within a stand of trees, so pleased to get a couple of passable shots.  The Red Kite was a different challenge for in flight shots  as, unlike the Eagle Owl which basically flew in a straight line, the Kite was free to soar and turn as it wished.  Again, quite pleased with the results.

7 October 2023.  Bird on the Hand, Church Langton, Leicestershire (3)

Eurasian Eagle Owl.  The perched bird was supposed to do the flying demo just before we broke for lunch but it would not play - it is shown on a ground perch while we had lunch.  After lunch anther bird was brought out and he was happy to play and gave some lovely flights.  As can be seen, the plumage of the second one is much lighter in tone/colour than the first.

7 October 2023.  Bird on the Hand, Church Langton, Leicestershire (2)

Next batch shows a Vermiculated Eagle Owl, Tawny Owl, and Asian Brown Wood Owl.

7 October 2023.  Bird on the Hand, Church Langton, Leicestershire (1)

First time here on a photographic session, and what a great one it was.  Very professional but a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent guidance.  Lots of photographs taken, so will be posting them in a number of batches.  First batch - the Barn Owl.  The Barn Owl was posed in 3 different locations during the day which allowed different lighting and poses.

2 October 2023.  Welney WWT

First visit in several months to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust reserve.  Unfortunately I chose a day when contractors were working on the footpaths so only able to use the Main Observatory and Reedbed Hide - the latter had just 3 Whooper Swans visible.  The main pool was mainly occupied by incoming swarms of Canada and Greylag Geese, along with with a few Whooper Swans.  I therefore decided to have a play with my Canon R10 which has a cop sensor of 1.6 matched to the 800mm f/11 lens and, for the first time, the 1.4x extender - this effectively gives me the equivalent of a 1,792mm lens @ f/16.  I took a few shots of some Whoopers coming in to land, and whilst the results are OK, I think I will stick to using the combo minus the 1.4x extender.

28 September 2023.  Home

I don't normally print off my photographs or get them framed, but we both liked the one I took of the Little Egret earlier this month I decided to get this one printed and framed.  We are really pleased with the finished product, although it is a little bit bigger than I intended. However, the quality of the print and the frame is superb, and I cannot recommend The Framed Picture Co highly enough - I am already planning some more prints/frames through them.

25 September 2023.  Woodwalton Fen

First visit for several weeks.  Not a lot of activity, although just as I was leaving, a female Marsh Harrier decided to put in an appearance in front of the hide - managed to grab a half-decent shot before she headed off.  Highlight has to be a couple of sightings of a Hobby - my first for quite a few years.  Unfortunately unable to get any photographs of the Hobby, but pleased to get a decent view of it.

15 September 2023.  Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve

Final visit of the week to the Seaview scrape and a Cattle Egret dropped in - lovely ending to the week.

14 September 2023.  Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby

Well, the weather has certainly changed!  A wet start to the day, so decided to have an hour in the hide rather than walk the reserve.  Very little bird activity - a red wing-tagged female Marsh Harrier was briefly active, but at a distance and with its back to me so unable to read the code on the tags.  The female Kestrel was really the only one active, but again due to the change in wind direction, I was treated to only rear views.  However, this did allow some more unusual views of the bird.

13 September 2023.  Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby

Return early morning visit back to the hide.  Lots of Starlings and Curlew passing overhead, and a few sightings of Marsh Harriers (2 x female, 1 x male) in the disfance - no real photo opportunities though.  A female Kestrel settled on a fence post near to the hide, having caught what appears to be a large grasshopper or similar insect.

12 September 2023.  Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby

With rain (heavy at times) set in for the day, it was time to nip across the road to the Elm House Farm hide.  I was not expecting much, given the weather conditions, but was pleased to have a Kestrel appear - it was mobbed by Swallows when it went into the hover, and was driven off.  I also had a distant sighting of a female Marsh Harrier.  Highlight however was a Short-eared Owl which flew towards the hide from the direction of Manby, calling as it came, and it landed behind a clump of tall grasses close to the hide.

11 September 2023.  Saltfleetby

Got a call to say that several young Natterjack Toads had been spotted in a garage close to where we are staying - these are likely o have migrated from the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, which is a stronghold for them.  Managed a quick photo of one with my iPhone, but did not want to cause any disruption.  The local Wildlife Trust/Natural England staff have been advised, and they will be reviewing the situation tomorrow.

11 September 2023.  Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire

Early morning wander up to Rimac.  A fair bit more water present in the Rimac scrape following last evening's violent thunderstorm.  Only birds present were a couple of Magpies, and a single Little Egret.  First shots with my new RF 600mm f/11 lens mounted on my R6 - the Egret was a good distance away so heavy crops.

10 September 2023.  Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve,Lincolnshire

First full ay of this week's stay on the Lincolnshire coast, and another very hot and uncomfortable day it has been.  I managed a couple of early morning walks before it became too hot, and a couple late afternoon as it clouded over a bit (looks like rain!).  Plenty of birdlife around, and managed a few decent shots using the RF 800mm f/11 lens on the Canon R10 (as this has a crop sensor, factor 1.6, we are therefore looking an equivalent lens full frame of 1280mm).

2 September 2023.  Shipdham, Norfolk

Having a quiet weekend away in Norfolk, and it was nice to get this Roe Deer in the "Golden Hour" before sunset.

21 August 2023.  Sea fishing out of Wells-next-the-Sea

My second (and last) sea fishing trip of 2023, and I managed to land 2 Tope (each estimated at between 40-50lbs) whilst the others blanked - makes a change!  I was hoping to try my Canon R10 + Canon RF 100-400mm lens but virtually no birds about while we were fishing.  We did however have a couple of Great Black-back Gulls follow us as we motored back at the end of the day which gave me a chance to play with the camera set-up. I am quite happy with the results given we were motoring back and there was a lot of movement on the boat and keeping birds in focus is a challenge!  I had fitted a silicon cover to the camera and found the twin back-focus buttons a little hit and miss to use, but I am sure I will get used to them with practice.

14 August 2023.  Sea fishing out of Wells-next-the-Sea

A difficult days sea fishing which would have been cancelled had not 5 out of previous 6 trips (5/5 for me!) cancelled due to bad weather.  Very windy conditions with gusts up to 30 mph, a choppy sea, and mainly overcast conditions made for some tricky photography.  I struggled with using an old DSLR camera rather than my mirrorless ones (will try the Canon R10 next trip) and results were pretty poor - useful in confirming bird id's, but not keepers.  It was nice to see Fulmar and Gannets, the Great Black-back Gulls were around the boat, and highlight was the Arctic Skua, which I have previously seen only once.

26 July 2023.  Funnel Hide, Rutland

It was back to the Funnel Hide for an early morning session - in the hide from 0400 to 0830, sunrise 0511.  Not that much activity due, I suspect, to some vehicle activity close to the hide.  However, it gave me the chance to try some more challenging shots as the Brown Hares would be backlit through shooting into the rising sun - the 4 shots here show the changing light conditions.

23  July 2023.  Funnel Hide, Rutland

First visit to Tom Robinson's latest hide - the Funnel Hide. This was an afternoon/evening visit, with an early morning session scheduled for the 29th.  A lovely compact setup with excellent views of Brown Hares - lots of activity to keep me interested, and really pleased with the results, especially those with clover.

19 July 2023.  Wired Hide, Toft

Spent the morning in the new Wired Hide at Toft, target species Kestrel.  A rather gloomy and overcast day, action was slow with the first Kestrel (female) at 0715, the next (male) at 0935, and the last (female) at 1035 - both adults and it looks like the jeveniles have been chased away.  A couple of Magpies worked the area, and there was the occasional spat with the Kestrels.  With rain moving in, I called it a day at lunchtime.

10 July 2023.  Woodwalton Fen

Morning visit to the Reedbed Hide.  Pretty quiet bird-wise with only 7 species seen.  Reed Warblers were quite active, but as usual, quite difficult to photograph - I managed one decent shot of one close to the hide.  Marsh Harriers (including juveniles) put in a few appearances and even came quite close to the hide, enabling a couple of reasonable shots.  Highlight though has to be the unexpected appearance of a male and female Purple Emporer butterflies - a "first" for me.  I couldn't get any shots while in the hide as they were too close and didn't settle.  However, on the way back to the car I came across a female getting salt from some animal droppings (fox or deer?).

30 June 2023.  Home

A new visitor to my home - a Magpie moth on our bathroom ceiling this morning.

23 June 2023.  Saltfleetby - Theddlethorpe NNR

Final day of this week's break on the Lincolnshire coast.  Some good birding, with 45 species seen and a few others heard but not seen.  A Whitethroat was singing loudly at the Rimac viewpoint.

22 June 2023.  Seaview, Saltfleetby (part 2)

To attract ground feeding birds I have been putting mixed seed out in a plant pot holder with some success.  However, the local Grey Squirrels have found it and here we have two of them having a bit of a party!

22 June 2023.  Seaview, Salfleetby

Something a little different - while down on the little bridge close to the cottage we are staying in, I spotted a female Emperor Dragonfly ovipositing (laying eggs) in the debris at the edge of the stream.

21 June 2023.  Saltfleetby - Theddlethorpe NNR

Another very warm and humid day - not one for going on lengthy walks!  Very few birds on the Seaview scrape, but managed some passable shots of Lapwing and Oystercatcher.  I made a short visit to the crest of the dunes overlooking the salt marsh - again, not much activity other than a small group of Linnets.

20 June 2023.  Saltfleetby - Theddlethorpe NNR

After  heavy rain shower, another hot and humid day.  Managed to get a flying shot of anAvocet, b ut highlight was a Green Sandpiper later on in the day - only the second I have seen, with the previous one back in 2016.  I have to admit, though, I needed to seek help in identifying it!

19 June 2023.  Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR

A quiet wander around the Seaview to Rimac section of the NNR and I managed to get my first half-decent shots of a Lapwing in flight.  Later on, a pair of Avocet came up to the Seaview scrape with a youngster in tow.

5 June 2023.  Horn Mill Trout Farm (part 2)

And now to the main event.  After roughly an hour the first Osprey (ring T7) appeared.  After making several recce flights over the pond it dived and caught a decent-sized trout and departed across the pond in front of me, giving me some decent shots (T7 is the dominant male in this area, an d chases off any other Ospreys it sees).  An hour or so later T7 returned and, after perching high in a willow, it dived and caught another trout before first flying towards me and then then veering off to my left - again, some decent photo opportunities. Finally, and light was fading rapidly, another Osprey turned up (ring 30) which, after a brief perch high up, dived and caught a trout before departing straight down the pool.  A great session, albeit tiring.

5 June 2023.  Horn Mill Trout Farm (part 1)

An evening session at the trout farm close to Rutland Water in search of Osprey - a species I have not managed to get a decent photograph of before.  However, the evening started with the unusual (for me) sight of Red Kite "fishing" - they were actually looking to scavenge any dead/dying trout on the top of the water.  There was one serious attempt while I was there, although it failed in the end because the trout was too close to the bank and the Red Kite clattered into the bank where it dropped the trout.  The Red Kite come in fast and low, just dipping their feet into the water surface whilst trying to grab the fish.

3 June 2023.  My garden, Peterborough

The Woodpeckers were back on the feeder again this morning.  Managed some better shots as I had the bedroom window open when they returned.

We occasionally get the odd Great Spotted Woodpecker in the garden, but I have not had one on a feeder since December 2013, so it was a surprise to spot a pair on the feeder this afternoon .  Indeed, the 2013 sighting was on this same feeder which I only put out yesterday.  Looking at the birds it would appear we have a female (no red fore crown) and a youngster (a partial red fore crown) and although the youngster is starting to feed itself, the female is also passing food to it.  Not the cleanest of shots as taken through the back bedroom window and at a distance.

22 May 2023.  Woodwalton Fen

The scheduled sea fishing was cancelled due to high winds, so decided to have an early morning visit to the fen.  Unfortunately conditions quite poor with a strong breeze and rubbish light.  Plenty of Cuckoo and Marsh Harrier activity, but all flight shots came out as silhouettes due to distance and light.  Still, managed a passable shot of a Great Tit taking a spider on a reed, and a family group shot of a Coot with its brood.

3 May 2023.  Marston Lodge Farm (part 2 - Barn Owls)

The evening session was another opportunity to photograph the resident Barn Owls, using my car as a hide. A very enjoyable but very tiring session  - there was a strong cold breeze blowing straight in through the open car window and thanks to the position I was in to operate the camera (plus age!), by the end of the session my back was very sore.  Still, really enjoyed it, and the bonus was getting before sunset, after sunset, and full darkness shots.

3 May 2023.  Marston Lodge Farm (part 1 - Buzzard Hide)

Return visit to Marston Lodge as they had changed the perch used with the Buzzard Hide - new one is lovely!  An interesting couple of hours as the pair of Buzzards were "joined" by a Carrion Crow, much to the annoyance of the hide owner!  As a result, it only took them a couple of hours to decimate the pigeon placed on the perch, the final remains being carried off by the Carrion Crow.  A wee bit tiring as I made the mistake of taking my best gimbal head to use, only to find the thread did not match that of the tripod and I spent the whole session holding the camera in the "ready use" position!

21 April 2023.  Elm Tree Farm hide, Saltfleetby

I popped over to the hide, which is about 1 mile away from were we were staying, to get a feel for it, and it looks a good alternative for when the weather clogs in on the Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR - I do need to have my scope and a flask though!  Really pleased to spot this Wheatear - my first of the year - which posed quite well.

15-22 April 2023.  Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire

It was back to Saltfleetby for the first of 4 stays this year.  Weather not bad, although the wind was pretty brutal by the end of the week.  A good week birding, with 54 species seen, including 7 new for the year. All photographs taken within the Saltfleetby - Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve between Rimac and Paradise Pool.

8 April 2023.  Nene Valley Railway

Something a little different.  The latest visiting engine to NVR is 60007 BR A4 "Sir Nigel Gresley", built in August 1937.  Photographs taken on the bank next to Woodston Ponds, with it climbing the incline from Peterborough NVR to Ferry Meadows.

4 April 2023.  Woodwalton Fen

Another frosty early-morning visit to the Reedbed Hide.  Plenty of activity with much more activity from the Marsh Harriers - one pair mating, another pair displaying, and another female collecting reeds. Nice to have a Shoveler put in an appearance when it was sunny.  Highlight was Cetti's warbler - they were calling loudly very close to the hide but from within the reeds, and it took the best part of 90 minutes before I could spot one (not able to photograph, but a "life" tick...).

23 March 2023.  RSPB Minsmere

Final visit of the week and another very blustery morning - no point looking for Bearded Tits as they would be deep in the reeds keeping their heads down.  First stop the Bittern Hide - no sign of Bittern, but some activity from Marsh Harriers.  Returned to the cafe for a "refuel" then headed out towards the North Hide.  On the way I stopped off at the Sand Martin cliff - no birds about, but thanks to a couple of regulars, I managed a shot of a black Adder (my first ever Adder, and a black one as well!).  On the way to the North Hide I spotted a singing Chiffchaff and managed a decent shot.  Not much to see at the North Hide so back to the shop for a few goodies and then return to Acorn Lodge.

Second visit to Minsmere, and this time I did a complete circuit of The Scrapes.  Plenty of activity, albeit at a distance.  Lots of Chiffchaff singing in the trees but no photo opportunities.  After a quick "refuel" in the cafe, I went back to the Bittern Hide, but no action there.

19 March 2023.  RSPB Minsmere

My first visit to RSPB Minsmere, and with a target species to photograph of Bittern.  Started off well with a lovely Treecreeper, and having settled in the Bittern Hide, views of Little Egret and Marsh Harrier.  A Bittern eventually poked its head out of the reeds, and a little later it came out and stalked across the open channel, allowing me to get some passable shots.  So, holiday target bird "done", and anything else on (hopefully) other visits this week will be a bonus.

6 March 2023.  Woodwalton Fen

Not the best of drives in to the Fen this morning thanks to road works and a 25 minute diversion.....  Another bitterly cold morning with a stiff breeze, although thankfully the rain stopped by the time I got to the Reedbed Hide.  I was trying out my new lightweight mini/table tripod so was not ready when a Bittern broke cover and flew away.  I managed a passable shot, but the light was not good so not the best shot in the world.  Still, pleased to see a Bittern (a second one flew off quite a bit later but was visible for only a matter of seconds before disappearing inn the reeds).  A couple of Little Grebe dabbled about close in, so nice to get a usable shot of one.  Not a lot happening though.

27 February 2023.  Hamerton  Zoo Park

Woke up to a gloomy, wet and cold day, contrary to yesterday's weather forecast when I booked a ticket for the Zoo.  Still, popped over for an hour or so - not expecting much due to weather conditions, but you never know.  Pleased with the bird photos, but the Corsac Fox shows some of the enclosure's wire fence.

20 February 2023.  Kendrew Barracks (ex RAF Cottesmore) airfield (part 2)

A couple of shots of Skylarks which, despite the wind) were very active.  The helicopter flew over the end of the runway and quite pleased to get the shot as camera not set up for aircraft.  I did miss two practice aprroaches by RAF Wittering Grob's as I didn't hear them until the last minute due to the wind noise.

20 February 2023.  Kendrew Barracks (ex-RAF Cottesmore) airfield (part 1)

Second time on the old RAF Cottesmore airfield photographing Brown Hares.  again, very windy conditions made for a somewhat uncomfortable day, but still managed some passable shots of the Brown Hares. Only saw a couple of boxing sessions (at a distance) but managed one usable shot.  This time it was a case of using straw bales as cover rather than the bag hides used last time - much easier, but with little opportunity to move around, my back and legs are now really stiff and sore (age ......!)

13 February 2023.  RSPB Lakenheath Fen

First visit to this reserve - much bigger than I thought.  Plenty of activity, but target species (Bearded Tit) did not show. 20 species seen, but photo opportunities not that brilliant.  Nice to get Reed Buntings on/around water, and the Long-tailed Tit perched nicely for me.

6 February 2023.  Woodwalton Fen

Well, that was a cold one!  When I arrived, temperature outside was showing -4C, and it felt a lot colder in the hide which is completely sheltered from the sun.  In fact it was so cold in the hide that my fully-charged phone battery was killed (never happened to me before) and when I eventually left the hide the camera lens and viewfinder misted over even though it was barely above freezing.  Still, a few ducks & geese  about, and one visit fro a female Marsh Harrier - very little flying.

30 January 2023.  Dyke Hide, Toft (part 2)

Tom had made quite a few changes to his "creative lighting" setup so the challenge was on to try and get some passable shots.  Plenty of activity but it still proved quite difficult to time the shot - my hit rate was, at best, 1 in 10 (age dulls reflexes!).  Still, a few turned out OK.

30 January 2023.  Dyke Hide, Toft (part 1)

Return visit to Tom Robinson's Dyke Hide with target species of Raven.  Although a couple turned up, they were heavily outnumbered by Buzzards, with up to 7 on/around the field.  One did try to steal from the Buzzards but spent most of the time behind them.  However, it did briefly move away which allowed me to get a couple of possible shots.  The Buzzards were very active throughout the session with a number of squabbles.

26 January 2023.  Welney WWT

First visit of the year to Welney - very cold with the footpath closed as flooded and iced over so restricted to main observatory.  Plenty of ducks and swans about, with some flight shots.  Spotted a Cattle Egret on the way back over to the main building.

16 January 2023.  Homerton Zoo Park

First visit of the year, and it was another bitterly cold morning.  Many of the resident animals & birds were sheltering from the cold wind, but still managed to see a few as I wandered around.  Nice to see the new and improved enclosures, so hopefully get some decent photographs when the weather improves.

9 January 2023.  Woodwalton Fen

First visit of the year to the Fen - lovely and clear, but bitterly cold!  Not much moving, but managed to get a Barn owl just before sunrise, and a Red Kite and female Marsh Harrier.  Let's hope for better things when it warms up a tad!

2 January 2023.  The Dyke Hide, Toft

A lovely start to a new year with my first visit to the Dyke Hide run by Tom Robinson's Wildlife Photography HIdes.  Tom had set up a "Creative Lighting" aspect comprising 4 remote flash units and a small bird feeding station set against a black background.  I struggled to get any action shots due to the speed and unpredictability of the tits, although I managed a few decent static shots.  The other hide aspect was for Buzzards and Red Kites, and this proved very entertaining.  Apart from banging my head on the low beams in the hide, a great day out.

UPDATE:  On reviewing photos from the day, I now find I also managed to get at least one of a Raven - I did not expect to see them in Lincolnshire (only seen them in the Lake District and Pembrokeshire coast before).

12-18 November 2022.  Saltfleetby

Last holiday of the year and unfortunately the weather wasn't with us this time, with thick fog or heavy rain the order of the day - we cut short the holiday by one day due to the conditions.  However, still an enjoyable break, and some good sightings.  On the way over we stopped at Revesby and had an excellent view of a Fallow Deer stag with a full set of antlers.  Highlight of the week was a Branbling dropping into the cottages garden - only the second time seeing one, and first photo.  Other than that, most spotting done on the Seaview Scrape, with sightings of Great White Egret, Wigeon & Teal.

2 November 2022.  Buzzard Hide, Marston Lodge

A super session back in the Buzzard Hide.  A pair of adult Buzzards performed well, and I also had visits from Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Robin.  I also had another raptor in which I mistakenly took to be a pale-phase juvenile Buzzard.  However, once I got the photos up on the computer it became clear it was in fact a Red Kite ........  Very embarrassing, and what little street cred I had has now gone!  In defence, I did not get a clear view of the tail as it was flying low and parallel to where I was, and I had been told that the juvenile Buzzards had been showing up.

19 October 2022.  Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary, West Runton, Norfolk

A visit to Hillside is always a pleasure, and today I had the opportunity to try out the RF 24-105mm lens, matched with the Canon R10. Quite pleased with the results.

18 October 2022.  Great Hautbois, Coltishall

Playing around with my new "back up" R-series camera/lens combo - Canon R10 + Canon RF 100-400mm - with several European Hornets feeding on the ivy where we are staying in Norfolk.  The shots taken from 3-4 ft away, which shows the combo is actually very good for close-ups in nature.

3 October 2022.  Woodwalton Fen

Early morning (sunrise) visit.  Thankfully the very windy/gusty conditions of last week's visit were replaced by still conditions.  Plenty of activity from a pair of Kingfishers on the Reedbed Hide pool, albeit at a distance.  No real Marsh Harrier activity, just a single female dropping into the reeds and settling. 

10-17 September 2022.  Seaview, Saltfleetby

A very pleasant week at Seaview - not much aircraft activity, just USAF F16's on a couple of days when I wasn't able to get any shots.  However, birding was not bad.  I was very pleased to get a couple of decent shots of a Whimbrel and a Curlew on the new Seaview Wash.

21-22 August 2022.  The Pond Hide, near Bourne

Another 24-hour session in The Pond Hide.  The daytime session was with the Going Digital people, and was for the Kingfishers.  The female saw off the male as we arrived, so we only had her during the day.  However, she gave us plenty of perched shots, a few diving, and 5 minutes bathing.  The overnight part was for Otters (just one turned up for a short stay) and Grey Heron - the Herons put in 4 appearances throughout the night so plenty of different conditions to play with.  I was also able to play with the flash setup by switching off the front units to get some backlit shots.  A great, if somewhat tiring, session.

10 August 2022.  Marston Lodge Farm

A return visit to Marston Lodge for the Barn Owls and what an evening it was with at least a dozen visits.  The perched shots have come out OK but I struggled to get any flight ones - shooting at low shutter speed without the help of flash (lighting was from a couple of floods) and not really able to track without spooking the birds, and car used as a hide).  Still, pleased with the results.

8 August 2022.  Woodwalton Fen

A few hours in the morning spent in the Reedbed Hide.  Not a lot of activity - single Kingfisher did a high-speed run over the pool, and no Marsh Harriers.  A few Reed Warblers were foraging in the reeds, and managed a few decent shots.  A solitary Common Tern made a quick visit.  Still, a relaxing morning on my own in the hide.

22 July 2022.  Marston Lodge Farm

An evening session (20:00 - 23:45) using my car as a hide, with Barn Owls "target for tonight".  Despite the heat wave of this week, the weather for the session was being shown as "showers" - not good when you are after owls!  The farm owner was somewhat concerned as he felt the birds were being a bit skittish that day for some unknown reason, and he was worried none would turn up.  So, after setting up, it was a long wait until 22:00 when a pair turned up for 5-10 minutes.  Once they had flown, they did not return, although you could hear them calling to each other for quite some time.  I was just about to give up when at 23:40 in popped a Tawny Owl which quickly grabbed some food and then departed.  I then left and spent a few hours getting a bit of sleep in the car before driving home early (04:00) next morning.  A good session overall though.

11 July 2022.  Sea fishing out of Wells-next-the-Sea

A great day sea fishing for Tope.  However, a highlight for me was spotting a small group of terns diving close to the exit of the harbour channel which turned out to be Little Terns -  a new species for me.  Of course, it wouldn't be a Tope trip without the ever-present (and my favourite sea bird) Fulmar.  And to finish of the day, we had Common Terns diving close to the lifeboat station on our return.

5 July 2022.  Hamerton Zoo Park

First visit back to the Zoo in a couple of months - it was somewhat busy with a number of visiting school parties.  Still, I had a good wander around the park, managed a couple of new species (Sun Conore & Tasmanian Golden Possum), and found a couple of new enclosures that look promising.

28 June 2022.  Horn Mill Trout Farm

An early (0345 - 0830) session with Mike Dunleavy on an Osprey Photo Shoot.  After an uncomfortable and cold night in the car (ensuring on time, and not waking the boss!), it was into the hide overlooking one of the trout ponds.  Yes, an Osprey turned up, but it spent most of its time perched amongst the leaves/branches at the top of a tree, chasing off all other Osprey, and making only a couple of half-hearted attempts at fishing - Mike reckons it is a young male trying to establish territory before partnering up.  Unfortunately I didn't manage any shots of it, but still pleased to see an Osprey.  Plenty of other activity though, with Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Red Kite, Grey Heron and Cormorant.

21 April 2022.  Seaview, Saltfleetby

We regularly see Muntjac and Roe Deer when staying at Seaview.  This morning we had excellent views from the bedroom window of this lovely Roe Deer buck.

19 April 2022.  Donna Nook Air Weapons Range

First visit of the year to the range and pleased to have some action.  A pair of Typhoon FGR4 aircraft , c/s Razor (11 Sqn), came in to conduct some dry strafing runs.  Due to some tech issues the number of runs was reduced somewhat.  However, nice to get some shots, and pleased with the way animal eye autofocus tracked them nicely with very few shots out of frame/focus.

18 April 2022.  Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve

An enjoyable day having a good wander around the Reserve.  Plenty of action with water birds lifting off from the new flood plain, and my first sighting of the year of a couple of Whitethroats.  Cuckoo heard but not seen, and a pair of Swallows briefly spotted late evening.

11 April 2022.  Kendrew Barracks, Lincolnshire

Organised session by Tom Robinson & Wildlife Photography Hides on Kendrew Barracks (used to be RAF Cottesmore) with target species being the Brown Hare.  The idea was to use bag hides although in the end this proved impractical due to the increasingly blustery conditions.  However, I was able to hunker down behind old hay bales protecting the runway lights which gave me some cover, along with my camouflage jacket.  Plenty of hares about, although some distance away, so a good test for my "new" Canon RF 800mm f/11 lens.  A good session overall.

6 April 2022.  Woodwalton Fen

Early morning visit to field test my new Canon RF 100-500mm lens.  Very breezy conditions proved challenging, and while there was plenty of Marsh Harrier activity, most was outside the scope of the lens - still managed to get a passable shot of both male and female.  The Grey Heron landing head-on into the breeze gave some interesting views. 

21 March 2022.  RAF Lakenheath

Back to Lakenheath to try out my new Canon R6 on fast jets.  A very misty/foggy drive down, and a grey start to the morning session.  Early activity saw several F15E Strike Eagles fully booted with weapons and extra fuel tanks depart on detachment somewhere.  A C130 arrived unexpectedly so fluffed the shots as set up for fast jets and thus got "dead prop" syndrome.  We then had most of the Aviano-based F16s depart on training exercises, returning by lunch time.  Due to the very large number of people viewing, I was restricted to the main viewing car park so the shots, whilst OK, were not particularly dynamic.  The R6 performed well, although I struggled a bit with autofocus on the landing aircraft until I switched to birds-eye focus!

7/8 March 2022.  The Pond Hide, near Bourne

24-hour session at the Pond Hide.  First field trip for my new Canon R6 - all photos bar action shots (Canon 5d mk IV) taken with the R6.  Plenty of Kingfisher action throughout the day. The overnight session relatively slow due to the rapidly dropping temperature (parts of pond frozen by dawn).  Two visits by Otters - 1st a singleton (probably the male) stayed for 15 minutes, and 2nd by a pair (mum + pup?) in the early hours. The Herons spent most of the time stationary.

1 March 2022.  Hamerton Zoo

Not the nicest of weather but managed to have a very rewarding visit.  For the first time, I actually saw (and photographed) the Giant Anteater out and about in her compound.  A difficult shot as the viewing screen was covered in rain, but at least I now have a passable shot.  I was keen to get a photograph of the White-cheeked Turaco (a new species for me) but it would not settle and was either flying or running/jumping from one perch to another. While I have seen the Vultarine Guineafowl before, I have not managed a photograph as they tend to come right up to the wire.  However, I maxed a shot!  Overall, a good morning session.

23 February 2022.  Woodwalton Fen

A very productive couple of hours back at the Fen Reedbed Hide.  A pair of Chinese Water Deer  were showing their "sabre tooth" canines, a Barn Owl flew straight over the hide, my first Kingfisher of the year, and a pair of Little Grebe were active.  Unfortunately as the breeze strengthened, sightings dropped as did the temperature!

7 February 2022.  RAF Lakenheath & WWT Welney

Thanks to an easy drive over to Ely, I had plenty of time to spare before Welney opened so, after a quick McDonald's stop, I headed down to RAF Lakenheath hoping to catch the first launches of the day.  I was in luck, and had several F15E and a couple of F35A take off.  It was then up to Welney.  An excellent session with my first sightings/photographs of Bean Geese.  There were a couple of Pintails there, but spent the tie I was there asleep.  Still, a rewarding session with some good photo opportunities.

31 January 2022.  Woodwalton Fen

Pre-dawn visit on a wild and windy morning.  A brief fly-by from a male Hen Harrier minutes after setting up, but wrong aspect and still too dark for a photograph.  A number of Marsh Harriers put in an appearance, battling the strong wind, but managed a few passable shots in the early morning sunlight.  Not much else about - all small birds keeping their heads down.

23 January 2022.  RAF Lakenheath

It is almost 2 years since I last visited an airbase (Coningsby in March 2020) so it was great to get to Lakenheath for some "hot metal" action.  Disappointing weather with low cloud, very grey and cold.  However, plenty of action with Eagles, Strike Eagles, and the new F35A Lightning II's in action, including F15E's from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base North Carolina.

17 January 2022.  Hamerton Zoo

First visit of the year - a nice day, if somewhat chilly.  Understandably many residents wanted to stayed indoors, but still plenty to see.  A new resident and a first for me was a lovely Blacksmith Plover. The Asian Short-clawed Otter was very friendly and kept running up to the wall and looking at me.  Plenty of Red Kite as usual circling overhead and looking for scraps.

12 January 2022.  Woodwalton Fen

Another early start and very cold session.  Highlight was the Great White Egret that dropped in for a very short visit (the pool at the Reedbed Hide was frozen over).  Also saw a Barn Owl, 4 Marsh Harriers and a Water Rail.

29 November 2021.  Woodwalton Fen

Early morning visit and a very cold session.  Not much bird activity, although did get one fly-by from a female Marsh Harrier.  Kept entertained by Chinese Water Deer.

13-20 November 2021.  Seaview, Saltfleetby

A few sunrise/sets seen during the week.

15 November 2021.  Donna Nook

Early morning visit to the Air Weapons Range to see the breeding Grey Seal colony and their new pups.  Very cold and not a lot of activity, with only a few seals/pups close to the fence.  Still, lovely to see them.

3 November 2021.  Hamerton Zoo

Early morning visit to field test my "new" 70-300mm L lens.  Not many about when I got there so had the zoo pretty well all to myself.  A number of animals had just been fed so it was good to see the Northern Racoons , including the blonde "leucitic" one.  The Corsac Foxes were scampering about caching food under the watchful eyes of several Red Kites.  Highlight was when the pack of 8 Dingos decided to go into full howl mode - very wolf-like!

26 September 2021.  "Wacky Wabbit"

Had a brilliant day at Fenland Airfield where I had a 30 minute "Battle of Britain Experience" flight in T6 Harvard "Wacky Wabbit".  Lots of aerobatics and thankfully not ill, although started to grey out on one manoeuvre.  Unfortunately struggled to get the correct settings for prop blur when trying to get some fly past shots, but eventually sorted myself out for some landing ones.  Overall a great day and a memorable experience.

5 September 2021.  Sculthorpe Moor Community Reserve

Spent a very enjoyable couple hours wandering around the reserve.  Spotted a couple of Brown Hares in the adjoining field.  Lots of tits and finches making full use of the feeders scattered around the reserve.  Finally managed to see a Nuthatch and get a passable photograph before it flew away.

25 August 2021.  Buzzard Hide @ Marston Lodge Farm

A brilliant session at the Buzzard Hide.  The Buzzards have raised young and both adult and juvenile birds visited the hide pretty well all the time I was there.  Other visitors included a Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Jay, and Blue & Great Tits.

18 August 2021.  Woodwalton Fen

Spent 3 hours early morning in the Reed Bed Hide.  Not the nicest of conditions - grey, overcast, and a stiff breeze.  A (young) Chinese Water Deer greeted me on arrival, a Little Egret flew in for a short stay, and a Kingfisher made 4 visits.  Quite pleased with the results.

11 August 2021.  Welney WWT

Following reports of a Spoonbill at Welney, I popped over to try and get some photographs as my only previous sighting was back in 2016 and the photographs were pretty poor given the distance and camera gear involved.  Although it was at the main pool when I arrived, it was spooked by a low-flying Marsh Harrier and flew off down the reserve before I had a chance to take any shots.  I later found it when I went to the Lyle Hide, where it was visible along with a Great White Egret and Grey Heron (the GWE later flew off to another part of the lagoon).  I managed to get a few shots of the Spoonbill, although it was partially hidden by undergrowth, and it made no attempt to move, settling down in the mid-day heat for a siesta.

9 August 2021.  Sculthorpe Moor Community Reserve

With sea fishing trip cancelled due to high winds, I decided to do a recce of Sculthorpe Moor reserve as it must be 10+ years since I last visited it.   At least two more hides have been built, which look very good.  Spotted a Muntjac getting a free meal underneath a bird feeding station, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was busy feeding at the new Dragonfly Hide.  17 species spotted.

6 August 2021.  Hamerton Zoo Photographic Competition 2021

Results are now out for this year's competition and I have a 1st and two 2nd's.  My Little Bittern gained 1st in "Birds", the leaping Serval was 2nd in "Animals in Action", and the Wallaby was 2nd in "Animals from Down Under".  Very pleased!

4 August 2021.  Woodwalton Fen

 It is over 2 years since I last visited Woodwalton Fen, and with the public hides reopening this week, I popped in and spent a few hours this morning in the Reedbed Hide.  I was rewarded with a visit by a Chinese Water Deer with her 2 energetic youngsters, a couple of visits by a Kingfisher, and a fly-by from a Marsh Harrier (several others seen, but they kept away from the hide and near to the tree line).

26 July 2021.  Sea fishing out of Wells-next-the-Sea

I have been struggling to get any half-decent photographs of sea birds on recent trips, but I think I have solved the problem - wrong drive setting on the camera (set as One Shot when should have been AI Servo).  Managed to get some reasonable shots on the motor back in to Wells.

22 July 2021.  Farmland Pop-up Hide, South Lincolnshire

Something very different!  Wildlife Photography Hides had set up a couple of pop-up hides close to where Turtle Doves were active, so I went for a 1300-2000 session on a very hot day!  Never seated so much!  Unfortunately the Doves did not want to play, so despite hearing them babbling away down the tree line, they failed to show themselves.  Plenty of finch activity, but highlight was a pair of Red-legged Partridge that showed up.  Pity about the Turtle Doves, but that's wildlife photography for you.

7 July 2021.  Hamerton Zoo

Back to the Zoo this morning, and nice to get shots of the latest Grant's Zebra youngster and a Palma Wallaby joey with mum.  Also managed to get my first one of Goeldi's Monkey, as well as another one of the Little Bittern.  Very quiet to start with, but started to fill up late morning as I was leaving.

30 June 21.  Pet Studio training with Going Digital East of England

This was something very new to me, and challenging - learning how to photograph in a studio setting using cats and dogs.  With Laura Galbraith in her home studio, using her two dogs and cat plus a neighbour's cat as models.  Really good fun - just wish my house had the space to set something up, but hopefully will be taking Holly there for a session.

28 June 2021.  Hamerton Zoo

Unscheduled visit as sea fishing trip cancelled.  Rather a grey day, but quite enjoyed it as very quiet.  Two new species for me - Black-headed Python & Eurasian Harvest Mice, which was pleasing.  Also one of the Syrian Brown Bears decided to have a play with a loaf of bread which allowed me a couple of shots of it on its back....

23 June 2021.  Buzzard Hide @ Marston Lodge Farm

A super 4-hour session at a new hide for me - a first class set-up!  Excellent views of a pair of Buzzards - the female spent most time demolishing a Woodpigeon before taking the remains away, and the male then came in for the scraps.  Kept entertained by a juvenile Robin (when Buzzards away), and a couple of brief visits by a male Great Spotted Woodpecker at the end.

15 June 2021.  Donna Nook Air Weapons Range, Lincolnshire

A veritable Eagle Fest with lots of USAF F15C (493rd Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath) activity including "hot" runs at Donna Nook ranges.

14 - 21 May 2021.  Gt Hautbois, Coltishall

A relaxing week in Norfolk.  The Mute Swan with young was taken on the River Bure in Hoveton, with the Grey Heron landing on a moored boat next to where we were having breakfast at The Old Mill in Hoveton.  The Red-legged Partridge were on the front lawn where we were staying in Gt Hautbois, and the Reed Bunting was at Blakeney Quay.

30 April-1 May 2021.  Wildlife Photography Hides

24 hours in 2 hides starting with The Wired Hide during the day and moving to The Pond Hide early evening and spending the night there.  Very tiring, but very rewarding.  Two visits by a male Kestrel at The Wired Hide allowed a couple of decent shots taken through the mirrored glass window (the smaller lens through the camera port did not produce good results).  the Pond Hide served up a good Kingfisher session before it went too dark, allowing for some decent action shots.  During the night, some good Heron, Otter and Tawny Owl moments, and the big surprise was Brown Rats swimming and eating fish.

27 April 2021.  Hamerton Zoo

First visit to the Zoo since last August - a bit of a grey and overcast day, but still very enjoyable.  New species for me was the Fat Desert Rat (actually a type of gerbil), and pleased to get a couple of shots of the Asian Short-clawed Otter.

21 April 2021.  Donna Nook Air Weapons Range

I spotted on 360Radar an Osprey had taken off from RAF Mildenhall and appeared to be heading north towards the range, so on the off chance it was going to use the range I quickly headed there and arrived just as 2 Osprey called in.  They did a few slow circuits with live firing from the rear ramps  as they passed over the targets.

17-24 April 2021. Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire

A glorious week spent on the Lincolnshire coast, and first break since Lockdown 2.0 eased.  Lots to see, and pleased to get my first Swallows and Cuckoo of the year.  Also managed to get one of the Yellowhammers at Donna Nook.  Separate post re Donna Nook range.

3 April 2021.  Woodston Ponds, Peterborough

First "proper" walk since latest lockdown restrictions eased, so had a (slow) walk up to Woodston Ponds.  Not the nicest of days, but just glad to be out and about.  Usual mix of birds at the reserve, but very pleased to see and hear Chiffchaff - there were several in the area around Bob's Pond, although while I couldn't get a photograph of one singing, I managed a few shots of one on a branch.

14 November 2020. Peterborough

Into 2nd lockdown, no trips being undertaken as a result and grotty weather, so very pleased when one of my resident Grey Squirrels put in an appearance - they are very confident animals with loads of character, and although some people may not like them, they give me lots of pleasure and entertainment.

4 October 2020.  Fens Falconry, Wisbech St Mary

A somewhat damp photo session at Fens Falconry with Laura Galbraith & Going Digital East of England.  Despite the tricky conditions, I managed to get some reasonable photographs (and very muddy trousers!)

1/2 September 2020. Wildlife Photography Hide near Bourne, Lincs

Well, that was a brilliant experience - an over-nighter in the Pond Hide photographing Grey Heron, Otter & Tawny Owl, with Kingfisher in the morning before departure. Lovely weather conditions, including some mist rising off the water.

21 August 2021.  Guild of Photographers - Image of the Month - July 2020

Only managed 3 "classifieds" in the June IOM competition so pleased to get 2 "Bronze" in the July competition.  The Snowy Owl was "classified" and I am happy with this as the photograph is too tight on the bird due to having to take the shot through wire and I didn't know how to extend the photo using the crop tool at that time.

19 August 2020.  Toft Lodge, Bourne

Out to the home of Wildlife Photography Hides to photograph Swallows.  Nearly a disaster as my wireless remote shutter release used on all my old cameras did not fit my Canon 6D or 7d....  Fortunately I had my old Canon 80D body in the bag and was able to use this.  It was certainly an interesting experience trying to catch swallows as they zoomed out through a broken window in the barn.  Unfortunately torrential rain cut short the day, but very rewarding nonetheless.

15 August 2020.  Hamerton Zoo Park

Back to the zoo, this time on a Going Digital East of England photographic day with special access.  Absolutely shattered by end of day - over 500 photographs taken and somewhat tired!  A great day, though, with the opportunity to get shots not available to the general public.

5 August 2020.  Hamerton Zoo Park

First visit to the zoo following the recent release from quarantine of their newest residents - 3 Syrian Brown Bears (now extinct in their native Syria) that are the only ones in the UK at present.  They were very active and certainly liked their pond!

2 August 2020.  Wildlife Photography Hide, near Bourne, Lincs

A fabulous day with Laura Galbraith of Going Digital East of England photographing Kingfishers.  The weather was perfect and the birds did not disappoint.  The male was a regular visitor during the morning, and then we were thrilled when his mate joined him and he passed fish to her!  400 shots taken, 12 discarded, and 24 processed to date.

20 July 2020.  Sea fishing trip out of Wells-next-the-Sea

First trip of the year thanks to lockdown, high winds, and a leaking boat!  Very few birds out at sea, but we did have a couple of Fulmar for company and entertainment.  Few fish - no Tope, and we could only land 6 decent Mackerel.  Managed to get sunburn, and hurt back when falling onto guard rail when boat lurched.