Best of the Kestrels

 Been a good summer for the Kestrels on the ranges with some great opportunities to capture some pleasing shots. These are few that I personally like.

Sandwich Break

 

Over the last few weeks Sandwich Tern numbers have been good in the Pyefleet channel. And although they could be seen and heard on my Monday visits to the ranges. I just hadn't got a chance to photograph them. So although the weather wasn't in my favour i decided to spend some time on the sea wall during high tide with my lunch in hope they may come closer. Which they did after a two hour wait! that ended with not the best of photos. But at least it's another new species for my blogsite.

Thanks for Terning up.

 

On Sunday evening whilst preparing my gear and making a plan for a visit to the ranges the following day. I noticed that the time off high tide would be good to try and photograph the Common Terns as they fished along the sea wall. This was also depending on the British weather of cause. Well the weather didn't let me down. Four appeared on cue and I was able to spend about 45mins watching them diving for breakfast. I was hoping that the Little Terns would appear as well, But no luck with them this visit. 

Mondays Fling.

My short visit to the ranges this week started with a 'fling' the collective noun for a group of Whimbrel feeding amongst the Dandelions and long grasses behind the target butts. On the point a Cuckoo was doing a recce for the next potential foster parents nest. But with the gusty wind blowing hard most of the birds such as this Sedge Warbler where keeping low in the reed bed. My migrant highlight of the day was a group of 5 Swifts hawking the marsh my first for the year.

 

Busy Marsh.

After signing the visitor log my first sighting of the day was a group of 18 Whimbrel feeding around the sand butts & pistol range. Being overcast getting any decent photos was out of the question so a few record shots were snapped. By the time I had made my way to the point the sun was just starting to show and the tide was rising fast. Next was a low fast flying Cuckoo my first sighting of the year. Unfortunately he didn't stop for a photo but a nice sighting never the less. The Marsh harriers were all busy around the reed beds giving me some nice photo opportunities. A couple of newly arrived Reed warblers could also be heard singing amongst the reeds. On my way back I decided to give the Little ringed Plovers another try as I hadn't been able to find them earlier in the morning. And how pleased I was to see them still in the same area as my previous visit. And with the sun now behind me it seamed a good time to try and get a few better photos without having to disturb them. So in all another pleasing visit to my patch. Roll on May and my next visit. Till then please stay safe peeps. 

Highlite in Yellow.

                              

I was rewarded with this newly arrived bright Yellow Wagtail during my weekly visit to the ranges. Along with 2 Little Ringed Plovers and a few Blackcap and Chiffchaff. He was the highlight of the day for me. Bearded Tits and Sedge Warblers could be heard calling amongst the numerous reedbeds. 

Hen drenaline moment.

The song of a newly arrived Sedge warbler stopped me in my tracks this morning whilst out on my patch. And then to my surprise this male Hen harrier shot through the reed bed. It all happen so quick leaving for little time to snap any photo's. These are the only images I was able to get before he was gone. But never the less a special moment of excitement that got my adrenaline pumping. 

My Five a Day.

Five striking Wheatear's four cocks and one hen made my Visit to the Ranges a little more exciting today. Always one of the first migrants to arrive in spring. And as always they put a big smile on my face. Such beautiful birds and one of my favourites. As a child the Easter school holidays at the caravan was when I saw my first one at the age off Ten. It was along the seawall at East Mersea which has now been breached by the sea to create the new Sailing pond. Habitats may change but these hardy little birds always turn up be it on a newly ploughed field or on the beach so observing five together was a real pleasure. 

 

The Camouflage king.

How pleased I was hearing that some Woodcock had been seen at Cudmore grove. Although working at the time a manged to pinch a bit of time off  last Friday afternoon to have a look for them. Due to their perfect camouflaged plumage it took a while to find one. But one was soon spotted through my binoculars in the Ditch.  And I was able to obtain some photos. The following days proved to be a Woodcock frenzy at the Country park with up to four seen there and numerous other sightings in the local area. I recorded another two birds on the Ranges on the Monday that I flushed during my Survey work. So after a long wait another new species for my blog and year list. Wonder what will turn up next? lets hope it's not to long till my next post. Till then Stay safe peeps.

Winter Redwing.

With snow on the ground for the last couple days. My walks have been kept to the local woods behind my house. But before I leave I clean and refill all the bird feeders in the garden. The wildlife needs a little extra food and water in winter. Then during my walk I spotted the Firecrest still flitting about the holly bushes. And while I was watching him a few Redwing came and landed in the wood. Knowing how skittish they can be. I took a couple of slow steps back to blend in against the tree. Then lifted my camera slowly. Bingo one was in my frame and these are the final results. So another pleasing walk on my little patch and an hour exercise well spent. 

Having a Goosy Gander.

                                    Greater white-fronted

                                             Greylag

                                             Brent

Had a look through the geese at the beginning of the month. And was pleased to see the Greater white-fronted geese. Although at quite a distance I was able to get a few record shots. It has been a few years since I last saw these Russian visitors. Abberton reservoir was my last recorded sighting. So with lockdown in place I was delighted to see them local. I decided to add a couple of images of Brent and Greylag geese to my blog species list. So remember get out and about peeps but please do Stay safe. 

Do Not Disturb.

 

This local Tawny Owl seamed happy snoozing and warming himself up in the midday sun recently. Seeing it hidden amongst the branches was so pleasing. And as not to disturb the owl the pictures were taken from inside my car. Which was a bonus considering how cold it was outside. So till my next post Please get out and explore for some exercise but do Stay Safe Peeps.