JT's Photoblog: May 2013

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A tale of two waters - 28 May 2013

A wet day yesterday and we set off for Swithland woods, on the way while driving across the Cropston reservoir dam I saw a twitcher looking intently through his scope at the waters edge.

We stopped and asked if there was anything interesting, he pointed down and said "there's a Sanderling!"
When I looked over the camouflage of the Sanderling was so well matched to the rocks of the dam that the first thing I saw was a Pied Wagtail with a beak full of nesting material.

1/200 @ f10, iso 800, 400mm

Then the Sanderling moved and I saw it, this is a rare bird so far inland, Leicestershire is in the middle of England and many miles from the nearest sea, where Sanderlings are normally found.

1/320 @ f10, iso 800, 400mm

He seemed quite happy hopping along the waterline collecting insects. But I suppose it was the recent strong winds that brought him here.

1/320 @ f10, iso 800, 400mm

We drove on to the woods but it was so dark we decided to go to Swithland reservoir instead.

1/100 @ f10, iso 800, 370mm

The first thing we saw over the fence was the cygnets (below) and a family of mallard chicks. The Mallard mother didn't trust us though and took her babies away into the reeds.

1/160 @ f10, iso 800, 100mm

The Mute Swans weren't concerned about us and continued to snooze.

1/250 @ f10, iso 800, 330mm

The Cob did see off some mallards that got too close to his babies though, so he was observant even while resting.

1/80 @ f10, iso 800, 200mm

The Pen didn't raise her head though, she must have been tired from looking after her babies.

1/200 @ f10, iso 800, 200mm

All taken on a

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm 'L' series lens.

A final note as this blog approaches its 10.000th visitor, thanks to all who have supported it so far and please tell your friends.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Charnwood Water - 22 May 2013

Before I start this post, my wife Maja met a tree surgeon outside the Beaumont Leys Library today (23/5/13) and gave her my card.
I would very much like to photograph the "orphans" you mentioned. If thats possible could you email me, the address is on the back of the card.

Yesterday we went to Charnwood Water in Loughborough. There were all the usual water birds, plus a few chicks.

1/200 @ f10, iso 400, 200 mm

A couple of Canada geese had just the one chick and were being very protective, but who can blame them, they usually manage to raise more than that.

1/1000 @ f10, iso 400, 400 mm

You can see the mother love here as she keeps a close eye on her baby.

1/800 @ f10, iso 400, 400 mm

But baby wanted to explore so she had to keep chasing after it.

1/160 @ f10, iso 400, 400 mm

Close by a Mallard was trying to attract a female, but she was having none of it and kept flying across the corner of the peninsula I was sitting on. Eventually he stood up on the corner, spread his wings and flexed his muscles. Then another male raced in and started chasing her, so his effort was wasted.

1/500 @ f10, iso 800, 400 mm

These two Coots are a bit late building their nest, another pair on the other side of the lake already have three chicks.
They are at the stage when they are at their ugliest and only a mother could love them and love them she did. I was never able to get a clear shot of the young ones.

All taken on a

Canon EOS7d with an EF 100 - 400 L series Lens

Friday, May 10, 2013

Watermead surprise - 8 May 2013

We had walked, very slowly, most of the way round our usual short walk and seen nothing notable wildlife wise. Until we reached the "Hole in the Wall" hide, where we spotted a Greylag goose standing on a shallow spot in the middle of the lake. I liked the reflection.

1/640 @ f7.1, iso 400, 400mm

While we were there we spotted a movement in the bushes nearby and eventually got this picture of a Black Cap.

1/800 @ f7.1, iso 400, 400mm

Nothing else of note happened until we turned for the car park, out of the corner of my eye I saw a branch moving in a direction it shouldn't.

A moment later a Heron surprised us when he moved out along the branch and into view. As I stood there with my camera focussed on it, it started to stretch and shake its wings. It was looking right at me as if it were asking what I was looking at.

1/400 @ f7.1, iso 800, 285mm

1/500 @ f7.1, iso 800, 285mm

Then after a good shake it shouted at me, at least that's what it appeared to be doing.

1/500 @ f7.1, iso 800, 285mm

A few minutes later it took off and flew close by before wheeling off into the trees.

1/320 @ f7.1, iso 400, 275mm

1/400 @ f7.1, iso 400, 275mm

1/400 @ f7.1, iso 800, 275mm

Back in the car park a squirrel watched Skipper intently until he was in the back of the car

1/400 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm

We threw some nuts and seeds down to attract him but he preferred to stay in the tree. However we had visits from several birds like this female Chaffinch, a male Chaffinch and a Robin (last two not shown).

1/400 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm

Then a greedy Blue Tit, who seemed to have a big appetite.

1/400 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm

The Great Tit did some fast fly-bys I assume he got some food but he was so fast I couldn't see. Then we noticed him in the bushes.

1/200 @ f7.1, iso 800, 400mm

All pictures taken on

Canon EOS 7d, with EF 100 - 400mm L series lens

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Small Bird Central - 2 May 2013

Swithland woods just before it gets too crowded at bank holiday, was quiet and the car parks almost empty. Surprising then that at times it was like Piccadilly Circus with cars some leaving others arriving.

It didn't disturb the birds too much though and unusually it was a Coal tit that came to the stump first. It also broke its established habit by staying around for a while.