found - the missing birds 17 November 2011

The lakes at Watermead park have been empty this autumn if you compare them with the bird life from this time last year.

But Yesterday I went to Watermead South (near the Melton Road/Soar Valley Way corner). I don't go there very often because there's usually too many people.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/250 @ f5.6, iso 400, 100mm

Here you could almost walk across the lake on birds, the area in front of the car park was so crowded and a large part of the car park was filled with Canada Geese.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/160 @ f5.6, iso 800, 400mm

 The Gulls found it crowded as well and seemed to be taking turns to rest on the fence posts.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 3200, 400mm

 I was sitting on the rocks close to the waters edge, taking close ups of ducks and swans, when I became aware that this Heron had landed within 15 feet of me. It didn't seem to notice me, even though I was wearing a plain green wax jacket and dark trousers. Just shows you don't really need all the cammo gear.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

He stood there for at least ten minutes and didn't move until my wife and dog walked along the path towards him (he was between them and me). Then he took off and flew slowly past me at a nice distance for some pictures.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1600 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ f5, iso 3200, 160mm

They aren't quite as sharp as I would have liked, but the his ISO explains why. As soon as we arrived at the lake the sun took a dive behind some clouds and I had to keep winding it up.

Kelham Bridge - 6 November 2011

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/50 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

A visit to Kelham Bridge proved quite interesting, the first hide there was some activity on the water but a young mother arrived and pointing sideways through the viewing window whispered to her child "look there, it's a pheasant."

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/64 @ 5.6, iso 400, 400mm

I had been so distracted by the water that I hadn't noticed the bird feeders under the trees to my right. The female pheasant, being too big and ungainly to hang from the feeders was scavenging for anything the smaller birds and squirrel might drop.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/125 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The acrobatics of the squirrel were next to catch our attention as he climbed all over the swinging basket of nuts.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/125 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

He was mobbed several times by a coal tit, unfortunately the tit was flying so fast and from different angles and I didn't manage to get a picture of it hitting the squirrel.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/125 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

You would think it would hurt the bird more than the squirrel, but the tit was clever and only seemed to hit the ears and the tail, enough to be annoying but not hurt itself.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/100 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The Blue Tits were quite happy with the fat balls and kept away from the squirrel.

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

The sun started to slip from the sky and I was thinking about leaving when I noticed a Moorhen trying to pull out a feed

Canon EOS 7d, ef 100 - 400mm L lens
1/25 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm, flash

On the way back to the car, I could see a shadow in the bushes which seemed to be keeping pace with us. So I let Maja and Skipper walk on ahead and as I waited, this Robin popped out onto a post.

More Deer at Bradgate park - 1 November 2011

I make no excuses for going back to Bradgate park again, I was hoping to catch the last of the Rut. But Although we heard a few calls there was no fighting and we think the Rut is finished.

It didn't stop me finding some pictures though and this Fallow Deer Stag looked worn out, but later he got up and started feeding.

It was a long time before he raised his head so I could get a picture.

Another stag came close but there was no antagonism, so I guess that shows the rut is over.

The Reds were further into the park close to the bridge opposite Lady Jane Gray's house. This one was standing guard over his ladies and was unchallenged another indication that we won't get any more rut pictures this year.

These deer were grazing on the side of Lady Jane's House.

Bradgate park - the Rut - 24 October 2011

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 800, 235mm 

From immediately inside the park gates the deer were out in force, this young Fallow deer was keeping out of the way, the Rut can be a dangerous time for anyone getting in the way. Whereas the stag below was taking part - even if we was still a bit young to be successful.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm 

The Red deer stag below looks like a veteran of many Ruts and when I got his picture he was hiding under a tree, maybe stopped to catch his breath.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 800, 170mm 

This one looks like he's at his best, he's standing by a group of females and roaring out his challenge to anyone who thinks they might be hard enough.

Canon EOS 7D, Ef 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 375mm 

Kelham Bridge - 15 October 2011

Skipper is  well again and we celebrated by taking him out to Kelham Bridge, near Ibstock. The first hide was pretty deserted, the only birds being across the other side of the pool.

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/1600 @ f6.3, iso 800, 250mm 

But Skipper enjoyed running about on the grass paths and at the second hide, there were quite a few people and lots of birds. Apparently we just missed a Kingfisher and a water Rail, but while we were watching for pictures I noticed this rock, which with its reflection made a good picture.

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/320 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm 

A moorhen, standing on the raised ground near a wooden post, needed to flap so it wouldn't overbalance and as luck would have it, I was watching it through the camera at the time.

Canon EOS7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm 

Then I spotted a Teal (going into eclipse) and as he was posing thought it worth a picture. While Maja took Skipper on a bit further, I stayed in the hide but the Kingfisher didn't return, we thought we heard him calling but he didn't put in an appearance while I was there.

Trials of skipper - 10 september 2011

I've been a bit short on trips out recently, Skipper cut one of his back paws  on something we didn't see. It wasn't till he got into the car and he left blood on the seat that we knew anything about it.

We took him to the vet where they knocked him out and stitched him up, he was great not chewing the bandage at all. But now they've took the bandage off, he's started worrying at it.

The Birds are Back in Town - 26 September 2011

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

We'd only just got out of the car at Watermead car-park when this  Robin came to have a look at us, he was only a couple of metres away but didn't seem at all perturbed about us being there,

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

We gave him a reward for posing, in the shape of some wild bird food and he was happy to look at the camera and pose.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Of course, as soon as the seed was out the Tits started to show up, there was a Blue Tit but he flew in at great speed, grabbed a nut and flew out again before I could get his picture. This Great Tit was more obliging as he sat watching the Robin picking the seed that had fallen to the floor.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Round on the lakes there was a variety of the usual waterbirds plus pochard and gadwall all too far away to photograph. But more surprising was the group of Shovellors - they were too far away to get great pictures but these two are acceptable.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Kirby Muxloe Castle - 23 September 2011

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 100mm

A wander round Kirby Muxloe Castle showed the usual  selection of birds, a few canada geese, mallard, coots and moorhens. The Moorhens usually stay on the island and out of harms way.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

and this female was no exception, strutting around like the lady of the manor.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

If she was the Lady than this Heron was certainly the Captain of the guard, he stood watch on three of the four corners. Unfortunately he chose the very moment that I was sneaking between trees for a closer shot, to dive for a fish and although I saw him do it I was in no position to take a picture.

Rain Stops Play - 18 Sept 2011

We walked most of the way round Sence Valley Country Park, stopped at the hide where there was a variety of the common visitors, swans, coots, mallards etc. Along the back path where there are often butterflies and dragonflies, but I think they knew what was coming and were hiding.

Down to the top lake where the inhabitants seemed to want to stay between the camera and the sun so no chance of a decent picture.

It wasn't until we were most of the way round the horseshoe lake, retreating from the beginnings of the rainstorm, that we saw our first subject. This Heron, sitting on weed in the middle of the lake.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ F6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Then I noticed a little Grebe near the side of the concrete runway and turned the camera to get a picture, unfortunately the Heron chose that moment to relocate to a tree at the side of the lake and I missed the flight .... ahh well.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/2000 @ F6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Shortly after that the rain got heavier and just as we shut the doors the view disappeared in a deluge. That was the end of the walk, there wouldn't be any more pictures today.

Fly against the wind - 12 September 2011

Most of the birds  at Watermead  south were hiding from hurricane Katia, but as I walked back towards the car park I spotted Paul (alula site see link) sitting in the bottom of a ditch and pointing his camera into the air. Unfortunately Skipper saw him before he saw Skipper and he was suddenly engulfed by wet fur, excited dog and long wet tongue. I think Skipper regards Paul as part of his extended pack, he's always excited to see him.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ 7.1, iso 800, 100mm

 Paul had noticed that the birds were flying between the raised grass islands near the car-park and the lake. But as they returned to the lake they were flying into the wind so they were flying much more slowly, making it easier to take photos.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/1000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 160mm

Nor were Mallard the only ones, the Canada Geese were having fun as well.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/80000 @ 6.3, iso 800, 180mm

And the white domestic geese.

Not for the squeamish - 8 Sept 2011

An occasional alternative place for us to visit, usually when we have something to do in Loughborough, is Charnwood Water which we visited yesterday. It is quite popular with some of the more common waterbirds, but as we sat in the car looking out towards the lake we saw some very rapid movements on the bank.

Warning!  Don't look if you're scared of rats.

TOO LATE!

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/200 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

The wild Brown rat (Rattus Norwegicus) the common rat in the UK. When you see him in the wild, you see a sleek, well groomed animal in his proper place.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

I stood quite close to this family of rats, watching them running back and forward along the lake side. As long as I didn't move too much they weren't at all bothered by my presence. There was a large male, a smaller female and three young. They all darted for cover when someone walked by with a dog, but soon came out again when they'd gone. The family were feeding on a variety of things, but their favourite seemed to be bread pieces that had gone astray when thrown to the ducks.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 1600, 400mm

We  were sitting in the car having our lunch when we noticed a squirrel on the roof of the public conveniences, it sat in the guttering for a while feeding on something we couldn't see. Then descended to the path. I took the camera out again but the squirrel seemed to have disappeared.

After a few minutes it reappeared from a bush and sat eating something, that's always a good photo opportunity. But then I noticed the teats were prominent and that combined with her size must mean she is soon to give birth. We'll be going back there in a few weeks to see if there are any young ones about.

Thornton desert - 5 September 2011

We had a look at Thornton again yesterday, there were quite a few of the more common birds about but we thought that might be because the reservoir is getting lower and squeezing them into a smaller area. The weeds in the dried out areas are up to about 2 feet high (60 cms if you prefer the new fangled stuff).

One good thing though, the old Barnacle Goose that has been around the reservoir for a few years, but not seen for a few months, returned. He was being followed around by a cortege of white goose admirers.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

And on a rock nearby a Gull was presenting us with the perfect 'postcard' pose.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

This dry weather seems to have some beneficiaries though, this farmer was getting his crop in easily.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400 L Lens
1/2000 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

Where have all the birdies gone - 1 sept 2011

I'm having difficulties finding interesting birds at the moment, several walks round Watermead, Blackbrook and Thornton and all I have to show for it is A few Butterfly pics and a Dragonfly. I may have to try something different in the future if things don't pick up.

However there were quite a few Speckled Woods fluttering by yesterday.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1000 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f5.6, iso 400, 400mm

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/640 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

And mixing it with them was this Gold Banded Dragonfly, which settled on a leaf to sunbathe

I haven't been bored however, I spent a lot of time tidying and updating my website

www.books4reading.com

And uploading my books to Amazon to make them available to the public