Thanks Andy, no hide the birds appear to be extremely tame around the feeders, I just tend to stand very still for a while and let the birds settle back.
Thanks Colin. Any photos of the Gyr??!
I know exactly what you mean Colin and I always have the same dilemma. I suppose I'm a birder first and an opportunist photographer second. These days I often take the camera and carry my little lightweight Nikon scope in my pocket, especially if I'm with Dougy and he is carrying his scope. But the only real option is to hire a porter.
What lens are you using?
I like the Snowy Owl/Fulmar analogy!
Large movement of Lesser Black-backed Gulls north, past Bude this morning, 160 past in one hour, with 17 on Maer Lake.
Email from Tim Lait: Alpine Swift, 50yrds from NCI watch-point on St.Ives Island at 1421hrs, viewed for c.4mins before heading NE, harried by Herring Gull (2) for c.30secWent to Marazion Marsh hoping the Red-rumped Swallow was still there. It wasn't, but a very good substitute came along in the shape of an Alpine Swift.
I was at the new viewing area at the east end of the reserve when it came flying down the Red River valley and right over my head, giving great views. Unfortunately, it wasn't hanging around and continued to fly towards Marazion and beyond.