StevieEvans
Well-known member
Houghton Non Motorised Photographic Local Patch 09
Had a try with a real camera on the patch today . . .
What a spot of luck, just happened to bump into the regions top wildlife photographer:t:
( Imagine how bad the results would have been otherwise . . . . . :-O )
Much milder than of late & several real signs of Spring (despite the wind chill factor in the hide)
Pair of Lapwings on territory at Fencehouses, with the male tumbling about in display.
Down at RM's 5 sets of Oystercatcher were active & vocal, a welcome sight after our first single overwintering bird (1 or 2 still showing winter neck collars - others stunning with bright bills). Decent selection on main pool, but no's down from yestday. JBee found a sleeping pair of Gadwall - very hard to come by here this year, probably only been noted on 5 or 6 dates this whole winter.
The Redpoll / Siskin flock were bouncing about all around the site as usual (@ 130 birds) - 3 Woodcocks lifted in close proximity while entering the bushes for a snap.
Out of the breeze around Joes, it was a top coat warmer, as they say in Consett. Good selection here with Goldcrest, Song Thrush, another 2Woodcock & a Tarny wol.
A few male birds were proclaiming territory here with Robins most common, Chaffinches sang as did a male Greenfinch - a v.good year for them here.
Three other species were noted in song, Willow Tit, Bullfinch & a cock Reed Bunting (my first singing one this year) put a few notes together, before flying off the join a small group.
Joes was best part ice free, with only a single drake Pochard & pr of Dabchicks of note.
Feeding lane was poor as paths were v.busy with the half term holiday, but a Yellowhammer added colour as it fed on the deck.
Returned to hide to fire away with the "happy button" at a pr of unsuspecting Pink feet. The boss said the light was no longer any good, so we ended our photo assignment with 62 species noted on site.
Steve
Spent the day in RM's deep freezer with frequent visits outside to get warmed up.
A few hours were spent in the delightful and pleasurable company of Stevie "I could have had that" Evans or more appropriately - Snapper Evans.
Leaving me in the company of the odd oyc and lapwing Snapper decided to wander around Joes Pond and fill his memory cards with Tawny owls and goldcrest - typical beginners luck
Had a try with a real camera on the patch today . . .
What a spot of luck, just happened to bump into the regions top wildlife photographer:t:
( Imagine how bad the results would have been otherwise . . . . . :-O )
Much milder than of late & several real signs of Spring (despite the wind chill factor in the hide)
Pair of Lapwings on territory at Fencehouses, with the male tumbling about in display.
Down at RM's 5 sets of Oystercatcher were active & vocal, a welcome sight after our first single overwintering bird (1 or 2 still showing winter neck collars - others stunning with bright bills). Decent selection on main pool, but no's down from yestday. JBee found a sleeping pair of Gadwall - very hard to come by here this year, probably only been noted on 5 or 6 dates this whole winter.
The Redpoll / Siskin flock were bouncing about all around the site as usual (@ 130 birds) - 3 Woodcocks lifted in close proximity while entering the bushes for a snap.
Out of the breeze around Joes, it was a top coat warmer, as they say in Consett. Good selection here with Goldcrest, Song Thrush, another 2Woodcock & a Tarny wol.
A few male birds were proclaiming territory here with Robins most common, Chaffinches sang as did a male Greenfinch - a v.good year for them here.
Three other species were noted in song, Willow Tit, Bullfinch & a cock Reed Bunting (my first singing one this year) put a few notes together, before flying off the join a small group.
Joes was best part ice free, with only a single drake Pochard & pr of Dabchicks of note.
Feeding lane was poor as paths were v.busy with the half term holiday, but a Yellowhammer added colour as it fed on the deck.
Returned to hide to fire away with the "happy button" at a pr of unsuspecting Pink feet. The boss said the light was no longer any good, so we ended our photo assignment with 62 species noted on site.
Steve
