Sparrowhawk Ahoy

Had a visit to the garden from our local Sparrowhawk. Chased and lost a Goldfinch and went to sulk in top of one of the birdtables. Grabbed a shot from the bedroom window.

Waxwing wonderland

Who would think Waxwings would set up winter quarters near Ikea and a petfood factory. Photographed these 2 stunners gorging on 'Sorbus' berries between Batley and the M62.

Real eating machines these. 5 berries in and a quick evacuate and 5 berries more, every couple of minutes for the three hours I studied them. Making quiet calls to each other continually, they were quite confiding and gave all who stopped by a spectacular show.

The light was terrible and the wind was as strong as a strong thing . The pics took some getting as the birds spent a lot of time in the middle of the tree with no clear views. Eventually, patience won and I got a few good images.

The Security guard at the Mars petfood factory came over and asked what the birds were. Apparently he had seen them for a couple of weeks around the factory and was surprised when I told him they were Scandinavian waifs seeking shelter from the cold.

A Bit of a Blow

What a windy day. Went to Newmillerdam for a walk round. Branches falling everywhere. One even hit a couple a glancing blow as it fell. Kept my eye on the old oak trees as I passed under....quickly!!!

In a little pocket of calm, a family of Long-Tailed Tits were feeding on the oak trees. Gave me a chance to photograph them. Had to keep hold of the camera and tripod at all times as the wind was vicious.

Called in at Bretton Park on the way home. A greedy magpie stuffed himself at the feeding station, taking all the goodies away to hide and coming back for seconds!! Very clever birds.

Tried out a new bigger beanbag for the camera today. It took nearly 8lb of birdseed to fill it! After years of using a 4x4 as a portable hide I've gone greener and bought a smaller car. Not as easy to use as a hide but I can get the tripod up inside-just. Easier to use the beanbag but the old one was too low, hence the new one.

Went to the local RSPB meeting last night - Geoff Trinder talking about his beloved Lincolnshire wildlife. The conservation work he has done is legendary.

Grebe gourmet

What miserable weather. Even the wildfowl at Pugneys CP are hunkered down and trying to sleep through it.

This hungry GC Grebe seemed to be getting a lot of fish in front of the hide. It averaged one fish every three dives.

Potteric Portraits

At last, a lovely sunny day at Potteric. Spent some time getting portraits of some of my favourite birds and watching for the reported redpolls in the area. Nice to be out on such a nice day.

Pugneys pugilist and RIP pike

Pugneys CP was the venue for 10 rounds between rival coot. Lots of low punches and kicking. It's amazing how violent the coot are at the moment. They have paired up and are copulating already and defending territory against all comers.

An industrious cormorant caught a pike tail first so it threw it up in the air and caught it head first to swallow.

Siskin surprise

Had a fantastic surprise yesterday. After a gap of 3 years, Siskin appeared in my garden. Well chuffed!!. I spent two very cold hours in my hide to get a good pic of the little stunners and managed a bonus Coal Tit as well. The Siskin loved the sunflower hearts and Niger seed especially. Remind me to make up a flask next time, and take a blanket, and a water bottle and ...................

Titivation

At Potteric today there was that most rare of species - the sun!! Spent ages looking for the Lesser Pecker but had to settle for Siskin and Water Rail.

The Great and Blue Tits were disporting themselves in the car park and begged to have their portrait taken.

Bittern a Tench

Another trip to Potteric resulted in 3 Bitterns showing from the same hide!.



One obligingly posed and then went off hunting. It caught a small perch and then a much bigger Tench. It had trouble swallowing the fish and repeatedly shook its head and neck from side to side while trying to swallow it.

They are such enigmatic birds and draw a great number of admirers. I have been told they breed in Holland and come here to overwinter. The Wildlife Trust (Yorkshire) is trying everything to make them stay to breed.

On the Rails

I love Potteric Carr - no dogs!! As a wildlife photographer, they are an annoyance. Owners let their dogs 'run free' and off they go chasing birds and weeing up against my bag hide with me sat in it!!! Urgh!

The feeding station at Potteric is a worthwhile place to spend a few minutes. You never know what will appear. This peanut-eating water rail kept coming back for more but was put off a bit by some of the other residents.