Now they're everywhere

There had been so may reports of big waxwing flocks in the North this year, that it was only a matter of time before they appeared locally. That was the logic, but it has come as a relief to see that they have now arrived in South Wales, and are being seen at many spots (although not in my immediate vicinity yet). Named for the waxy looking red tips to the secondary wing feathers they are one of those birds that just excite people.


A flock had been reported for several days in Monmouth feeding on what seems to be the tree of choice - a white berried rowan. Setting off in bright sunshine despite the forecast fog all was well until I reached ....... the fog-bound Monmouth. Not too bad, but enough to block the best of the sunlight. The birds were there though, just a bit grey and washed out colour-wise. During the day the sun broke through leading to some quite garish colours, before the evening sun produced a lovely warm glow and the third colour phase of the day.

It's only really in photo's that you see the way birds rotate their necks to twist off the berries.
It wasn't only the waxwings raiding the trees there - mistle and song thrush and blackbirds flitted around too, but they preferred the orange/red berries.


On this shot you can see something evident on some snaps of all the birds - as they put their heads right in among the berries they close their nictitating membranes (basically a third eyelid) to protect their eyes.
On Tuesday I had an appointment in Newport, and given that the retail park where I had seen the birds a couple of weeks ago (flying over) was just 5 minutes away I stuck the camera in the car on the off chance. And bingo. Backgrounds a bit less cluttered than Monmouth as the trees were smaller, and it was possible to make use of the relatively approachable habit of the birds to get some shots in the sun. Only had about 25 minutes (basically my lunch break) but it was enough.
And the closest view of a mistle thrush I'm ever likely to get.

Lots more pictures on the web album HERE

November, Schnovember

I don't have too much to say about November. And not just this year. Looking back at past years it's never been much of a month for me, and 2010 was no different. The only thing of note was the switch from mild autumn days when butterflies were still (just about) on the wing ..............
to the onset of winter with a bang. We've escaped the snow, but the weather has largely been rubbish for pictures. Standing in a car park waiting for waxwings (what else would you find in a car park) the wind made the -4 degrees seem even colder. Especially when all we got was a view of a dozen fly over, around and away. Nearby the berries did pull in some blackbirds, and thrushes, but even the fieldfare and redwings skulked at the back through a maze of branches. Eventually got a few shots worth a blog post at least - can't go a whole month without posting something - and the thrush was quite cute.

Here's to December, something I can snap and some light.

Not just another waxwing photo

Not often I do this, but you should have a look at these amazing posts from a blogger on Fair Isle.

CLICK HERE and HERE

The few times I have seen waxwings I have been captivated by them, so can only imagine how Tommy and his son felt!
Meanwhile those of us in the south west await our turn with eager anticipation, but I expect it will be a while yet. There seems to be plenty of food around this year. Watch those white berried rowans - seem to be a preference. A blast from the past below.

USA Canyonlands

Just back from a trip to the States. Not a wildlife holiday as such but we did see some good wildlife (can't believe how big elk are), even if I didn't manage to photograph the condor (wrong lens) or the hummingbird (too slow, and not the chance to wait ..... and wait!). Did photograph some big holes and pretty rocks. Oh, and after 15 years finally got hitched (Vegas yes, Elvis no).

Uinta chipmunk

Bryce Canyon - a real wow, but get there for dawn
Zion Canyon - cracking place to go walking




Elk
Grand Canyon - self portrait. It's big.
More pictures in the Canyonlands web album HERE

Hornets

The summer is the time I mainly end up snapping insects - not just the fact that there are so many around, but also the fact that not so much else is! When I heard that Rich had a hornets nest in an empty barn owl box I knew I finally had a chance of snapping an insect that had previously escaped my attentions. Trouble is the box was pretty high up, and the hornets didn't seem to use the nearby foliage to rest.
Brainwave - fruit. The plums? Nothing. What about the windfall apples? As I walked up a large yellow shape flew off and I realised my luck was in.Actually it wasn't that easy - there were a couple visiting, but only now and again. Still they proved to be very tolerant, not at all aggressive. Unless that is you were a careless flesh fly .......... Clearly a chunk of protein was a better bet than fruit.
I've put plenty more shots on the web album - 'latest pictures'. Mostly insects, including a fair few inflagrante delicto ...........

Woodland Puddles

I can't believe how long it is since I last posted. I've been taking a fair few shots, mostly insects, and I'll get some up soon.
In the meantime here are a few shots from my spring project this year. I spent (too) many hours lying next to some woodland puddles, but was rewarded with some amazingly close views of a wide range of birds, drinking or bathing.
If you look on the web albums you'll find a whole set, but here are a few tasters:

From Woodland puddles

From Woodland puddles

From Woodland puddles

From Woodland puddles

From Woodland puddles

From Woodland puddles

From Woodland puddles