Friday, May 30, 2008

Spotted Flycatcher


Spotted Flycatcher, Arrington, May 30th 2008 © Jim Lawrence. Spotted Flycatchers are sadly no longer annual breeders in my garden so it was with great excitement that I grabbed this shot as light failed yesterday evening. Fingers crossed that this singing male will now find a mate and maintain the species' fragile foothold in this area of South Cambs. JL.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Spotted Flycatcher



Spotted Flycatcher, Landbeach, 27th May 2008, © Dick Newell

Friday, May 23, 2008

Whitethroat


Common Whitethroat, Fen Drayton RSPB, 23rd May 2008 © Garth Peacock
Yet another irresistible photo opportunity while waiting for the Red-footed Falcon to perform

Long-tailed Tit


Long-tailed Tit, Fen Drayton RSPB, 23rd May 2008 © Garth Peacock

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Reed Bunting



Male and Female Reed Bunting, Fen Drayton RSPB, 22nd May 2008 © Garth Peacock

Mute Swan


Mute Swan cygnets, Ferry Meadows, 22nd May 2008, © Peter Beesley

Black-tailed Godwit



Black-tailed Godwit Limosa l. limosa , Nene Washes, 22nd May 2008, © Peter Beesley

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Common Cranes

Common Cranes, Fen Drayton RSPB, 20th May 2008, © Jim Lawrence. A lucky lunchtime flyover bonus!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Hobby




Hobby, Fen Drayton RSPB, 19th May 2008 © Garth Peacock
This cracking bird conveniently decided to perch in the same tree as the Red-footed Falcon, one of 15 on the reserve.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Red-footed Falcon




Adult female Red-footed Falcon, Fen Drayton RSPB, 18th May 2008, © Jim Lawrence. Having been the lone observer on Tuesday 13th May, I was delighted when this bird (after quite extensive searching) was finally relocated by Dermot Cooper on Saturday morning. It finally showed very well, allowing many others to connect over the weekend and me to get some photos! (JL.)

Red-footed Falcon


Female Red-footed Falcon, Fen Drayton RSPB, 18th May 2008 © Garth Peacock
What a stunning bird - with thanks to Jono leadley for pointing us in the right direction.

Common Tern


Common Tern, Fen Drayton RSPB, 18th May 2008 © Garth Peacock

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Mystery Teal




Mystery Teal, Berry Fen, 17th May 2008, © Richard Thomas
Ostensibly a Eurasion Teal with a rather large bill, this duck shows hints of a Garganey-like face pattern, but without the loral white spot and a thin tapering streak on the side of the tail which is somewhat thinner than expected in a Teal, and also perhaps more Garganey-like. The broad white border to the speculum does not invite an identification of Green-winged Teal, as this should have chestnut tones. So, it is either an extremely odd Teal or a hybrid of some sort, probably with Garganey (RGN).

Friday, May 16, 2008

Sparrowhawk



Sparrowhawk, Little Gransden, 16th May 2008 © Adrian George
Regular visitors to Adrian's garden and giving excellent photo opportunities.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Skylark


Skylark,Fen Drayton RSPB, 15th May 2008 © Muriel Sprowell

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Common Whitethroat


Common Whitethroat, Fen Drayton GPs, 14th May 2007, © Jim Lawrence.

Mute Swan


Mute Swan, Fen Drayton GPs, 14th May 2008, © Jim Lawrence

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Treecreeper




Treecreeper, St.Ives, 13th May 2008 © Nigel Sprowell

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Sedge Warbler


Sedge Warbler, Orton Brick-pits, 8th May 2008, © Peter Beesley

Willow Warbler


Willow Warbler, Orton Brick-pits, 8th May 2008, © Peter Beesley

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Wryneck



Wryneck, Paxton Pits, 7th May 2009, © Mark Ward
Rare enough in autumn, this is a great find in spring.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Dotterel



Dotterel, Litlington, 6th May 2008, © Steve Blain
Female in the peas, male on the track

Monday, May 05, 2008

Dotterel



Dotterel, Litlington, 5th May 2008, © Richard Hall
Scarcer than they used to be, so a nice find. This was one of three.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Nightingale




Nightingale, Paxton Pits, 3rd May 2008 © Jamie Wells
A popular photographic subject during recent weeks but a plain background to a clean photo are a rarity for this species due to it's skulking habit.