It was time to get off Patch and go chasing some nice birds. Maybe even see them.
First up, as it was on the way, was a quick stop at Matford Pools to see if the Glossy Ibis was feeling helpful.
Point of order, they are now Matford Puddles...
Attenborough: "In the dry season, life is hard"
The Ibis was feeling moderately helpful, so here you go.
With Little Egret for scale
The showy mood was clearly catchy, as not only did a Stock Dove strike a pose;
But also got its friend to give a handy ID shot with a Woodpig;
"So who exactly confuses us??"
Onward onward to the Black Hole! It has been far too long since I've went my way that far east, and I found that in my absence, they've been quite busy. I don't just mean taking down the power lines - somebody's clearly been busy with the public funding: It's all very rspb now, with signs and flags and a cafe and everything! Why public funding? Well, the thing is, when you get money from anything public, you have to spend it all or you'll likely get less next time, so you see things like this;
Hmm, not sure to the sp., here...
I know I shouldn't moan, but every time I see a sign for somewhere next to said place, which also has a sign saying what it is, the two being within 10' of each other, I wonder how many Mink traps that would have bought...
Ok, ok, stopping it!
"Get over it."
The Black Hole was its usual wonderful self,
Looking out from the Island Hide
Wood Sand
And again
Getting that pose right
You'd think I went there just to see this bird,
wouldn't you?
Common and Wood Sandpipers.
[Offers from ID Guides welcome!]
Yes, there were other birds present...
Green Sand
Two Green Sands
Common Sand
Another of at least 10 present
Greatest Water Rail shot.
Ever.
Some birds very close indeed;
Enjoying a quick breather from the demanding kids
Third brood, apparently. :)
Last Wood Sand shot, promise!
With Redshank and BHG for scale
Not just birds on show, though, as I was pleased to find a few of these;
Small Red-eyed Damselfly
Always a pleasure!
I went home via a long lunch [yes, morning raid] at Aylesbeare, where while the famous inhabitants were feeling bashful, I took the chance to do a skywatch over the adjacent Otter Valley [I got 6 Buzzards and a Peregrine, plus Ravens and a Swallow passage], then went butterfly hunting.
Not just for small warblers
You do need a big scope to really see anything, but oh happy co-incidence! :D
Right, only spp. staying still enough to shoot were the sneaky little Gatekeepers [they are the Buzzards of the butterfly world]
Very small, bright ones at Aylesbeare
Grayling
Only ever visible with wings shut, even in flight. ;)
And so that is that. Oh wait, one more;
A Song Thrush's work is never done
Be Seeing You...
No comments:
Post a Comment