May 2013 Oyster Catcher

Not a very common breeding bird in Gloucestershire.  Great to see this one incubating on nest in a willow tree. Lets hope that they are successful at breeding.  Would always be a welcome thing to have more of these feisty waders around.  Love the deep red eyes.

Oyster Catcher on nest

May 2013 Beautiful iridescent bird found in garden

Yellow bill, iridescent blue purple plumage, covered in white and beige streaks.  Do we take these these declining birds for granted?  They are on the red list of rapidly declining birds. They do look good when you really look!

Common Starling 

May 2013 Little Egret

I remember first seeing a Little Egret in Gloucestershire about 6 years ago.  I had to text home to say that I might be a bit late as there was a Little Egret getting closer as I was waiting with my camera.  Times really change quite quickly in nature and these birds can now be regularly seen around wetlands.  About 150 pairs now breed. Its still great to get this close and I would never take this sort of close encounter for granted.

Little Egret

Little Egret fishing

May 2013 Sparrow Hawk in the garden

Was just leaving for work when I noticed this Sparrow Hawk on the shed roof.  Caused quite a rush for the camera.  One of my favourite birds and brings predator prey interaction right into your back garden.  I have seen these birds four times in my life mantled over their prey and would love to get the shot but have never had my camera with me.  Still these will do for now!

Male Sparrow Hawk Love the yellow staring eyes

Flexing the talons!