December 2016 The forest specialist the Common Crossbill

I had a trip to The Forest of Dean today which gets me away from the Christmas over indulgence. It was great to catch up with a forest specialist the Common Crossbill.  Their bills have evolved in a particular unique way which enables them to extract pine code seeds.

Common Crossbill Male

Common Crossbill Male

December 2016 Local Urban Peregrines

Its is really amazing how things change over time in nature.  Peregrine Falcons were really rare in the UK in my youth and you would hardly ever get the exciting opportunity to see one.  Now not only have they dramatically increased in numbers, they are now adopting to urban life.  Most of the local towns and cities now have a pair on the high buildings.  This gives another welcome photo opportunity!

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

December 2016 Buzzard relaxed and in close.

These birds were so rare and in my younger days you had to travel to Mid-Wales to see them.  They are now our commonest raptor in the UK but I don't think I will ever take them for granted, and always get a few images when they are in range.

Common Buzzard

December 2016 Pied Wagtail

Sometimes you can spend time at a reserve but quite often you can get reasonable images in the car park on the way out.  Pied Wagtail on the roof of Slimbridge WWT toilet block.  I just like the colours.

Pied Wagtail

December 2016 A new bird for me the Little Stint

It is always exciting to get a new bird photographically.  This really is a small wader but I was really pleased to get some images of it.  It would come toward the hide and then get chased off by other birds. At last I managed to snatch a few images.

Little Stint

December 2016 Redshank Slimbridge UK

One of my favourite waders is the Redshank, I can never resist getting an image when there is a chance.  They are always on edge and so alert and tend to warn other birds around of any possible danger.

Redshank