February 2018 Inquisitive Nuthatch showing well

I always enjoy watching the nuthatches on my local patch at Winchcombe in Gloucestershire.  To me they always seem aggressive with their jerky movements and then pausing to take in the surroundings.  Them seem quite dominant over other birds.  Good fun to sit and watch them though.

Nuthatch

This one seems really intense with his eye definitely on something.

February 2018 Muntjac buck at Langley Hill Winchcombe Gloucestershire

I went to photograph birds on my local patch today.  When I got there I noticed this Muntjac buck along the hedge row.  A slow walk along the hedge row and managed to get this image.  The Roe deer I see most days but these are something a bit different and make another interesting photographic subject.  When I get an image, I always make a point of doing some research on the species. This greatly increases my knowledge as I go along, and adds another dimension to my hobby.

Muntjac buck

I had to be patient and wait for the right head turn to improve the image!

February 2018 Brown Hare at rest in the cotwolds

This hare was running through the scrub and I saw him stop and settle down in his form.  It was a gentle quiet approach to get some images without disturbing him.  He was quite relaxed and was washing with his paws.  It almost looked like he was putting his paw up and saying "Hi" in the image below.

Hi  Brown Hare

Of course next month is the time for the Mad March Hares when the males chase the females around.  The boxing that is seen are the females fending off the males until they are ready to mate.  They are also very selective.  I am so looking forward to try and get some images of the behaviour this year.  Something to really look forward to.

February 2018 Always a great day when you see a Kingfisher

These birds always make your heart beat raise with excitement whenever you see one.  I caught up with this one in the local park at Pittville Cheltenham.  After spending some time at my usual place waiting with no luck, I decided to go and have a walk around.  This one was perched quite happily preening away and allowed me to approach reasonably closely.  What a bird.  They always make my day as they are such a beautiful bird.

Pure beauty

The image below was where the bird was preparing to bring up a pellet.  It created an interesting subject almost as if the bird was yawning.

Kingfisher open wide!

February 2018 A great morning in the early sunlight with the Penduline Tit

I returned to a well known site where the Penduline Tit has been reported for many weeks.  In the beginning after first being reported there were quite big crowds, all intent on getting the tick or an image.  The furore had died down and as I was going near by anyway, so I thought I would call in and  check it out again.  It was so nice to be there in the early light on my own.  The Penduline Tit also showed up almost immediately.  What a nice peaceful morning.  This is what it's all about.

Penduline Tit

I noticed that it was feeding on small grubs from within the reed head.  I found out through an expert that this is the Shy Cosmet Moth (Limnaecia phragmitella) larvae.
Natural environments are always so inter-connected.  Without the pond with the particular reed heads, there would be no moths present.  Without the moths no Penduline Tit.  They never just turn up and stay randomly.  Nature is just so fascinating and beautiful.

February 2018 About two hours with one of my top ten birds - The Great Grey Shrike

It doesn't always happen that you go out for a target species.  You get there and see it from your car as you arrive.  It then stays around for the next two hours.  Happy days.

A list bird the Great Grey Shrike

 It does make up for all the trips where you get nothing when this happens.  A totally thrilling morning waiting quietly for this Shrike to get nearer whilst watching its behaviour.  Its always on the lookout for prey opportunities.  What a charismatic bird!