October 2018 I am so glad that Short Eared Owls are back in our area for the winter

These are really exciting birds to see quartering the grassland hunting voles.  I absolutely love them and it is always a relief when they return in the winter months.  There are no guarantees and some years can be a no show for us in the Cotswold Hills.  They get a  regular photographic following and I also enjoy the great company of the people I see each year.  Sometimes it feels that we have been on hold awaiting their arrival.

Even catching a bit of late sun rays

Straight at me

Hooray they are here!

October 2018 A trip in the sunshine to Canop Ponds in the Forest of Dean

Canop Ponds in the Forest of Dean is always one of my favourite and peaceful places to visit.  It was a lovely early morning with the sun gleaming through the trees.  There are always Little Grebes on this pond and with patience they will come in quite close.  They are great little birds and seem to have territories on the pond that they try and keep to themselves.  They are very efficient fishing birds and seem to spend some time cleaning and manipulating their catch before swallowing it.  This gives an opportunity for some interesting images!

Expert fisher

Beautiful little bird

Of course where there are good fishing opportunities Cormorants are never far away these days.

They like to hang out in the trees to dry off after a fishing trip.

Having a scratch whilst drying out.

That was a great way to spend a morning!

October 2018 Love the way Great Spotted Woodpeckers anounce themselves.

I always enjoy seeing woodpeckers with their deliberate and jerking movements.  Sometimes they pause as if they are deep in thought.  These ones came in quite close but they always make their pipping call when they arrive and give you time to get your camera ready.

Ascending the trunk taking insects

Female watching out for the male

I have one "bogey" bird the Lesser Spotted woodpecker that has always escaped me and I have never seen in my whole life.  Their population has much declined in the UK but I am always hopeful of seeing one.  If it does happen it could be one of my most enthusiastic posts ever!

October 2018 Another smart wader the Ruff

It was great to get close enough to a Ruff to get some decent images.  This one to me is in pristine condition with beautiful plumage.

Pristine Ruff

There are a very few nesting Ruff in the uk almost in single figures.  They are mainly a winter visitor with around eight hundred making our shores so I am very pleased to get a few images.
A great wader!