June 2013 Thinking back to The Gambia Last year

Just looking back over the pictures from The Gambia.  A lovely place for bird life.  Really enjoyed my stay.  What a peaceful scene this guy on the beach with few possessions looking out over the sea, taking no notice of the vulture flying by.

Kotu Beach The Gambia

June 2013 Oyster Catcher Chicks growing well

It is great to see the pair of Oyster Catchers that I photographed earlier on their nest, having now raised three chicks that are doing well.  They are great noisy parents who chase away any potential predators vigorously.

Oyster Catcher with well grown chick

June 2013 The beautiful Gilfach Nature Reserve Wales

Spent a lovely weekend at the fabulous Gilfach Nature Reserve in Wales.  Beautiful walks in oak woodlands and a long side a magical mountain stream.

River Marteg

Dipper on the River Marteg

Nuthatch

Male Pied Flycatcher

Marteg River Valley

Male Redstart

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!