June 2014 Spoonbill so exotic!

I remember in my old bird book years ago there was a picture of a Spoonbill.  It seemed so unreal and like one of those things that almost didn't really exist.  It was so great to have one land right near to the hide where I was waiting. Real excitement tin getting these shots. 

Spoonbill feeding

Spoonbill scratching

Spoonbill

Strike a pose

June 2014 Male Bullfinch

Found this beautiful Bullfinch this morning. Feel really privileged to get this shot!

May 2014 Common Crane chicks in the west of England!

After an absence of 400 years Common Crane chicks have been born in the wild in the west of England at Slimbridge WWT.

Keeping a careful watch!

Congratulations "Monty & Chris"

May 2014 Will the Crane's hatch this weekend?

I was told that the Crane's at Slimbridge were due to hatch their eggs on Wednesday 14th May.  Went down there on Friday but still no sign.  Will it happen this weekend?

"Chris" getting up off the nest for a stretch .

May 2014 Spring has truly Sprung!

Lovely Spring sunshine in early May. Great to get out there!

Lovely to see Cowslips at the local lane

Reed Warbler gathering nest material

Male Orange Tip

April 2014 Ruff migrating through

I felt really lucky to get quite close to a Ruff at Slimbridge Gloucestershire as it was migrating through to its northerly breeding site. Moulting into breeding plumage it adopted this Redshank as an extra pair of eyes, and seem to follow it everywhere. It's amazing what partnerships can be temporarily formed when there is a mutual benefit.

Ruff Moulting into breeding plumage

Partners Ruff & Redshank

Oyster Catcher decided to get in close too

April 2014 Great Crested Grebes

Its great to see these Great Crested Grebes nesting in the local park.  I am hopeful of getting a shot with the young on the parents back as I have always loved these shots.  I guess it's a matter of luck and being able to be there at the right time. Not always easy when you work full time!

Pair at nest

Incubating

On Nest

Trying to be patient but this grass is irritating

Both birds attentive