Draycote Water - 27th November 2014

Male Kingfisher

With only an hour to spare this afternoon, I headed out to Draycote Water, intending to walk out to Rainbow Corner and back. Close to the fishing lodge, I met Bob Hazell who put me onto the very obliging Kingfisher close to the start of Farborough Bank. He also informed me that two first winter drake Scaup were off the windsurfing area prior to a fishing boat scattering all present. It took a while to relocate but perseverance paid off, with my first of the year. While walking out to Hensborough Bank, a female Kestrel briefly landed on one of the sailing boats. My hour had turned into two and the light was poor so home it was!

Kestrel

Kingfisher

Swift Valley Nature Reserve, Rugby - 18th November 2014

Nuthatch

A very quick visit to the pleasant Swift Valley Nature Reserve this morning. The sun was shining when I arrived in the car park but when I arrived at the feeders, it was dull and high ISO was needed! It was nice but strange seeing a police community support officer cycling along the bridle way - I hope she faired well as the paths were rather muddy!

Nuthatch

Coal Tit

Great Tit

Marsh Tit

Chaffinch

Swift Valley Rugby - 5th November 2014

Jay

A long overdue visit to the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Swift Valley Nature Reserve saw me arrive at the feeders just as the bright sunny morning clouded over and a light rain shower attempted to annoy me. Most feeding stations tend to be quite dark and my ISO was being cranked up to 800+ ! A good variety of common birds were coming down to the feeders, but the expected Nuthatches were heard nearby but were camera shy! It was really nice to meet up with an ex-colleague Simon Watson with his wife Marixsa and three dogs!

Jay

Marsh Tit

Great Tit

Robin

Blue Tit

Coal Tit

Great Spotted Woodpecker