Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Not a lot at Napton!

Mistle Thrush

I decided to have a mooch around the Napton area today, hoping that Spotted Flycatcher might be about. Arriving at the church, I was saddened to see that a large amount of hedge and shrubs had been removed and tree branches cut. One of the favoured nest sites had been stripped barren. A lot of hedgerow has also been removed from nearby fields, opening up the hill. In around two hours, very little was seen, so I concentrated on taking images of more common species!

Mistle Thrush




Dunnock in the Daisies!


Chaffinch





Horny says "No Comment"



Friday, 22 May 2015

Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale (Peak District) - 19th - 21st May 2015


Dipper

A few days away camping in the Peak District, centred around Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale, was primarily intended to be an introduction to camping for our dog, Symphony. An account of her big adventure can be seen HERE.

Of course, any walk in the countryside is also going to include wildlife and with camera in hand, it would have been rude not to oblige! Unfortunately, I had forgotten to pack my tripod and the dark conditions along the rivers Bradford and Lathkill proved a challenge with my non IS Canon 400mm 5.6 lens! I hoped I would see Dipper and was not to be disappointed but the surprise of the day was finding two pairs of Mandarin Ducks, one pair on the Bradford and one pair on the Lathkill!

Dipper







Grey Wagtail





Mandarin Ducks








Coot





Trout

I nearly ended up in the water with them when I shouted to Heather "Trout" and she thought I was saying it to her!



Mallard Ducklings


Up against the flow!




Moorhen


Tufted Duck


Penny Toll Sign

About forty years ago, I was a serious racing and touring cyclist and rode along Lathkill Dale, inspired by one of the great cycling writers Albert Winstanley. The sign below indicating restrictions and a penny toll is still prominent today as it was then - perhaps less foliage then!


Monday, 18 May 2015

RSPB Bempton Cliffs - Gannets - 17th May 2015


Gannets are magnificent birds and you cannot fail to be impressed at one of the seabird cities that serve as their breeding grounds. Their calls, flights, diving for fish and indeed the intimate moment of mating and courtship are captured at Bempton.







Mating appears "brutal"!





Post Mating!


Spot the Egg!