Bretton Update

Whilst I was struggling to find some subject matter in Italy last week the Bretton Kingfishers were taking to their new perch like ducks to water - I know, let's wait 'til he's out of the country - but a surprise visit caught one of the youngsters out this morning.


I decided to ignore all other distractions today and set up using only a 300mm lens without converters. Since changing lenses is out of the question once the scrim-net is in place I was gambling on the birds continuing their reliable run and praying nothing more interesting showed up at greater range.


An hour and a half's wait was required and whilst the poor light and sticky conditions weren't ideal, I have to be delighted with getting some shots of the finicky little buggers after nearly a year without any. This bird actually caught and ate a fish during it's stay but did so with it's back to me (obviously shy) so that elusive shot will have to wait for another day.

Italy Bound

No postings for a little while (what's new!) as I'll be carting my lens around the beautiful region of Friuli in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Famous for it's wine, cheese, grappa and eagles, I intend to enjoy them all - in moderation of course. Hopefully they'll be plenty of pictures to look at in a couple of weeks time. (info)

Grebes Raise Chick

After the agonising wait of a four week incubation period followed by a fortnight's total absence, it was something of a relief to see the Great Crested Grebes reappear this morning. Only a single chick seems to have survived though but looks healthy and well cared for.

Only a record shot due to the distance involved but proof positive of successful breeding at Bretton Lakes

The Little Grebes were out in force again this morning with six adults and two immatures on Upper Lake. The birds seem to have abandoned any further breeding attempts this season and appear quite content loafing amongst the weed and blooming algae.

Immature Little Grebes at Bretton this morning

This year's crop of Grey Herons were particularly vocal in the warm sunshine as they honed their fishing skills from any suitable lakeside perch.

Immature Grey Heron practices patience

Bretton Update

With the grebes having vanished (for better or worse) it was possible to prepare for the late summer Kingfisher action at Bretton. A fellow photographer has gone to great lengths (and not a little discomfort) to add a new perch in front of the hide - so now it's sit and wait time.

Tufted Ducks

The branch, for those of you wanting to try this for yourselves, was sunk into a bucket of concrete before being placed in the lake.

Moorhen
Grey Heron

Eclipsing Tufted Ducks of both sexes were much in evidence this morning along with the usual Mallards, Little Grebes (including juveniles), Moorhens and Coots. Several Grey Herons continue to linger around their island nest sites but the Great Crested Grebes are something of a mystery. They vanished at exactly the time the eggs were due to hatch and despite extensive searching have yet to be relocated. It is quite possible they will just as suddenly reappear of course so I'm not giving up hope just yet, but with each passing day the likelihood of getting some cute family snapshots diminishes.

Brown Hawker