Redshanks

Old Moor RSPB reserve in South Yorkshire is next to useless for bird photography unless you're happy snapping Blue Tits on feeders. The problem is the proximity of the hides, or rather lack of it, to the water.


Today was the finest of the year so far so no problems with light, which was just as well or these Redshanks (the only birds to get anywhere near) may have lost their appeal also.

White Stork at Ossett Sewage Farm

Almost certainly out on parole from the Harewood House institution this White Stork nevertheless proved too tempting for many local birders this morning - me included.


After a little trespassing, getting soaked in a stream, then nettled and barbed wired I finally got close enough for a shot. A small ring is just visible at the bottom of the left leg and the wing seems a little worse for wear but still a fabulous bird in any context!

It's Spring At Last

A few pics to kick off the new season and to keep this blog from collecting any more dust! All the shots were taken at Bretton on the first day of Spring and what a beautiful day it was.

Lodging a few peanuts in the bark provided hours of fun playing hide and seek with this female Great Spotted Woodpecker. She must have eaten her own body weight during the time I was there - there's a good chance she'll have problems fitting in the nest hole when laying time starts!

Other visitors to the feeding station included a rather aggressive Robin and this very posey Nuthatch. This is the classic look for me - no other species looks quite so good on a tree trunk.