Long Toed Stint

Well with news breaking late Fri evening of a least sandpiper at st aidens reserve nr to Castleford,I set the alarm for an early start to the reserve,some 65 miles away!

On waking the next morning,I waited an hr or so to make sure that it hadnt departed,checking the media sources,I was informed that it was still on site and had been reidentified as a long toed stint.The weather was murky and grey,not too good for photography, but hey ho ,I decided to make the 1hr journey.

There was no mistaking where the bird was,on this massive reserve,as about 300 people were crowded around a certain lagoon ,about 3/4 of a mile away.

A good walk to the gathered crowds and the stint was to be found approx 100 metres away on a small island,surrounded by a few lapwings.These were my best efforts with the camera, but record shots were the best that I could manage.

I did have great views of the stint ,through another birders scope,which really did highlight the detail on this small wader!

I hope you enjoy the record shots and thanks to the reserve for putting on a great mornings viewing,keep well all!!

 

Leighton Moss

An early start this morning,before the rain came in!This Greenshank was awaiting me from the Allen hide!

Five Spoonbill were also present between the pools!

Nice to get one against a dark background!!

Amongst the many Black Tailed Godwits,this Spotted Redshank stood out!! 

Cropped down version, think its been present a good few days now!!

Super birds when they retain their breeding plumage!!!

Dolphins and Shearwaters

I have recently returned from a mini cruise off the cornish coast.Whilst on board,early mornings would find me scanning the water for cetaeceans and birds. The sea state was quite good most days,and good views were had of Short nosed dolphins and ,mainly Manx Shearwater,with the odd gannet about too.It was difficult to identify other species as they were usually 600 yds plus away.A few images are posted below for you to peruse,thanks for dropping by and looking in!!