Little Brown Job

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2012-01-15T11:39:00.000Z

We had a lovely time over at Yorkshire Wildlife Park last weekend, with the colder weather both the Tigers and Lions were much more active than they are in the warmer months. The tigers Vladimir and Sayan will hopefully be getting together later this month to do their bit for the breeding programme, it would be lovely to see some tiger cubs in the future. Something else to look forward to will be the appearance of the Leopards which should be in time for Easter.

Vladimir - Amur / Siberian Tiger

Sayan - Amur / Siberian Tigress

Vladimir - Amur / Siberian Tiger

Sayan - Amur / Siberian Tigress

Lioness

Lion

Grey Squirrel

RSPB Old Moor

2012-01-06T20:31:00.000Z

I can't tell you how good the new photography hide is at RSPB Old Moor, the birds are really close and the light is much better than it was before. The best time is in the morning after the food has just been put out and before the light moves away during the afternoon.

With so much to see in the bird garden and at Tree Sparrow Farm we didn't venture any further, well just a shot walk to the wildlife pond to see if we could find the elusive Kingfisher which is seen almost every day. Sadly not, I think we're going to stake it out one day having never seen one here before.

On with the pictures then, starting with those wonderful Bullfinch...

Female Bullfinch

Male Bullfinch

Greenfinch

Reed Bunting

Chaffinch

Robin

Long Tailed Tits

Tree Sparrow

Great Tit

Blue Tit

Goldfinch

The weather isn't looking too bad this weekend, well not as wes as it has been anyway, hope everyone has a good one!

The Female Of The Species

2012-01-02T16:59:00.000Z

Looking back at my Sparrowhawk images over the years I had noticed they had all been males. To let in the new year yesterday we had our first ever female Sparrowhawk. Not the greatest image with the rain lashing against the kitchen window but it's a nice comparison with the male, a bit bigger, more brown, white eye stripe and generally looks more fierce!

We did finally escape the house today, more on that next time.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T12:19:00.000Z

For the first time in as long a I can remember I have no hangover on New Years Day having took it very steady last night with the intention of popping down to RSPB Old Moor for our first wildlife fix of the year. Disappointingly the early clear skies have given way to the usual wet n windy so it'll have to wait for another day, hopefully tomorrow.

The garden has been very quiet through most of the year, maybe due to us having to cut back on feeding following a nightmare 2008, 2009 and 2010. However things are picking up and the garden now sports nyger seed, biscuits, peanuts, mixed seed, fat balls, suet blocks and sunflower hearts. The birds are being very slow to return, possibly due to the mild winter so far, hopefully things will pick up soon, especially as Garden Birdwatch is fast approaching.

I'm also thinking of joining the year round BTO Garden Birdwatch for my Birthday which is also fast approaching, again!

One bird we have seen a lot of in 2011 is the Sparrowhawk, almost always in the same spot on the fence just outside the kitchen window. How I've not broken my neck sprinting for the camera numerous times I don't know. Yesterday I had just put the big lens on the camera so managed a few handheld shots through the window when he appeared once again.

I also had a dabble with video again yesterday which I tried at the beginning of last year but abandoned after being unable to find a decent free video editor. I've now found that the latest version of Picasa which I use for all my photo editing now edits video too. I'll be trying my hardest to remember that video button on the camera this year year.

So with the rain pouring down outside there's nothing more to do but snuggle up on the sofa and wish you all the best for 2012.

Paul & Debbie :-)

Out For A Wobble

2011-12-28T14:18:00.000Z

A belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy New Year to all. I had every intention of posting before the big day but as is usual these days, time was never on my side.

Today was the first time I've managed to get out for quite a while with all the festivities to prepare for. I've been for a ~~walk~~ wobble round Westwood Country Park near Sheffield, lots to see including a Kestrel, hovering just in front of me, against a brilliant blue sky and beautifully lit while the camera decided this would be the perfect time to play the hunt for focus game!

Here's the full list of our feathered friends that made and appearance: Black Headed Gull, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Blackbird (lots), Magpie, Starling, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Cormorant (first for here), Grey Heron, Wren, Kestrel, Carrion Crow and last but definitely not least a Goldcrest.

What did I manage to get a picture of? I give you ....... a Grey Squirrel!

My Sigma 70-300 is now in the naughty corner where it will stay until Summer when there might actually be enough light to make it play nicely!

Rivelin Valley

2011-11-28T18:48:00.001Z

Not last weekend but the one before that we had a walk along Rivelin Valley in Sheffield following the River Rivelin. No Dippers and a Grey Waigtail was a bit too fast for the available light but the lovely Autumn colours more than made up for it.

Not sure if that's a one legged Robin or if he's just keeping a leg warm, he was very confiding either way.

RSPB Old Moor

2011-11-10T19:37:00.000Z

Last weekend we spent a few hours down at RSPB Old Moor, checking out the brand new photography hide for the first time. This little Wren also dropping to check out the new facilities.

Not too far away was this Great Spotted Woodpecker getting stuck in.

Down at Wath Ings a few Woodpigeon were flying about and a couple came past the hide close enough for some flight shot practice.

Not too far away from the hide were quite a few Teal and Widgeon.

The best sight of the day was thousands of Lapwings and Golder Plover taking to the air, wonder what could have spooked them?

Maybe this Sparrowhawk that came swooping in had something to do with it!

October Walk

2011-11-09T19:56:00.000Z

I had a week off back in October and while most of the week was rained off, I did manage to get out on the last day for a few hours. A party of Long Tailed Tits followed me around but managed to evade the camera save for this one shot.

The light was really strange, the horizon could have passed for a sunrise right up until lunchtime.

A few few things were flowering that shouldn't have been like this hawthorn blossom.

It's hard to believe looking at this one that it's only a short walk from home, perfect for Buzzard watching too although on that day there were none about.

At the end of my walk a flock of either Fieldfare or Redwings moved through, one did drop into a tree but I just missed it with the camera so I'll never know which they were.

RSPB Old Moor

2011-10-19T19:41:00.000+01:00

I've been slacking here for the last few weeks, it's time I put Google+ down for a minute and caught up here. A few weeks back I spent some time at RSPB Old Moor while Debbie was away for the day.As usual plenty to see but not too much in range for snapping. Highlight of the day was seeing my first Jack Snipe :-)

Jack Snipe

Magpie

Greenshank

Mute Swan

Woodpigeon

Magpie

Until next time (not a whole month hopefully), Paul.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2011-09-14T08:35:00.001+01:00

I've been neglecting the blog a little lately while I've been fiddling with Google+, not that you've missed much, the weather hasn't exactly been kind for our early Autumn holiday so far. The garden has been very quiet bird wise over the Summer months and hasn't really picked up just yet so I've not even been able to get any shots at home while we've been holed up here sheltering from the wind and rain.At least the sun shone on us for our day at Yorkshire Wildlife Park last week :-)

Mongoose

Lion

Black & White Ruffed Lemur

Brown Lemur

Ring Tailed Lemur

Harris Hawk

Mara

Squirrel Monkey

Marmoset Monkey

Siberian Tiger

It's damp out there again today and I'm starting with a cold but we're determined to make the most of our last few days away from the grindstone!

Kestrel at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2011-09-12T18:58:00.001+01:00

Kestrel, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park again last week, it's really is expanding very quickly. Even with all the new animals there, I still love the bird displays and was delighted to see the Kestrel get a rare outing.

The Falconry Centre

2011-08-14T10:53:00.002+01:00

Had a fantastic day out with Debbie at the Falconry Centre near Thirsk yesterday. It's been a while since we've ventured far and we both needed to get up close and personal with some wildlife. This White Tailed Sea Eagle may not be wild but it certainly was close, even brushed my head as it flew past, fantastic!

White Tailed Sea Eagle

Black Kite

I've been plugging away with Google+ for the last month or so, let me know if you're on there, not been able to find many UK wildlife photographers at all.

House Sparrow Fledgling

2011-07-05T20:11:00.001+01:00

House Sparrow Fledgling, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

One of many House Sparrow fledglings in the garden over the weekend.

Ringlet Butterfly

2011-07-03T15:40:00.001+01:00

Ringlet Butterfly, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Ringlet butterfly at the meadow yesterday. Also saw first dragonfly and damselfly there this year. Flushed a Kestrel which was at one of the ponds, must have been having a drink.

Johnny Senior

2011-06-29T20:16:00.001+01:00

Johnny Senior, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Johnny Senior at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Lioness

2011-06-28T19:37:00.001+01:00

Lioness, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Lioness at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, hard to believe this is Doncaster and not the Masai Mara.

Amur Tiger - Vladimir

2011-06-27T20:10:00.001+01:00

Amur Tiger - Vladimir, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

First encounter with the Tigers at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, this is Vladimir, not looking entirely happy it has to be said, plodding through the mud on a scorching hot day.

Down At The Meadow

2011-06-18T16:22:00.002+01:00

We were thinking today was going to be a washout but it turned out quite nice so we popped over to the meadow to see how things were going there. The Burnet Moths have just started emerging, just the odd one or two here and there at the moment, they'll be all over the place in a few days time. Still no dragonflies or damsels, I think it was late on last year when we saw them. Spotted a Buzzard as soon as we arrived and a Kestrel was hunting around the meadow the whole time. Lucy was leaving a trail of jumping Grasshoppers as she wandered about in the long grass, managed to spot one or two as they landed. Surprise of the day has to be a hedgehog on a footpath, they must be getting hungry with all the dry weather.

Burnet Moths

Burnet Moth

Large Skipper Butterfly

Grasshopper

Hedgehog

After misplacing my binoculars, I think in Scotland on our honeymoon in 2004, I've finally replaced them. I've gone for Opticron 8x32 Orgen, small, light, close focusing and I love 'em!

Rodley Nature Reserve

2011-06-18T16:13:00.002+01:00

Almost caught up now, back to last weekends visit to Rodley Nature Reserve near Leeds. A bit disappointing here to be honest, not very much about bird wise but there were plenty of damsels about and some lovely Small Tortoiseshells.

Damselfly

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

Almost there, one more to go and we're up to date, next up our local meadow.

YWT Adel Dam

2011-06-18T16:06:00.002+01:00

Last weekend we spent the morning at Adel Dam nature reserve near Leeds which is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. There were a family of 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers at the feeders most of the time we were there and a Jay kept popping in too.

Grey Squirrel

Great Spotter Woodpecker

Jay

Next up, Rodley nature reserve.

RSPB Blacktoft Sands

2011-06-18T15:57:00.003+01:00

Now I'm really getting behind, rewinding back 2 weeks to our afternoon visit to Blacktoft Sands. Not brilliant pictures but we had a great time watching the Marsh Harriers.

Avocet

Marsh Harrier

Cormorant

Next up, Adel Dam from last week.

RSPB Fairburn Ings

2011-06-12T11:45:00.004+01:00

We visited Fairburn Ings for the first time in a while last weekend and had a very good morning which I'm afraid means lots of pictures!

Bullfinch

Tree Sparrow

Four Spotted Chaser

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Tree Sparrow

Juvenile Goldfinch

Female Chaffinch

Rabbit

Greenfinch

Jackdaw

Squirrel

Willow Tit

Blue Tits

Juvenile Blue Tit

Great Tit

From here we headed off to RSPB Blacktoft Sands and yesterday went to Adel Dam and Rodley nature reserves, still got some catching up to do!

RSPB Old Moor

2011-05-27T20:11:00.003+01:00

Had a lovely day at RSPB Old Moor today, gave Debbie's new camera another test drive, this time with wild birds. I did drift into digital zoom a couple of times just to see how badly that affects the image quality and yes it does, badly! But then who needs more than 35x optical zoom, OK, it might be nice but the camera would have to be set in concrete to keep it still enough!

Highlights of the day were a Pintail showing nicely on Wath Ings and all the Swifts and House Martins flying around the reed bed side of the reserve.

Common Blue Butterfly

Pintail

Little Grebe

Redshank

Tufted Duck

Canada Geese

Swift

Not sure if this is a Pigeon or some kind of Dove

The Swift and Little Grebe were taken with Debbie's Canon 1000d and 70-300 lens, we swapped cameras half way round and it shows how good the SX30IS is when I've hardly kept any taken with the DSLR.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2011-05-26T18:37:00.003+01:00

We headed over to Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Tuesday for Debbie's birthday. We were hoping to see the Amur (Siberian) Tiger, Vladimir but he'd been taken off show that very day because his new girlfriend Sayan was due to arrive which you can read about here.

Nevertheless we still had a cracking day and will be returning again soon to see the happy couple. Later in the year the 3 Amur Leopards will have completed their quarantine and we'll be able to see them too.

The Young Starlings Have Arrived

2011-05-23T07:18:00.003+01:00

The first of the this years Young Starlings arrived in the garden on Friday and with them the adults who are being kept busy by their insatiable appetite. I had an hour in the hide on Saturday and got a few shots of the early arrivals.

It'll be mayhem out there for a couple of months now and it'll be all I can do to keep the food flowing fast enough!

Lotherton Hall Bird Garden - Panasonic TZ7

2011-05-15T12:18:00.002+01:00

While I left my D90 at home yesterday, I still had my little Panasonic TZ7 that goes just about everywhere with me. Here's another selection of images from Lotherton Hall Bird Garden, this time through a tiny lens.

If only I could get this close to wild birds!

Lotherton Hall Bird Garden - Canon SX30IS

2011-05-14T18:08:00.002+01:00

Following some disappointing results from Debbie's new camera last week I decided to put it through it's paces today, especially as I'd recommended it given the weight of a 400 or 500mm lens was going to be too much after some try outs with my heavy 50-500 kit.

I knew the camera could get the results, there are some amazing shots on the net taken with the Canon SX30IS so I was keen to find out why we were not.

We spent a couple of hours one night going through all the settings on the camera, switching off everything that didn't need to be on such as colour and contrast manipulation, we can test those out later. The last thing that I think contributed was Debbie using digital zoom, up to 4x giving total of 140x! That was my fault not explaining this properly, that the image is never going to be as good when digital zoom is involved.

Anyway, enough of the reasons why I left my D90 at home today, here are the results from the Canon.

So there endeth my Canon testing, yes it's a bit more fiddly than a DSLR and you miss the lightning quick response but the results are still impressive and it's a fraction of the weight and price of an equivalent 840mm lens. A compromise yes, but one I think is worth taking, especially if used along side a DSLR with a more reasonably priced 300mm lens for closer work and anything that moves!

RSPB Old Moor

2011-05-09T19:28:00.003+01:00

Having escaped Potteric just as the rain arrived on Saturday we moved on to RSPB Old Moor and waited for the rain to pass before going for a wander. I just took the 70-300 round with me, I'd had enough lugging the bigma about all week and the smaller lens is easier to keep dry. The highlight was a Sedge Warbler, a first sighting for me, which patiently stayed put for over an hour.

Sedge Warbler

Chaffinch

Mute Swan

Lapwing

Shoveler

Black Headed Gull

We both thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon there, Debbie was getting in to her stride with her new bridge camera, getting really close shots of the Sedge Warbler, even having to zoom back out, how cool is that for a tiny bird in a tree!

Potteric Carr

2011-05-08T13:05:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we visited Potteric Carr for the first time in a year. It was a bit quite quiet both bird and people wise, the only thing there in numbers tiny flying biting things. I escaped pretty much unscathed but poor Debbie is covered in bites.

With the impending rain we made straight for that special hide, only this time it wasn't so special, there really wasn't that much showing up at all. I did get a couple of decent shots, the Female Whitethroat on the way round was nice to find.

Pheasant

Grey Squirrel

Great Tit

Dunnock

Female Whitethroat

Debbie tried out her new Canon SX30IS for the fist time and got some decent shots which you can see on her Flickr photostream. It's early days yet and still getting the settings right but it looks very promising and miles better than lugging a heavy and ridiculously expensive long dslr lens about. Combined with her dslr and 300mm lens for close range action, I think that might a be a winning formula.

Birding With Lucy

2011-05-07T19:01:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I took Lucy on a birdwatching expedition round Westwood Country Park, I love this place in Spring as it comes alive with an array warblers and other small birds.

Lucy did really well, off the lead the whole time but never strayed far and stayed close and still when I needed her to. She even picked up the call of a Green Woodpecker, either that or she was looking out for Rabbits.

At the top of the hill here I can see right across to where I was earlier in the week and watched a Buzzard glide across a field and into a tree about half a mile away. We both sat down for a while at the top hoping to see the first Swifts of the year and they duly appeared right on queue. Moments later 3 Buzzards appeared high in the sky, I managed a shot of 2, the other was much higher.

Back down amongst the Hawthorn bushes, there were plenty of Willow Warblers, Long Tailed Tits and Whitethroats although the latter was playing hard to get as usual.

Today I've been with Debbie to Potteric Carr and RSPB Old Moor, more on that one next time.

On To The Meadow

2011-05-06T20:43:00.003+01:00

I continued my walk on Wednesday on to the meadow where we've been many times before and on the last visit confirmed that there are Linnets there so wanted to see if I could get a better shot. I got myself sat down at the edge of the gorse and waited..

That small area of gorse and newly planted trees is an oasis in the middle of the meadow and attracts all sorts.

Others were Whitethroat and Yellowhammer and Long Tailed Tits were busy buzzing about everywhere. A Buzzard appeared overhead, still not quite low enough for a decent shot.

I've been out again today and saw yet more Buzzards, more on that next time.

Amazing Hare Encounter

2011-05-05T10:50:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I went for a marathon 6 hour walk around the local countryside, my main target being the Linnets at the meadow. As I reached the brow of a hill I spotted a Hare in the middle of the road, I stopped in my tracks but the Hare kept coming towards me. It got to within about six feet before realising I was there and then disappeared into the hedgerow. They look huge when they get so close! I didn't have time to get a shot but thankfully the best was yet to come.

Getting to the top of the hill I walked along the lane surveying the field below, there were Hares all over the place. Three in particular caught my attention, chasing each other in the middle of the field.

They were hurtling along then spun round and shot off again in the other direction, slowly but surely zig zagging their way closer to where I was. I took loads of shots but most were rubbish at that range. Then they changed direction again, this time heading straight for me.

They came all the way up to the hedgerow and a kerfuffle ensued before they emerged right in front of me on the road.

As with many wildlife encounters, it was over in seconds but I did manage one shot that really made my day.

I think I floated on pure adrenaline all the way to the meadow, more on the Linnets next time.

Larking About

2011-05-03T14:48:00.003+01:00

Over the weekend Debbie and I went for a cycle ride to the meadow, skirting past Howbrook and heading on to Wortley. As we passed Howbrook I noticed a pale bird hovering and singing in the middle of a field, Skylark! I've heard them down that way before but never seen much of them. Anyway, I'm off work this week so decided to go back this morning for a proper look.

There were plenty of Skylarks about, I spent an hour sat at the side of a field against the hedgerow like a proper wildlife photography bloke but I just couldn't focus on anything quick enough with the light coming and going all the time. When I finally gave up and looked in the field across the road, there was one sat on a post, doh! Still couldn't get it though due to it being a bit far away and me having a wrestling match with the monopod and the brambles it was stuck in. Anyway, here is what I did manage to get this morning..

Swallow

Skylark

Song Thrush

Kestrel

Dunnock

Long Tailed Tit

Chaffinch

Other highlights were my first House Martin of the year and a pair of Buzzards that flew over me twice during the morning, sadly with the abundance of cloud cover I couldn't get a decent shot, good enough to get the markings though and they were calling too which confirmed them as Buzzards and not Red Kites which may well show up there too.

The weather forecast is looking good for the rest of the week, I might just have to have another go at larking about in the countryside.

Park Springs

2011-04-19T19:39:00.003+01:00

We've spent the last couple of weekends getting the garden into shape, those dandelions get everywhere! Bird wise it's been pretty quiet, what with the unseasonal nice warm weather.

We did manage to fit in an hour down at Park Springs nature reserve on Sunday morning, loads of activity down there, mostly Mallards, Canada Geese and Mute Swans but a few Tufted Ducks and Black Headed Gulls about too.

Mute Swan

Coot

Mute Swan

Female Mallard

Mute Swan

The sun was coming right at us for most of the birds, I think it might be worth another visit late afternoon or early evening.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2011-04-10T19:32:00.003+01:00

Last weekend we met Casper the Barn Owl again at Yorkshire Wildlife.

Not forgetting the majestic Lions.

Cute as ever, junior Meerkat.

First for us, Yellow Mongoose.

Next time the first of the two Tigers should be out and about, now that I can't wait for.

Rivelin Valley

2011-03-24T19:41:00.004Z

A spot of Mallard stalking in the Rivelin Valley, Sheffield last Saturday.

The weekend approaches, hurrah!

An Evening At RSPB Old Moor

2011-03-17T19:33:00.003Z

We went along the stargazing event at RSPB Old Moor on Sunday and had a wonderful evening.

This weekend we shall be in the garden getting the weeding done in time for Spring!

RSPB Old Moor

2011-03-06T14:32:00.003Z

After a thorouly misserable wet day yesterday it was nice to see a little sunshine today and we escaped to Old Moor for a couple of hours. Debbie had my Nikon and 50-500 again while I tootled arround with her Canon and 70-300. Lets just say I'll be glad when we can get a big lens for the Canon, size matters in this game!

Mallards

Mute Swan

Canada Goose

Black headed Gulls (having a sing and a dance)

Black headed Gull.

We've almost beaten back the attempts by the bankers and our government at consigning us to an early grave, soon we'll be able to stop treading water and start the bounce back. Really looking forward to Spring, it's been a long hard Winter.

Sunshine

2011-02-27T15:38:00.003Z

It's been a while since we've had any sunshine over a weekend, managed to get out in the garden yesterday for a while, just stood in the middle of the lawn with the big lens watching the Chaffinch and Goldfinch in the trees.

Chaffinch

Goldfinch

The wildlife area at the top of the garden is looking a bit forlorn, all the hedge trees I planted last year are budding though which is great, I'm hoping that these really take off this year and start to offer some much needed cover.

Surprise Snowfall

2011-02-19T13:18:00.005Z

We had snow forecast for today but supposedly only for the hills so it was a surprise to get an inch of snow falling this morning. We got the feeders cleared and topped then waited to see what popped in for a snack.

Can't believe these are my first bird images since 10th January, mostly due to some seriosuly rubbish weather coenciding with the weekends lately.

I've been feeding my photography addiction with Instagram, snapping images on my HTC Wildfire and uploading via my iPod, it's been quite a challenge both to use a very basic camera and find something other than wildlife to fill the frame, good fun though plus it's quick n easy, just how I like it ;-)

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2011

2011-01-30T16:25:00.002Z

It's that time again and just like last year, we've had naff weather. So for the second year in a row, no pictures!

Here are the results from the LBJ jury...

Blackbird 2

Goldfinch 8

Robin 1

Chaffinch 3

Dunnock 1

Collared Dove 2

House Sparrow 1

Blue Tit 1

Greenfinch 1

Not bad but not brilliant, one species down on last year.

Later on we had 2 Jackdaws, 2 Woodpigeons and 25 Starlings, the swines!

RSPB Old Moor - With A Canon!

2011-01-10T20:54:00.005Z

Had saunter down to RSPB Old Moor on Sunday, for a change I swapped cameras with Debbie, I had her super light Canon 1000D with 70-300 lens while she staggered about with my heavy D90 and 50-500 lens.

I don't think I faired too badly with the Canon, got quite a few nice shots while I left Debbie to it with my camera.

Mute Swan

Mute Swans

Wigeon

Collared Dove

Moorhen

Bullfinch

Blackbird

Great Tit

Blue Tit

Reed Bunting

Song Thrush

What of Debbie's results then, well just take a look at this...

A a real cracker of a Reed Bunting. See more of Debbie's photos on her Flickr photostream.

Worsborough Country Park

2011-01-03T16:36:00.004Z

First outing of the new year, a frozen Worsborough Country Park. Sat for a while trying to get a decent shot of a Nuthatch with the TZ7 but with frozen finger it proved impossible. Debbie pointed out a Grey Heron in a tree, not something we see all that often, must have been trying out the ponds with the reservoir being frozen over still.

Canada Geese & Black-headed Gulls

Black-headed Gulls

Coot

Nuthatch

Grey Heron

Will have to take the D90 with me next time, those little birds were unbelievably brave today with the ongoing cold weather.

Note to self, change year on watermark!

RSPB Old Moor

2010-12-28T14:46:00.003Z

It's all been go go go since Christmas Eve so yesterday was spent doing absolutely nothing. Today we ventured out to a cold and damp RSPB Old Moor. The lakes and ponds are just starting to thaw so there wasn't too much to be seen there. However, the Tree Sparrow farm area and the bird garden were a hive of activity and kept us entertained all morning.

Grey Squirrel

Robin

Song Thrush

Chaffinch

Reed Bunting

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and just in case I don't make it back here before then, have a Happy New Year :-)

Paul.

Now Mobile Friendly!

2010-12-18T08:27:00.004Z

It's been a bit lean in the photography front lately, I would have thought that all this cold weather would have brought in more birds to the garden but it's not really been the case.

Some other news then, Blogger has at long last added an option to show our blogs optimised for mobile viewing, something which is well overdue. It's so much faster, easier to navigate and commenting is included.

To enable yours, just head over to Blogger In Draft and you'll be prompted to switch it on, one click and it's done!

Garden Black-headed Gulls

2010-12-06T15:45:00.003Z

A first for the garden this morning, Black-headed Gulls. Initially about 10 or so came in low and circled the garden for a while before leaving which would still have been a fly over, albeit a low one. Then a few minutes later they were back and we had touch down!

One thing I noticed, they look so much bigger in the garden than in the field or down at the reservoir!

Garden Birds November 2010

2010-12-06T15:39:00.002Z

A bit late, I'd forgotten a month had gone! Here is my list of birds seen in the garden during November 2010.

Blackbird
Blue Tit
Carrion Crow
Chaffinch
Coal Tit
Collared Dove
Dunnock
Goldfinch
Great Tit
Greenfinch
House Sparrow
Jackdaw
Pied Wagtail
Robin
Sparrowhawk
Starling
Woodpigeon
Wren

These flew over the garden.

Black Headed Gull
Magpie

It was nice to see the Pied Wagtail back, appearing a few days before the snow, last had one during the spell of snow earlier in the year, not seen one during the current cold spell though.

Garden Sparrowhawk

2010-12-06T09:03:00.003Z

A Sparrowhawk appeared on the garden fence yesterday, stayed around for about 20 minutes doing a bit of winter preening. I was on the phone the phone at the time and had to make my excuses then run for the camera. Didn't have time for the tripod but managed to keep the camera still enough for a couple of shots. It looks like it might be a young one but I could be wrong.

Day off today and I shall be at the kitchen window, don't fancy being in the hide/shed while the temperature is well below zero!

Old Moor - Bits n Bobs

2010-11-30T19:33:00.002Z

Last of the images from RSPB Old Moor last week, Woodpigeon, Great Tit and Teal.

That's all folks, hope my next visit is as productive!

Old Moor - Chaffinch & Greenfinch

2010-11-29T19:59:00.002Z

More from my trip to RSPB Old Moor last week, this time Chaffinch & Greenfinch.

It snowed here on Friday night, about an inch, then we had nothing all weekend. This morning it started again just before rush hour and stopped just afterwards! Expecting more snow in these parts tomorrow and the rest of the week, could be some fun & games!

RSPB Old Moor - Bullfinch

2010-11-26T18:04:00.003Z

Yet more images from RSPB Old Moor earlier this week, probably the closest I've ever got to a Bullfinch.

Still a few more images to come, I think this is the busiest this blog has ever been!

RSPB Old Moor - Woodpecker & Gull

2010-11-25T19:18:00.003Z

More from my visit to RSPB Old Moor earlier this week, this time a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Black Headed Gull.

Had a few light snow showers today, not enough even for a dusting but that might change over the weekend and into next week.

Great Crested Grebe

2010-11-24T19:12:00.002Z

More images from yesterdays visit to RSPB Old Moor, this time a Great Crested Grebe catching an unfortunate fish.

RSPB Old Moor - Mute Swans

2010-11-23T15:54:00.003Z

Had a fantastic morning at RSPB Old Moor today, too many images to share in one go so I shall start with Mute Swans that kept me entertained for the first hour. Sadly no images of the Goldcrest that taunted me for 10 minutes!

There were 2 adults and 2 signets in my favourite location, the Bittern Hide, no Bitterns though.

Blue Tit

2010-11-22T09:00:00.001Z

Blue Tit, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Blue Tit in the garden yesterday. It's been a very grey weekend, think we had about 2 minutes of sunshine if that. Day off today and if anything it's worse, very dark and tipping down with rain.

Had a Pied Wagtail visit on Saturday, had them for the first time last year and that was as we entered that cold spell of weather, with the forecast giving snow for the end of the week, I think I the appearance of wagtails in gardens might be a sign of looming snow.

Collared Dove

2010-11-17T19:13:00.001Z

Collared Dove, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Collared Dove on top of the bird table. Just lately we've been getting 10 or more of these at a time.

Grumpy Sparrowhawk

2010-11-16T18:58:00.001Z

Grumpy Sparrowhawk, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Third Sparrowhawk sighting in the garden within a week, looking rather grumpy because all the other birds are long gone!

Garden Blue Tit

2010-11-15T12:18:00.001Z

Blue Tit, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Blue Tit checking out the digestive biscuits, they seem to quite like these, almost as much as the Starlings.

Just read that back, sounds like our beefy Blue Tits are partial to a tasty Starling!

Sparrowhawk

2010-11-09T11:23:00.001Z

Sparrowhawk, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

After what seemed like a waste of a day off work yesterday, today wasn't shaping up much better. Got settled in the hide but there was nothing about so I decided to move a feeding pole which involved digging a 2 foot hole through loose brick. Got caked in mud but at least it's at a much better angle from the hide now.

Minutes after returning to the hide this Sparrowhawk appeared on the fence. It stayed for a while but was at the other end of the garden and some tall grass was blowing about in my line of sight so this is the only decent shot I got.

That tall grass is about to become vertically challenged!

Garden Birds October 2010

2010-11-01T18:50:00.002Z

There goes October!

I've started keeping a monthly list of birds visiting our garden, didn't start this one until the 15th but I don't think there is much missing.

In the garden were:

Blue Tit
Chaffinch
Coal Tit
Collared Dove
Crow
Dunnock
Goldfinch
Great Tit
Greenfinch
House Sparrow
Jackdaw
Long Tailed Tit
Magpie
Robin
Starling
Woodpigeon

Over the garden were:

Black Headed Gull

Animals in the garden were:

Hedgehog
Grey Squirrel

So that's it for October, Long Tailed Tits were a real surprise this weekend and so was the Grey Squirrel last week. I thought the Pheasant was last month too but I've checked and it scared Debbie half to death on September 28th! No Blackbirds in that list but had one in the garden this morning, nice to have them back.

Rivelin Valley Mallards

2010-10-30T16:01:00.002+01:00

Had a stroll down Rivelin Valley this morning on the outskirts of Sheffield. No sign of any Dippers but there was no shortage of Mallards.

As we got back to the car a party of Long Tailed Tits made their way past us, second sighting of the day, we had 7 in the front garden just as we were setting off :-)

Squirrel!

2010-10-27T19:58:00.003+01:00

Despite having a wildlife friendly garden with birds, frogs and hedgehogs, we've never had a squirrel visit, until yesterday that is!

While stood at the kitchen window watching the birds and cursing the rubbish weather I noticed movement on the bird feeding station at the top of the garden, I thought it was a Collared Dove at first and couldn't believe my eye when I realised it was our very first Grey Squirrel.

A neighbour came out and spooked it but rather than disappearing it bounded down the lawn straight towards me, vanished round the corned then popped up on the fence having spotted the peanuts.

It stayed for about 10 minutes, munching away on my nuts before disappearing over the fence.

I know some people hate squirrels nicking their nuts but I love em and this cheeky chap really brightened up an otherwise gloomy day :-)

Sunny Morning at RSPB Old Moor!

2010-10-26T10:41:00.004+01:00

Having the day off work yesterday I decided to head back down to RSPB Old Moor in the glorious sunshine.

I spent quite a while at the reedbed screen hoping I might catch a glimpse of a Kingfisher but all I saw was my breath on a cold frosty morning, a Wren and an amorous pair of dragonflies.

I found that after many frustrating visits previously that to get close enough to the action for decent images the reedbed area is best, the hides on the other side of the reserve are way too far from the water.

I got good views of Little Grebes and Tufted Ducks and Mute Swans from the Reedbed hide.

I think this is a Green Sandpiper, from the Wath Ings hide so a bit distant.

While walking from the visitor centre down to Wath Ings I bumped into some Highland Cattle, almost literately, no problem getting close to these guys!

Walking back up through the pools I spotted this dragonfly just begging to have it's picture taken.

Finally my favourites of the day from early on in the Bittern Hide, a pair of Gadwalls looking gorgeous in that low autumnal sunshine.

Today it's cold, wet and miserable out there, what a different a day makes!

Rainy Morning At RSPB Old Moor

2010-10-23T16:59:00.003+01:00

We've been more or less grounded for a few weeks now while Debbie recovers from her operation, today was our first venture out, shame the weather couldn't have been more accommodating!

It rained most of the time, I'm just glad we were safely in the Bittern Hide when this downpour came along.

Aside from a Little Grebe and a Tufted Duck, nothing else was really in range given the available light, even the bird garden was very quiet.

It's a long weekend for me so hopefully I'll have more to post over the next couple of days.

Pop Up Hide

2010-10-17T16:18:00.002+01:00

I bought one of those funky pop-up tents last year with a view to using it as a hide and finally got around to trying it out today. Set it up on the lower lawn and covered the top lawn with tasty bird treats. Nothing!

I think the problem was the glorious weather, great for photography, not so great for seeing loads of birds in the garden. I did manage to get few shots of the Starling on the fat balls, not what I was after but I was only a few feet away in my tent so at least I know it works.

I started out with the lens poking out of the main opening, however due to the direction if the zipper, I couldn't close it enough. Then I had a brainwave (quite rare for me), I cut out the mesh from the air vent on the side of the tent and poked the lens through there, perfect fit!

Through The Mill

2010-10-09T16:15:00.002+01:00

Doubt the camera shutter will be in action this weekend, seeing only the inside of a hospital. My lovely wife Debbie as been through the mill this year and still being dragged back and forth through the pain barrier. Hopefully she'll be back to full strength in time for her favourite season of the year, Winter!

Autumn Arrives

2010-10-03T11:33:00.002+01:00

Had walk round the meadow with Debbie and Lucy yesterday afternoon, the golden browns of autumn are starting to appear as we hurtle towards winter. A Kestrel was out hunting as usual, until a Magpie decided to usher it away.

Today it's been raining since the early hours and shows no sign of stopping, a day to stay inside and watch the Blue Tits in the garden.

Dunncok

2010-09-28T19:16:00.001+01:00

Dunncok, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Back to work for me this week but Debbie has been keeping an eye on the garden bird activity. Today she walked up to the top of the garden, the really wild bit and startled a Pheasant, who startled her right back with interest!

From the kitchen window, Debbie got this Dunnock on the wall, not bad at all considering the naff light we've had all day.

Coal Tit Again

2010-09-26T14:43:00.001+01:00

Coal Tit, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

The Coal Tit has been bouncing round the garden again this morning, managed this one shot in dull light during the split second he was still (ish). Hoping to see more of these little fellas over the winter, already seeing much more of the Blue Tits than we're used to.

Coal Tit

2010-09-21T16:36:00.001+01:00

Coal Tit, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Had our first Coal Tit in the garden over the weekend and another visit this morning, managed a couple of shots but at distance and in the shade so it's not great but it is promising.

Also had Great Tit and Blue Tit again but since early morning it's been very quiet, our local birds must be off enjoying the sunshine, even the Starlings.

Bathing Starling

2010-09-20T14:28:00.001+01:00

Starling, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Not much in the garden today aside from Collared Doves, House Sparrows, our Robin and all those Starlings, one or two of which have been taking a dip in the bird bath.

Robin

2010-09-19T16:06:00.001+01:00

Robin, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Not seen any Robins in the garden for a couple of months but they've started appearing again over the last week or so. There hasn't been much else of note in the garden, Starling numbers are increasing though.

We had loads of adults and juveniles in Spring then just juveniles through the Summer and now we're getting over 50 adults at a time, sometimes their numbers must even be over 100, no wonder all the food I put out this morning is all but gone, just the peanuts remain and they've even had a go at those!

Back In The Garden Hide

2010-09-16T14:51:00.004+01:00

I've not been in the hide (shed) for quite a while, it's been quiet up there with most birds preferring the bird table near the kitchen. However the other week I planted a 5 new trees, don't ask me what they are, it said 'hedgerow trees ideal for wildlife' so I got a selection. Along with the trees I also put out a peanut feeder, we've tried peanuts year after year and never had any takers, until now that is.

Since planting the trees and putting out the peanuts we've suddenly started having Blue Tits, Great Tits and for the first time ever, Coal Tits. I'm sure when the trees get a bit bigger it's going to look great up there and it will offer much more cover for the birds.

Anyway, I spent an hour in the hide this afternoon, not a great deal about, a single juvenile Goldfinch, adult Goldfinch and a Blue Tit but I really enjoyed being up close and personal with our feathered friends again.

Juvenile Goldfinch

Adult Goldfinch

Blue Tit

This Woodpigeon is from the kitchen window the other morning, having moved that bird table back to it's original spot, I really do need the light to get the smaller birds from there.

Does my bum look big with these feathers sticking out of it?

RSPB Old Moor

2010-09-12T15:13:00.002+01:00

Called in at RSPB Old Moor yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours, the place is awash with waders now but with water levels lowered to accommodate them everything is too far away to get any decent shots. Managed to get a few snaps of a Grey Heron as it came striding towards us and a lone female Tufted Duck.

Debbie nicked my camera and got some cracking images, many more than I did!

Bumped into Nicola, the new Tweeter for the reserve (@RSPB_OldMoor) and Christian, a young aspiring wildlife photographer (@nameiwantstaken) who pointed out the Black Tern to us, amazingly this is the first time I've met anyone on Twitter, probably walked past a fair few without knowing though!

Dovestone Reservoir

2010-09-04T17:43:00.002+01:00

Looking for somewhere to visit this morning, Debbie spotted this gem on the RSPB website, Dovestone Reservoir. It turned out to be a beautiful part of the Peak District, sadly not in Yorkshire but over the boarder above the village of Greenfield in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.

I know the Woodhead A628 road like the back of my hand and can't believe I've never spotted this on the other trans pennine road the A635. We had to go through Holmfirth to get there which with all the publicity of Last Of The Summer Wine ending was heaving.

While we were there we signed the RSPB petition against those ridiculous spending cuts on our wonderful countryside. Provided our hapless government doesn't close it, we'll be definitely be back here again, especially when the snow arrives this winter.

Worsborough Country Park

2010-08-29T15:20:00.002+01:00

Been for an afternoon stroll round Worsborough Country Park with Debbie and Lucy. The wind was almost blowing us over as we walked along the reservoir and the water itself was a choppy as I've seen it.

I can still hear the wind howling outside now, hoping for a calmer day tomorrow, I could do without a face full of grass cuttings when I get that lawn mowed.

Changes

2010-08-28T08:19:00.002+01:00

I've been at somewhat of a crossroads for some time with this blog, wondering what to do with it or whether to carry it on at all.

The main thing that's been bugging me is that I don't get involved with the blogging community very much and by that I mean I don't leave very many comments. It's not just that I'm a very busy person, it's also that in real life (remember that!) I'm not exactly a chatterbox and finding it hard to think of something interesting to say also means I find it very hard to think of what comment to leave. I could be staring at a beautiful photo for minutes on end, I know I like it and sort of know why but for me, putting that into words is a nightmare so most of the time I don't.

I'm on a number of social networking sites like Twitter and Google Buzz (Facebook too but my privacy settings are so strict only I can see it!). I've come to realise that these are not for me for the same reason, I'm just not socially agile enough. I'm not going to close the accounts so if you're following me, I'll still be there, in a quiet corner and might dip in now and again.

For a while I side stepped the issue by sharing your blog posts I particularly liked via Google Reader and showed them in the side bar. This worked well for a while, I could share them while on the mobile and then come back to them later and have another look on the big screen. Then I wanted to share other things as well, then I linked my shares to Google Buzz and then found that followers there were leaving comments which really ought to be on your blogs rather than on my Buzz stream so I stopped sharing your blog posts.

Rather than trying and failing to get involved with the social media bandwagon, I realised all I wanted to do was share things I find on the web that get my attention, more especially wildlife blog posts and images on Flickr. You would think this would be easy but finding the right platform and balance has been a challenge to find.

Today I think I've managed it, I shall be sharing blog posts via Google Reader as before and they will appear in the side bar, these are fed in via FeedBurner because it's looks better that way and also allows me to show 15 posts rather than just 10. For my other passion, Flickr, I've done much the same thing but included the images and I really think it looks great.

If you find that I'm sharing posts from your blog and you'd rather I didn't, please let me know and I'll sort it out imedialtley.

As well as adding these feeds, I've also removed some unwanted junk from the side bar so the whole page now looks cleaner and dare I say it, I'm quite happy with it.

Having got that off my chest, all that remains is to say that I hope everyone has a fantastic bank holiday weekend!

Paul.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2010-08-24T19:19:00.002+01:00

We visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Sunday for the first time in a while, the Lions were acting very naturally, lazing about in the sunshine so no photo opportunities there. I did manage my first decent shots of the Zebra though after many attempts during previous visits.

Looking forward to returning when it's a bit cooler and a little less busy, even more so in the winter, Lions in the snow, can't wait!

Teenage Starlings

2010-08-08T17:06:00.002+01:00

All we seem to be getting in the garden at the moment are House Sparrows, Jackdaws and hoards of teenage Starlings. I've not seen any adult Starlings for a while, all the youngsters are self sufficient and twice as noisy!

Jackdaw

Starling

Jackdaw

Fat balls, biscuits and raisins are disappearing as fast as I can put them out, it'll be a relief when this lot have grown up and go to join their older friends.

Garden & Meadow

2010-07-30T21:18:00.002+01:00

A few more images from a sunny afternoon in the garden last weekend.

Here's a couple more from a walk round the meadow, won't be long before the Goldfinch move in on those thistles.

Bumble Bee

2010-07-24T18:36:00.001+01:00

Bumble Bee, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Lots of bees bumbling about today, mostly on these yellow flowers.

Starlings On The Turn

2010-07-18T15:25:00.003+01:00

Had a bit of a change round over the weekend, moved a tree into the bird area and moved a perch to a new position in front of the kitchen window which the Starlings are already making use of.

About half of the juvenile Starlings are starting to moult into adult plumage, almost looks like they've got a couple of chequered flags under their wings!

House Sparrows

2010-07-11T16:29:00.003+01:00

Up early as always this morning, watching the House Sparrows through the kitchen window while savouring the first brew of the day.

The Sparrows are regular visitors at the moment with so many young about, coming for the fat balls and the digestive biscuits, hopefully they'll stick around after the kids have grown up.

North Cave Wetlands

2010-06-27T11:40:00.003+01:00

Visited North Cave Wetlands yesterday which is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Highlight of the day was the Avocets which look like they've bred successfully.

Lapwing

Greenfinch

Avocet (Taken by Debbie)

Damselflies

Dunnock

Avocet (Taken by Debbie)

Long Tailed Tit

Four Spotted Chaser

2010-06-20T19:51:00.001+01:00

Four Spotted Chaser, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Four Spotted Chaser dragonfly at RSPB Old Moor today.

Common Blue Butterfly

2010-06-20T19:50:00.001+01:00

Common Blue Butterfly, originally uploaded by Little Brown Job.

Common Blue butterfly at RSPB Old Moor today.

Our Robins Have Fledged!

2010-06-06T08:57:00.003+01:00

Just as the Britain's Got Talent final got under way last night, so did our Robins, if one of the fledglings hadn't landed outside the window we might have missed the moment altogether.

I made it outside to get a shot of one of the fledglings and then watched on as the last one left the nest. The parents were rushing around rounding them all up but from what I could see from where they were taking food, they must have been scattered around the garden.

The light was fading fast so the images aren't great, hoping to get some more today if I can, just caught a glimpse of one and Mrs & Mrs Robin are still busy finding food. It's pouring down at the moment, hopefully a sunny spell will coincide with an appearance!

Nursery Garden

2010-05-30T15:49:00.004+01:00

It's suddenly got very busy in the garden, the Starlings are here virtually all day long with their young and the Robins are still hard at work, the young can't be far off fledging, they've been fed for just over a week.

Here's a few images from the garden over the last couple of days.

Juvenile Starling

One Shattered Robin

Jackdaw - Biscwit Junkie

Female House Sparrow

Jackdaw - I Know You Have Biscwits

Robin Delivering A Meal

Robin Off For The Next Meal

Starling Dropping In With Food

Looking forward to the start of Springwatch tomorrow, although we've got plenty going on just outside our window!

Garden & Potteric Carr

2010-05-25T15:38:00.002+01:00

Busy times with the photography at the moment as we've got the week off and I'm building up a serious backlog of images to post.

During the scortching weekend our Robins who are nesting in our stone wall have been hard at work feeding the youngsters who we heard for the first time on Saturday.

The Starlings are back in numbers, going crazy for digestive biscuits and raisins.

On Saturday morning while sitting outside very early, I finally managed to capture one of the many Jackdaws that have started coming in for the biscuits too.

Yesterday we visited Potteric Carr and despite the complete lack of any butterflies, the birds didn't let us down in that special hide.

Jay

Mute Swan & Signets

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Walking back from the hides, I got my first shot of a Blackcap.

We came across a chap pointing his Canon into a hedge and found he was snapping away at a rabbit so I got a couple too, would have been rude not to.

Before we got to Potteric, we visited the Yorkshire Wildlife Park as it was press day for the Lions which were rescued from Romania earlier this year. We had a fantastic time there, witnessing one of the 3 prides lead by Johnny Senior take their first ever steps outside of a cage.

Lion Country is now fully open to walk around, it's split into 3 areas, they are using one at the moment and the prides are taking it in turns but within a few weeks all the prides should be out at the same time. The area is huge and the layout is a photographers dream with no glass or fencing in the way of the stunning views. There are more images of the Lions on my Flickr photostream.

Denaby Ings & Sprotbrough Flash

2010-05-17T19:28:00.004+01:00

On Saturday we visited the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts Denaby Ings and Sprotbrough Flash for the first time.

The sun shone on and off all day and butterflies were plentiful at Denaby.

Orange Tip Butterfly

Peacock Butterfly

Orange Tip Butterfly

Highlights of Sprotbrough were the Long Tailed Tits who had thoughtfully decided to nest right in front of the first hide.

Female Gadwall

Long Tailed Tit

Cormorant

View Of Sprotbrough Flash

Thoroughly enjoyed the walk round both sites and will be adding them to the ever growing list of places to visit again.

Return Of The Sparrows

2010-05-09T15:27:00.003+01:00

Not seen too many House Sparrows about over the winter, they tend to congregate at the end of our road for some reason. However, they started venturing down here now, going after the buds in the trees.

Seeing more Greenfinch now too, usually one or two not too far away.

Another bird we're seeing a lot of now are Jackdaws, not managed a great shot yet but it's only a matter of time, they just can't resist digestive biscuits!

Our Robins Are Nesting

2010-05-02T12:34:00.004+01:00

I'd not seen our Robins for a few days but they showed up yesterday morning before we headed off out for the day. This morning I've been at the kitchen window watching them gather nesting material and have found that the nest is in a gap our stone wall.

The Blue Tits have also started dropping in again at the kitchen window feeder, yesterday there were two of them whizzing around the garden, this morning they were content with the raisins, buscuits and crushed mealworms.

It's a shame the sun didn't come out for the action, it just doesn't know what to do today, light, dark, sunny, dark & now spots of rain. It's not too warm either, I think it's day for curling up in front of the telly.

Potteric Carr

2010-04-25T07:13:00.003+01:00

Had a full day out with the cameras yesterday, first stop was the Yorkshire Wildlife Park to pick up our passes, £25 for years membership is fantastic value. The lion enclosure is looking great and should hopefully be open sometime in May. We didn't stay around too long, it gets busy on hot sunny Saturdays but we did have to wander past the falconry area before we left.

Little Owl

Potteric Carr is only a stones throw away so we took the short walk round there, taking in 'that' hide. Not a huge variety of birds to be honest, probably due to the hot sunshine but we did get our first view of the Stoat that we've seen so many pictures of.

Stoat

Pheasant

Jay

Black Headed Gull

Peacock Butterfly

We had a great day in the sunshine, today it's looking a little damp and we're looking forward to doing nothing!

Deer On The Run

2010-04-22T19:36:00.003+01:00

A work colleague told me about a deer he had seen locally which turned out to be close to where I often take a morning walk. So today I was on the lookout and couldn't believe my eyes when I came face to face with this female Red Deer, just a few feet away.

I'm guessing she must have done a runner from a local deer farm and I don't blame her, she's in perfect deer country and has the place to herself.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

2010-04-11T07:30:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we went to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster to make sure we got our annual passes sorted before the lions make an appearance. The weather was fabulous and the place was heaving with visitors which is great to see given it's only a year old and quickly evolving so they need to keep that money rolling in.

We were delighted to see that the falconry display was back after the winter break and we made sure we were in place well before the start. While we waited we had a fabulous African Tawny Eagle to keep us company.

During the actual display, trying to get any decent images of the Harris Hawk and Lanner Falcon was futile, they were just too quick off the mark, I seriously need to get some practice in! The saviour of the day was the Barn Owl, she was a dream to photograph.

There's plenty more to see at the park, I was taken by the Racoon Dogs who we dropped on just in time fore the talk, otherwise they would have been curled up and snoozing.

One of the great things about the park is being able to get close to the animals, especially the Lemurs where you get to walk through their enclosure. I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time in there during future visits on quieter days, just managed a couple of shot yesterday, a Ring Tailed Lemur and a sunbathing Black & White Ruffed Lemur.

All in all, a fantastic day out and I can only imagine what it will be like when the superb looking Lion enclosure is finished. Going by the roars echoing round the park, we should be in for quite a treat!

First New Arrival Of The Year

2010-04-08T19:48:00.003+01:00

This morning we had our first new arrival of the year in the garden, a baby Blackbird.

Mum and Dad were never far away, keeping those Starlings in check who themselves have been growing in numbers over the last few days. The sunflower hearts have also started disappearing at a faster rate, Spring must have arrived!

Rivelin Valley

2010-04-05T07:58:00.003+01:00

Went on the hunt for Dippers and Wagtails yesterday along the River Rivelin. No sign of any Dippers but did get to see a couple of Grey Wagtails. Unfortunately I forget to change from f9 when getting close ups of Mallards so didn't get a sharp shot of the fidgety little bird.

Grey Wagtail

Male Mallard

Female Mallard

Very nice walk along the river though, not as hard going underfoot as Wyming Brook.

Garden Sparrowhawk

2010-04-04T14:59:00.002+01:00

Up at dawn this morning on the off chance that it might actually by sunny. Not much about to be honest but hardly surprising with this Sparrowhawk doing the rounds.

It was perched on the wall for less than a minute and was off again. I'm kicking myself that I hadn't set up the tripod with the big lens, but then it probably wouldn't have turned up!

In other news, my images are now hosted at my new Flickr account, my wife Debbie and I have been sharing the same account since we started but with the number of photos we are uploading these days, it makes sense to have an account each. You can still see all my previous images and Debbie's super shots at our Snowbabies Flickr account.

Red Kites

2010-03-27T16:28:00.003Z

I've seen the stories in the news over the last few years about the reintroduction of Red Kites at Harewood House but never imagined they would be so easy to see there! We've had a fantastic day out and couldn't have wished for a better first ever encounter with this beautiful bird of prey.

We'll be back there before too long but after we've got a lot more practice in shooting birds against the sky.

Early Morning Goldfinch

2010-03-21T14:04:00.003Z

Woken by one of our cockatiels doing a very good impersonation of a cockerel, I was at the kitchen window in time to catch a few Goldfinch in the early morning sunshine.

Worth missing a couple of hours sleep!