ebirder

I love going home to visit family. Not only do I always get well looked after (thanks sis!), but the photographic opportunities are amazing all the way along the coast. Ainsdale is my favourite spot, especially when a tide of more than 9 meters is forecast in the morning. There are hundreds of thousands of waders such as Godwits, Oystercatchers, Knot and Grey Plover.

 

The weather forecast turned out to be wrong (again), and the morning was much gloomier than anticipated. I thought I would take the opportunity to play around with some settings to try and capture the movement and sense of occasion. The birds really do whir and with all the dog walkers they are constantly pushed up and down endless miles of sandy beach.

 

These sort of shots aren't everyone's cup of tea, but they remind me of that morning when I was allowed to share some memorable moments with the immense flocks of waders.

 

 

 

 

Autumn provides so many opportunities to make otherwise standard images a bit more dynamic. The light is much gentler at this time of year and normally featureless backgrounds are given a real boost. This Kingfisher obliged over a stream backlit by trees changing colour.

 

 

The low light also helps to shoot birds that are normally quite tricky as they hunt against the sky. The Kestrel kept me entertained for several minutes although the pipits and wagtails I was trying to capture didn't seem too pleased.

 

 

So much of our wildlife in autumn can be affected by the weather. Just one week ago I was searching the sea from the North Wirral looking for seabirds. There was not a lot out there and just when all hope had gone and it was time to head home - another look along the coast and right on the beach is a Sabines Gull! Not the most striking of birds but an incredibly difficult one to photograph.

 

 

Then the winds changed and the weather brightened and an early start found me on the coast. The day was fantastic and started well by finding a Barred Warbler  in a set of willow trees that 'always have a rare bird' according to Jim - well he wasn't wrong. Later on an Osprey flew straight overhead along with many common migrants.

 

I received a call late on in the day that the light in Filey Bay was incredible. I was at the end of the Brigg and faced a dilemma of whether to stay or go. The call came through again, 'the glow around these Sanderlings is almost radioactive!'. This I had to see. Many thanks to Graham for urging me to check out the amazing light, textures and colours.

 

 

 

Probably my favourite.

 

 

Jim's just rung 'Interested in seeing some badgers?'

 

I'm on my way....

As we slowly drift into autumn it is always well worth keeping a look out for young birds that can be a tad more obliging than adults. Such as this young cuckoo - a highlight of the year.

 

 

This year has also been relatively productive for Butterflies and I have been pleased to provide some shots to UK Butterfly Conservation. A very worthy cause and they are currently offering a years free membership so you have no excuses!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are still plenty of good butterflies around and I have just been told about some Clouded Yellows nearby, so I am off to have a look...