Diary
Regular updates from Oliver's recent expeditions.
6 December 2011 - Titterstone Clee Hill, Shropshire, England, UK
It is not often I get time to chase rare vagrants in Britain anymore, but I always get a thrill seeking rare species, even if an individual has been present for some time.
After giving a talk to the Sutton Coldfield RSPB group I headed to Malvern for the night and with my good friend Ian Butler we headed up to Titterstone Clee Hill in Shropshire to look for a female Desert Wheatear.
Having arrived following a cold spell with a light dusting of snow on the ground we met another birdwatcher who had seen the wheatear but it had disappeared only minutes before our arrival.
We proceeded to scour the quarry and surrounding vegetation and boulder fields until some 3 1/2 hours later another birdwatcher had relocated the bird on the lower bracken-covered slopes.
The bird allowed an unbelievably close approach which resulted in some lovely posed portraits in beautiful light.
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L lens, 1/1000 sec @ F8, +1/3 stop, ISO 400, tripod
For more images of this species click here.
14 to 24 October 2011 - Alaska, North America
I am sure that if asked most people would find Polar Bears to be one of the species to see in a lifetime. This is indeed the case for me and I have been waiting for the opportunity to see these extraordinary mammals in the flesh.
With the conservation of these creatures so heavily focussed around trying to prevent global warming and the melting of the Arctic ice I knew that possibly time was running out to be able to get very close to one of the biggest land predators on the planet.
Logistically and financially watching and photographing Polar Bears is not easy or cheap but rather than taking the 'easier' options of Churchill in Canada or Svalbard in Europe, I decided to trek across to northern Alaska and the remote town of Kaktovik in the Beaufort Sea.
With six sessions to work alongside the bears I had a number of different opportunities for shooting, mainly from vehicles and especially flat-bottomed boats which generated a lovely low working angle in which to illustrate the bears in their natural habitat. A truly memorable experience!
To see other images from this trip please also visit my Smart Images Facebook page.
Polar Bear Ursus maritimus
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L lens, 1/500 sec @ F5, ISO 500, bean bag resting on Zodiac boat
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
8 to 10 August 2011 - Whitecross Green Wood, Oxfordshire, England, UK
Working in windy conditions is by far my least favourite. It is no surprise that wind not only frustrates the photographer but it does not assist a sun-loving butterfly species in going about its day-to-day business.
Having checked the forecast over several days prior to my dash to Oxfordshire I was not optimistic about my chances of photographing or even seeing the Brown Hairstreak butterfly. I had heard they were on the wing but unless conditions were warm and favourable then they would most likely be rather elusive; hiding at the top of Ash trees.
Thankfully my last minute decision to go paid off as I was awarded some calm conditions to start the day but enough sunshine when the wind did pick up not to put off the butterflies completely. This allowed views of nine butterflies of which two I was able to photograph with reasonable success. The image opposite of a male hairstreak was the only one I had feeding on Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris.
Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/500 sec @ F8, +2/3 stop, ISO 400, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball and socket head
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
29 to 31 July 2011 - Arnside Knott, Cumbria, England, UK
One of the joys of photographing butterflies is the reward for patience and effort in the field. I try and allow several sessions to work with a particular species especially if I want to secure high-quality images for publication, prints or digital slideshow presentations.
My butterfly project is slowly winding down this season although there are a few species I can still photograph although no new species will be added to my British list; currently standing at 56.
On my latest visit to Cumbria for the southern most UK colonies of Scotch Argus, I spent four sessions looking for them which, as it happened was not too difficult. What I did want to observe though, were both male and female and to ensure I had images of upperside and underside shots of them. For this entry I thought I'd use an underside shot of a beautifully marked female to illustrate how well camouflaged they can be when roosting, in this case on a dying bracken frond.
Scotch Argus Erebia aethiops
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/50 sec @ F8, +1/3 stop, ISO 500, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball and socket head, cable release, fill-in flash
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
11 to 14 July 2011 - Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, England, UK
Heading to Bentley Wood in Wiltshire I had, perhaps, overestimated the difficulty of some of the target species I was hoping to photograph. Many butterflies require specific conditions when they are more approachable or indeed photographable. This usually concerns the weather and namely the sun, which was unfortunately fairly absent from my first day-and-a-half.
My targets included Purple and White-letter Hairstreak, Silver-washed Fritillary and most importantly Purple Emperor. I allowed myself three days and hence five sessions to try and photograph these glorious species.
After many hours of patience I was not to be rewarded, like so many others, of a close view of a male emperor. This large species float down to rotten fruit, which by-the-way is placed by various visitors close to the ground to attract them. I was, however, pleased to add Purple Hairstreak and plenty of Silver-washed Fritillary images to my collection.
Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/1600 sec @ F6.3, -1 stop, ISO 400, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball and socket head, handheld
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
8 to 11 July 2011 - Durlston Country Park, Dorset, England, UK
The Lulworth Skipper is on the north-western limit in the UK and restricted to a few coastal and the odd inland site in Dorset. First discovered in the village of Lulworth this little butterfly is one of a number of similar ‘orange’ species.
Thankfully, due to a pale crescent marking on the female it is fairly distinctive. It is also slightly smaller and darker than the other three species in Britain and therefore reasonably easy to identify.
Durlston Country Park owned by Dorset County Council is a superb coastal butterfly haven as well as harbouring interesting plants, birds and other wildlife. It can be busy with visitors on a hot, sunny, summer's day; however, there are usually several places you can wander where you see very few other people.
Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/250 sec @ F8, +1/3 stop, ISO 400, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball and socket head, cable release
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
1 to 4 July 2011 - Honister Pass, Cumbria, England, UK
There are not many more remote places to find butterflies in Britain and except for Scotland; Cumbria is the only area to find Mountain Ringlets. They inhabit a narrow band of volcanic rock, high in the mountains, feeding on Mat Grass during the larvae stage of their lives and flying just above the ground as adults.
The adults only live for a few days and although there can be hundreds or thousands in a colony they can be hard to find if the temperature is not sunny and above 15 degrees.
I was fortunate to have the best conditions, albeit a little breezy and having found a good site went about trying to photograph them. After an hour or so the clouds began to roll in which provided ideal conditions for me to get closer to the butterflies.
Females fly very infrequently and as they are solely there to lay eggs I was lucky enough to find one female which I followed for some time laying eggs on its food plant. A really great way to see my 54th British species.
Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/80 sec @ F8, +1 stop, ISO 800, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball and socket head
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
12 - 19 June 2011 Soltvadkert, Hungary
A last minute invite to Hungary didn't take me much time to say yes. With the option to photograph Bee-eater, European Roller, Goshawk, herons, egrets and many other species I couldn't turn it down.
A long day trip to Soltvadkert to photograph Hoopoe at a nest site was a special day too. The pair were still displaying and a well-positioned perch allowed incredibly close views. Most of the images were taken using a 70-200 F2.8L IS lens but I did use the 500mm towards the end just to illustrate the lovely detail of the head markings. This image therefore is the full shot and not cropped.
Hoopoe Upupa epops
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/1250 sec @ F8, ISO 500, Gitzo tripod & Wimberley Mk II head, bag hide
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
3 to 6 June 2011 - Exmoor, Somerset, England, UK
A visit to Exmoor in June is a great time to watch heathland and moorland bird species during the very active breeding season.
My main priority was to photograph the Heath Fritillary butterfly, a rare and beautiful species. I did so successfully but a bonus was a pair of Whitethroats nesting in short gorse, providing an ideal opportunity to blend into the vegetation whilst still getting a good view of the activity.
I used a bag hide for camouflage and almost immediately the birds ignored my presence and continued feeding their young. The mix of prey items was interesting; from caterpillars and spiders to the unfortunate rare Heath Fritillary itself. Not quite how I wanted to photograph the butterfly but an interesting shot which I must send to the conservation team!!
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/320 sec @ F6.3, ISO 400, Gitzo tripod & Wimberley Mk II head, bag hide
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
7 to 19 May 2011 - Dordogne, France
No matter how much planning goes in to organising a trip, booking accomodation, researching species and ensuring you take all the right equipment there are always things that you just do not expect.
No sooner had Helen and I arrived at our gîte in the Dordogne had we been shown around by the owner did we find a pair of Hawfinches regularly using the bird table!
I regularly travel with a bag hide, a lightweight alternative to dome hides I decided to set up close to the feeding station, however ensured I positioned the feeder close but just behind a perch. This ensured that the Hawfinches would use the perch prior to accessing the feeder.
I have cropped the original image to illustrate the extraordinary colouration and more importantly the huge bill which the species uses to open walnuts and cherry stones!
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/500 sec @ F5.6, -1/3 stop, ISO 400, Gitzo tripod & Wimberley Mk II head, bag hide
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
3 May 2011 - Noar Hill, Hampshire, England, UK
Butterfly photography is often about patience and trying to find the correct specimen to follow and photograph. I think working with Duke of Burgundy butterflies recently in Hampshire has to be one of the most frustrating and unrewarding sessions so far.
The main difficulty lay in their inactivity until the temperature was in the mid-teens when they became very active. Finding them at roost was impossible too due to their preference for hiding away in tall scrub and trees. Even when an individual was resting peacefully it was almost always on the ground and therefore usually obscured or shaded partially by a leaf or grass stem.
Although I managed to obtain a handful of images this was one of the slightly more unusual shots with it backlit against the sun.
Ironically it was not a butterfly that stole the show for me on this trip but actually a bird that posed beautifully. To see the shot of a singing Tree Pipit please visit here.
Duke of Burgundy Hamearis lucina
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/500 sec @ F5.6, ISO 200, bean bag & cable release
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
3 May 2011 - Hazelbury Common, Wiltshire, England, UK
Butterfly photography is often very difficult in windy conditions, especially combined with a cool temperature. For Marsh Fritillaries warm conditions are essential for them to fly so my early arrival at Hazelbury Common was unnecessary.
Once the thermometer rose several degrees a few individuals became active alongside many Dingy Skipper, Common Blue and Small Copper.
The wind persisted and after nearly two hours of patience and following one individual I was rewarded with this shot. The male basking on top of a tall stem and with all other vegetation more distant I was able to blur the background completely.
Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/320 sec @ F8, +1/3 stop, ISO 200, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball & socket head, cable release
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
30 April 2011 - Walton Common, Somerset, England, UK
Spring continues apace and my butterfly project is moving along nicely. Having enjoyed a Royal Wedding related BBQ the night before I forced myself out of bed at 06:30 to focus on the last British skipper needed for my list.
Grizzled Skippers are busy little insects dashing around in a blur of wings. My arrival to Walton Common was met with bright conditions but a fairly brisk breeze which no doubt reduced the frenetic activity associated with this active butterfly. This however made it much easier for me once I'd found them.
Unlike the books suggest a couple of individuals spent several hours basking in the sun and only flying occasionally when harassed by a Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages or fly! They also occasionally visited flowers but generally resting on leaves which offered many photographic opportunities.
Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/200 sec @ F8, ISO 200, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball & socket head, cable release
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
17 to 22 April 2011 - Kuusamo, Finland
My most magical experience of all a few years ago was to watch a Black Grouse lek. I have wanted to photograph the displays of these birds for some time and finally had the fortune to return to Finland (after an early winter trip for eagles) with the local bird photography company Finnature.
Finnature is a well-established and very professional company owned and led by Jari Peltomäki. His knowledge and expertise in the bird photography field is second to none and there are great opportunities to use professional guides, local hides and knowledge to photograph some of Europe's difficult or elusive species. For more information on booking trips to Finland please visit their website at Finnature.
My guide for this trip was Olli Lamminsalo who I worked with in February. His knowledge, passion for birds and unrivalled dedication (18 hour days in the field are very hard work!!) made this trip one of the best I have ever experienced.
We had five mornings in which to photograph male Blackcocks at their lekking grounds (a site for males to compete for territories and females) as well as an evening session. After a couple of days in one of the remarkable hides I decided I wanted to get a different angle for the birds to have them backlit against the rising sun. Olli and I were unable to convert any existing hide we had so decided to build a new one from scratch. This low-level hide allowed the perfect angle to shoot.
Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/250 sec @ F5.6, +1/3 stop, ISO 1600, Wimberley Mk II head attached hide shelf
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
10 April 2011 - Castle Caereinion, Welshpool, Wales, UK
Many of Britain's birds of prey and owls are very difficult to photograph in the wild so falconry centres offer an opportunity to take a variety of images.
Working with a few friends I spent a sunny Sunday at the Mid Wales Falconry centre near Welshpool.
With a variety of beautiful species to photograph I've selected this image of a Goshawk peering around a conifer tree in woodland near the centre. The intensity in the eyes must be a frightening experience for any unsuspecting mammal or bird as the Goshawk will ambush its prey.
Northern Goshawk Accipiter nisus
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/800 sec @ F8, +1/3 stop, ISO 200, Gitzo tripod & Wimberley Mk II head
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
8 April 2011 - Eastville Park, Bristol, England, UK
After a twelve-hour night shift one would not judge me on wanting to head straight to bed. However on this Friday morning having completed my shift I left work and headed straight for Eastville Park just outside the centre of Bristol.
I had been alerted to some recently emerged Orange-tip butterflies and I wanted to start my butterfly project for 2011 with a new species for my collection.
The light was beautiful, the temperature cool, the ground dewy, but best of all there was no wind at all!
Having wandered through the park, I was not really sure of where to look although clues of Cuckoo flower or Bluebells would lead me in the right direction.
I found several patches of Bluebells amongst the woodland flora and having scaled up the side of the valley I came face-to-face with this beautifully marked male butterfly.
I love photographing butterflies at roost and I spent 90 minutes with this individual and it didn't move once, allowing me plenty of time to refine my technique.
Orange-tip Anthocharis cardemines
Canon 1D MkIV & 180mm F3.5L macro lens, 1/50 sec @ F8, ISO 640, Gitzo tripod & Manfrotto ball & socket head, cable release & mirror lock-up.
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
19 February 2011 - Parkgate, Merseyside, England, UK
During very high tides, the area of saltmarsh around Parkgate in Merseyside is inundated with water. This unusual, although annual event is a spectacle in itself as birds and more importantly small mammals are forced to retreat towards the sea wall and the narrow road bordering the estuary.
High tides need to be over 10m and more importantly a following wind to assist in pushing the water closer to the sea wall. Unfortunately for me the tide, although high was not quite good enough to create the mayhem that is sometimes seen when people are rescuing voles from the grass!
In fact the only shot I took was of this egret flying reasonably close to the growing crowd behind the sea wall.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/640 sec @ F5.6, +2/3 stop, ISO 800, tripod & Wimberley MkII head.
For more images of this species click here.
12 - 14 February 2011 - Kuusamo, Finland
Moving from Oulu to Kuusamo, the eagle hide is quite different providing other opportunities to photograph smaller birds visiting a feeding station. There were many Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the area and their bright colours really stood out in the snow.
The hide allows for backlit shots with reflected light coming from the snow. This pose, as the bird moved down the branch has disturbed some particles of snow which are glistening in the sun.
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens, 1/800 sec @ F5.6, +1/3 stop, ISO 400, tripod head screwed to hide shelf
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
10 - 11 February 2011 - Oulu, Finland
A five day trip to Finland in February was aimed at photographing Golden Eagles. The first day was a great success and the image opposite which was one of many shots taken of an individual bird coming to a baited Roe Deer carcass.
Golden Eagles are very, very shy and can easily be disturbed. If you do intend to photograph wild birds of prey then please follow these three tips below to get the most from your subject.
1) Do not move your lens. Waving your lens will scare most subjects away but with eagles they can spot the slightest movement. Have the lens positioned in the baited location and wait.
2) When an eagle comes to bait ensure you do not shoot straight away. This may seem like torture but if you allow a bird a few minutes to eat in peace then there is a greater chance of it staying once you start taking images.
3) Before you rattle off 10 frames a second take a few single shots (or silent shots if you have the option). This will allow the bird to become accustomed to your camera shutter and you will almost certainly reap the rewards for your patience.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/800 sec @ F5.6, ISO 200, tripod head screwed to hide shelf
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
26 January 2011 - Ezumazji, Lauwersmeer National Park, Holland
Following on from my trial run of the new Canon 1D MkIV, I ventured abroad to give the camera a good test.
The winter is always a great time to travel especially as many northerly breeding species head south to avoid the harsh climate around the Arctic. My trip to Holland was to search the vast farmland areas for geese and especially Barnacle and White-fronted as well as maybe a rarer species.
Unfortunately the weather was extremely dull for the first three days and only towards the end of the trip to the sun appear and allow some decent photography.
At Lauwersmeer National Park the number of geese reaches tens-of-thousands of birds and the flocks are quite a spectacle.
Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/2000 sec @ F6.3, +1/3 stop, ISO 400, bean bag from car
More images will be available on Alamy soon.
21 January 2011 - Summer Lane Pond, Somerset, England, UK
This was the first try out for my new camera and having read the manual cover-to-cover I thought I was prepared. Unfortunately it takes a little more than a thorough read to be able to shoot amazing images.
Plenty of practice is for certain and this practice shoot was a good opportunity to test the different settings especially with the advantages of higher ISO settings.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Canon 1D MkIV & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/200 sec @ F5.6, ISO 800, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
1 - 3 December 2010 - Snettisham, Norfolk, UK
Outside the breeding season Grey Partridges are more communal and small groups of a dozen or more form coveys which hang out around arable fields.
They can be quite difficult to approach and at the first sign of danger they will take flight in an explosion of whirring wings. Approaching them on foot is very difficult so using the cover of a hedge or bank to keep concealed is very important.
During a short trip to Norfolk during the very cold snap the British Isles experienced in December, I found several hundred partridges scattered amongst farmland near the coastal village of Snettisham. Driving conditions around the lanes were tricky in the snow and my effort was more than rewarded with a selection of interesting group images in beautiful light.
Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/400 sec @ F5.6, +2/3 stop, ISO 200, bean bag from car
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
29 - 30 November 2010 - Welney WWT, Norfolk, UK
During the autumn and winter geese, ducks, waders and swans arrive in mass from their Arctic breeding grounds, departing to avoid the severely cold conditions.
The British Isles on the edge of the Gulf Stream provides abundant food resources and moderately warmer temperatures being a magnet for many species of bird.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve at Welney in Norfolk is a magical reserve in the heart of the fens, a flat area of farmland, water and hosting plenty of food! Using the photographic hide enables you to get a little closer to the action and a couple of sessions during a snowy winter's day provided some great close-up views of Whooper Swans which have travelled all the way from Iceland.
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/400 sec @ F8, +1/3 stop, ISO 200, bean bag from hide
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
20 to 31 October 2010 - Hengistbury Head, Dorset, UK
During October Helen and I started the first of our road trips around the coast of Britain. Travelling abroad is great fun but we both felt it would be nice to actually say we have seen the British Isles! We decided to start in Dorset and head east following the rugged south coast.
Axmouth was our starting location and we wound our way along the coast stopping at various key points to walk the coastal footpaths or to visit important natural or manmade features like Durdle Door or Portchester Castle.
After our holiday had run out we had made it as far as the River Arun in West Sussex. This will be our starting point for our next coastal journey as we explore East Sussex and Kent.
This image of Hengistbury Head was one of many interesting landscapes we came across. The Dorset coastline had the most dramatic cliff views of all but I particularly enjoyed the colour and feature of the Purbeck Hills in the distance in this shot.
Hengistbury Head, Dorset
Canon 1Ds MkII & 24-70 F2.8L lens @ 67mm, 1/13 sec @ F22, -1/3 stop, ISO 125, tripod and timer release
For more images of this location click here or from this trip click here.
17 October 2010 - Exmoor National Park, Somerset, UK
Having watched Autumnwatch in previous years, I've always been keen to photograph Red Deer. Watching Simon King drool over the Rum animals I thought it time to explore a site near to home for myself.
There are many deer parks around the country offering extremely close views of wild Red Deer. Although this appeals to me for commercial purposes, part of me enjoys the tracking and hunting (not literally!) of my photographic subjects.
I was kindly invited to Exmoor National Park to explore some of the best spots for watching these beautiful wild animals. The autumn is the best time to experience the rut and to hear the stags bellowing across the moor. It is fascinating to watch their antics and it doesn't take long to begin to understand the relationships and dominance of individuals; that is if the animals stay around long enough!
I only had two mornings to find deer and I was blessed with beautifully calm mornings with clear skies and wonderful light. Having trekked across part of the moor in the dark to a previously watched spot I sat and waited for sunrise. It wasn’t long before a large dominant male chased after a lone female onto a nearby ridge where he posed briefly in the early morning glow. Although I would have preferred to have been another hundred or so yards closer and perhaps to have had both male and female in the image together I was pleased with my efforts after only two sessions.
My thanks to Dave Webb and Chris Eager for their help on this mini-expedition. Dave leads Red Deer safaris on Exmoor and knows the best places to watch and photograph them. To be part of this spectacular yearly event please contact him on 01598 740192 or email for more details of his trips. Bed & Breakfast, meals and evening walks are also available. Dave's website can be viewed here for more details.
Red Deer Cervus elaphus
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/1000 sec @ F6.3, ISO 200, tripod.
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
2 October 2010 - Brownsea Island, Dorset, UK
Alcohol and wildlife don’t really mix, well not for me anyway! A late night following a drunken game of poker is not the best way to plan for a decent photography session. Hence a late 11:30 start, but thankfully the weather was relatively kind.
Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset is a magical place, remote enough to be enjoyed in relative peace and quiet but close enough to the mainland to make the journey across relatively painless.
Having risen late I made my way to the hides to check out the large flocks of waders and waterfowl. Meandering down one of the footpaths I bumped into one of my poker partners who was photographing Common Lizards.
There were several basking in the sunny conditions amongst some fallen logs and amongst the few adults were several young, learning the tricks of the trade! They were extremely approachable and I was able to concentrate (albeit with a headache) composing my images and waiting for the occasions when the direct sun went behind the clouds to help soften the light on the subject.
Common Lizard Lacterta vivipara
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L macro lens & 12mm extension tube, 1/50 sec @ F8, +1/3 stop, ISO 200, tripod & cable release.
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
27 September 2010 - Somerset, UK
Some of the most enjoyable aspects of photographing wildlife are when you get an idea for an image and follow it through the planning, preparation and execution stages. In the case of this beautiful female Kingfisher, I have spent three weeks and over thirty hours preparing for this moment. Okay, so it is a standard portrait shot of a bird with prey but this was a new experience for me and I wanted to at least start with getting the basics right. The demand for Kingfisher images is high so I wanted to ensure I could get some good quality stock images.
Having observed this bird using a stretch of river close to my home on several occasions I decided to put a prominent perch close to a regular feeding area. Luckily the river has a number of slip-ways which allowed me to set up a hide at eye-level with the perch. I took copious notes on each visit to try and understand the birds' movements and whether she would accept the change in scenery. My biggest error initially was arriving too late in the morning, only just after sunrise, but late enough to disturb the bird further downstream as I approached my viewing area. After this initial set-back I now ensure I arrive some thirty minutes before daybreak so that I can get everything ready before the bird visits this part of the river.
This is an ongoing project so hopefully there will be many more images to come in the future.
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens, 1/200 sec @ F4, ISO 200, tripod & portable hide.
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
14 August 2010 - Aston Rowant, Oxfordshire, UK
Ground-feeding butterflies are some of the most difficult to photograph successfully for several reasons. Firstly there is usually all-manner of distracting background vegetation to contend with. Secondly it is much harder to approach the butterfly as you will often cast a shadow over the subject (if it is sunny of course) and thirdly you have to get in to an almost impossible angle over the subject to get the whole thing in focus.
In the case of this stunning male Chalkhill Blue butterfly, I had to contend with all three problems. Thankfully the background in this case doesn’t distract too much from the main subject. The background shows the nectar plant and leaves of a Dwarf Thistle and there are not too many other leaves or grasses interfering with the subject. The lighting was bright and overcast so no shadow was cast over the subject. This also meant the contrast was more pleasing and the vivid colours jump out of the image.
The only downside to the whole experience was the constant noise from the M40 motorway; however I doubt very many of the motorists even know about this wildlife haven so close to the road.
Chalkhill Blue Polyommatus (Lysandra) coridon
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L lens & 12mm extension tube, 1/125 sec @ F9, ISO 200, tripod & cable release.
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
24 July 2010 - Durlston Country Park, Dorset, UK
As a general rule I don't tend to go looking for butterflies during strong, windy conditions as not only are they generally less active but the chances of getting images of one perched on a blade of grass is almost impossible.
On some occasions, especially if you are already on a trip there is no reason not to go looking and in the case of a trip to Dorset, Helen and I decided to take a visit to Durlston Country Park, just outside Swanage regardless of the weather. It was bright, sunny and late in the day so we thought there was a chance of a dip in the wind.
This didn't materialise but we did get to spot our first ever Lulworth Skippers fluttering at speed amongst the short grass. Chalkhill Blues also dashed about and I was wondering whether the butterfly trail would turn up any images for me at all. Having already paid for the parking we decided to continue around the rest of the trail.
As we headed on the return path towards the visitor centre we passed through a kissing gate and spotted a Small Blue fluttering near bramble. It landed briefly in the sun before flying to the sheltered side of the wall running along the edge of the field. We watched the butterfly settle and then spotted another roosting nearby. As our eyes became more accustomed we spotted at least a dozen Small Blues at roost. The vegetation, now sheltered from the wind was ideal for photography and I took many images of these tiny insects.
Small Blue Cupido minimus
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L lens & 12mm extension tube, 1/60 sec @ F6.3, -1/3 stop, ISO 250, tripod & cable release.
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
29 June 2010 - Downend, Bristol, UK
It is not often I get the chance to 'twitch' rare birds let alone rare plants these days but I couldn't resist the opportunity to see the remarkable Lizard Orchid on a bank in North Bristol.
This rare orchid was accidentally introduced to this northerly site about 40-50 years ago when the M4 motorway was being built. Imported soil was dumped at the roadside and some 20 years later the first Lizard Orchids were discovered. In 2010 a stand of 14 spikes has emerged so far.
Lizard Orchids are a strange shape, both tall, quite broad and with oddly-shaped flowers. I composed this image using a row of three spikes to create a mixture of colour, shape and focus. The 'forked tongues' pointing in various directions add an almost sinister feel to the shot.
Lizard Orchid Himantoglossum hircinum
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L macro lens & 12mm extension tube, 1/200 sec @ F6.3, -2/3 stop, ISO 320, bean bag resting on roadside crash barrier with cable release
For more images of this species click here.
9 June 2010 - Fowlsheugh, Kincardineshire, Scotland
It can be easy to become obsessed with seabird colonies and the British Isles certainly hold a vast number of breathtaking islands and mainland sites where seabirds can be observed at extremely close quarters.
Having disembarked from the Shetland to Aberdeen overnight ferry at 7am, I headed south and was at Fowlsheugh RSPB reserve just 30 minutes later in the morning gloom with thick cloud and very strong winds to contend with.
Thankfully the wind was coming from the east which is perfect for flight photography at this reserve. Gradually over the following seven hours the light improved and I was able to take hundreds of images of both Razorbills and Guillemots floating effortlessly around the cliff-tops.
Razorbill Alca torda
Canon 1D MkII & 70-200mm F2.8L IS lens & 1.4x converter @ 210mm, 1/1250 sec @ F6.3, -2/3 stop, ISO 200, handheld
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
1 to 8 June 2010 - Shetland Isles, Scotland
Nesting on rocky islands and coastal moorland, Great Skuas are masters of the skies and seas. Their powerful build enables them to defend their territory with brute force as well as harassing other seabirds for the food they've caught.
I have regularly observed Great Skuas chasing Gannets where their persistence and tenacity pays off with a free meal. In another case a dramatic chase between two skuas and a Common Gull ended in the latter’s demise, drowned in the water.
Shetland is a perfect place to watch the antics of skuas but be wary not to stray into their territory as you may well find yourself on the hit list.
Great Skua Stercorarius skua
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/2000 sec @ F5.6, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, bean bag from car
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
25 to 31 May 2010 - Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Scotland
Whether natural or man-made, sand banks and quarries provide perfect nesting habitat for a particular long-distant migrant: Sand Martins.
Arriving in Europe from tropical West Africa, Sand Martins excavate a deep burrow into a vertical sand or earth bank. They nest colonially and hunt insects over water so their nesting sites need to be close to areas where they can feed.
Having watched dozens hunting over narrow rivers and around the many coastal bays and inland lochs I found a number of small colonies on the Ardnamurchan peninsula where I could use the car as a perfect hide from which to photograph them.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/160 sec @ F5.6, -1/3 stop, ISO 400, bean bag from car
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
21 March to 11 April 2010 - Cuba
Photographing wildlife abroad and especially in tropical forest can be extremely challenging. Not only is it difficult to locate the target species but you have to acclimatise to the intense heat and/or humidity. Finally, if that was not enough you then have to ensure your camera is ready, pointing in the vague direction of the subject with the correct settings applied to the camera, especially as flash will be switched on to combat the lack of light in the canopy.
Whilst travelling independently in Cuba this spring we used guides where possible to locate some of the more tricky species in an area called Zapata, a vast swampland on the southern coast, some 240km from Havana. We made two visits covering seven nights here as there were many Cuban endemics and other specialities that we wished to find although some are almost impossible to see.
This beautiful owl was perched in a fairly open location at the edge of a vast, open swamp with sporadic palm trees (we visited in the dry season). Many of the trees were dead, providing fantastic habitat for three species of woodpecker, American Kestrel and this wonderful endemic Pygmy Owl.
Cuban Pygmy Owl Glaucidium siju
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 2x converter, 1/250 sec @ F8, -2/3 stop, ISO 500, flash extender, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here. Please note that more images from this trip are being added every week during February and March 2011.
14 March 2010 - Tealham Moor, Somerset, UK
Getting involved in wildlife surveying is a great excuse to be able to get out into the countryside to areas that you may not normally travel and at times when you'd rather be tucked up in bed. It is very rewarding knowing that the information you collect can be used for positive conservation work as well as offering potential opportunities to see some wonderful wildlife.
I have been undertaking the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBs) run jointly by the BTO and RSPB over a number of years and every visit turns up something unusual or interesting. In the case of the Ruff opposite I can't remember having ever seen them in this particular location before so it was equally exciting not only to find a locally rare bird but also to be able to photograph it.
Initially I used the car as a hide as the bird fed close to the edge of a field. Unfortunately it moved in line directly behind a fence so I was unable to continue taking pictures. A number of cars had passed and slowed and the bird showed no sign of leaving so I got out of the car and gradually stalked behind the gate post. I positioned myself about four metres closer and this time without any obstruction.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 2x converter, 1/800 sec @ F8, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, bean bag resting on fence
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
9 March 2010 - Grimley, Worcestershire, UK
Outside the breeding season many bird species moult into winter plumage thus offering the nature photographer another opportunity to capture the plumage and behaviour of a species in a different season.
Grebes especially, lose their stunning attire during the autumn and take on a rather plain look. On closer inspection the crisp black and white plumage and their piercing red eye really are a striking combination however and can be equally pleasing to photograph.
This passage bird at Grimley gravel pits in Worcestershire was exceptionally confiding and with a little patience and good timing it was possible to have the bird swimming just a few feet away from the shore. The low angle obtained by lying on the ground using a bean bag or flat tripod added a nice composition to a number of images. This one in particular showed one of the many Perch that the bird successfully caught during the day.
Slavonian (or Horned) Grebe Podiceps auritus
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/800 sec @ F8, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
6 March 2010 - Plumley Park, Weston-Super-Mare, UK
I often think of the phrase 'In Praise of Plants'; one of the competition topics for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. It is true that plants are remarkable in their ability to combat the weather, attract pollinators, fight for space, look attractive and ultimately struggle for survival in an ever-changing world.
Although I prefer the portrait version of the two Crocus flowers I love the gentle balance of colour, shape and depth-of-field in this image. It was certainly a pleasant diversion early on a Saturday morning in my local park just ten minutes walk from home.
Crocus
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L lens, 1/200 sec @ F3.5, +1/3 stop, ISO 125, bean bag & cable release
For more images from this trip click here.
21 February 2010 - Gloucestershire, UK
Wildfowl collections can often be a source of great imagery especially as captive birds act as decoys, attracting wild birds down to the enclosures. In the case of Shelduck they are frequently seen at very close quarters at Slimbridge and would normally be hard to approach on an estuary for example. Both the viewing distance, the habitat (sinking mud) and exposure are all prohibitive in getting up close.
Ensuring you've got a wild bird in your viewfinder is half the challenge but once you've seen a bird flap its wings or fly in to land then you know you're on to a winner.
Always remember if you are selling or promoting images to ensure you advertise a captive bird as such and not to pass it off as a wild one. This is both misleading to potential clients but may affect other photographer�s work too who may have spent a large amount of time and money photographing that species in the wild.
This image was taken from one of the leisure canoes which can be hired on the reserve taking you through a reedbed habitat with channels, flooded scrub and viewing screens. When bathing birds will finish with a flap of their wings and raise out of the water. This is the best time to capture some action and behaviour.
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/1600 sec @ F5.6, ISO 200, handheld from canoe
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
9 January 2010 - Congresbury, Somerset, UK
The excitement of sitting quietly in a small, portable hide in the freezing cold for four hours is a difficult thing for most people to comprehend. Surely there is something better to do during a cold winter's day I hear you say.
Well, there may be but to hear the sounds of the woodland, to see wild animals at close quarters and to observe something really special is why the uncomfortable conditions are worth persevering with.
During my four hour stint in the snow I was blessed with the appearance of a hungry Woodcock searching for food along the edge of the snow-covered lawn. The sun, breaking through the clouds was perfect, adding to the wonderful experience.
Woodcocks are shy birds, normally only observed when flushed during daylight hours; their camouflage providing them excellent protection from predators whilst roosting on the ground. Their eyes, which are positioned high on the head, offer them 360 degree vision. With the ground covered in snow I can only assume this bird was forced to feed during daylight hours.
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/320 sec @ F8, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, tripod & portable hide
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
3 January 2010 - Greylake, Somerset, UK
It is always nice to get out into the countryside at the start of the New Year, making the most of the crisp mornings and most of all getting the year off to a flyer photographically.
Not having yet been to the new RSPB reserve at Greylake in Somerset, I decided to make a visit whilst covering a couple of other sites nearby. It was a pretty frosty morning and all the standing water was frozen solid preventing any wildlife from swimming and feeding. After an hour or so a flock of Mallard duck skirted around the perimeter of the main frozen pond. After several circuits the small flock of fifteen or so birds started to descend to roost on the pond at midday.
With each banking turn the birds were lit up with the low sun. One male in particular called as it descended and although I didn't realise it at the time I managed to capture the moment. Thankfully, I only managed one sharp image out of a dozen or so as I had forgotten to reset my camera settings after a session with Dunlin Calidris alpina earlier in the morning using slow shutter speeds!! Phew!!
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/125 sec @ F20, -1/3 stop, ISO 100, bean bag from hide window
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
6 December 2009 - Congresbury, Somerset, UK
Winter feeding is both incredibly valuable to birds but also a great opportunity to photograph many of our common garden birds at close range.
Using a portable hide it is easy to set up feeders and attractive perches to try and entice your avian subjects. Most birds prefer to pause on their way to a food source to ensure there is no obvious danger before spending time feeding. A few well-placed branches can make all the difference to obtaining some pleasing images. The image of the Robin was just one such shot of a common bird sitting handsomely on a wonderful moss covered branch found in a local wood.
During the winter many smaller passerines including tits, warblers, nuthatches and goldcrests flock together and forage in groups. A garden feeding station could easily attract a dozen species or more depending on the locality in the country.
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/250 sec @ F5.6, -1/3 stop, ISO 320, tripod & portable hide
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
12 November 2009 - Gloucestershire, UK
Over much of the UK Wood Pigeons are classed as pests and because of this they are frequently shot or scared away from farmland, leaving them very wary of people. At Slimbridge they are both common and left to get on with their lives. This being the case they are incredibly tame and accustomed to the number of visitors to the reserve. Therefore for photographers it is a great place to visit to try and capture these charismatic and very attractive pigeons on film. I was quite intrigued by one of their behaviours as rather than sitting on top of the scattered buildings or perched up in the trees many birds would hunker down into the dew covered grass. I can only presume that it was slightly warmer on the ground. I particularly liked this unusual pose and although it is not an amazing image it did show another interesting side to these lovely birds.
Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/125 sec @ F5.6, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, resting on hide window
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
19 October 2009 - Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, UK
I always like to see unusual or very rare birds in Britain, even if I've seen dozens before abroad. In the case of Ring Ouzels, I have only ever seen a couple before so the chance to see half-a-dozen together was an opportunity I didn't want to miss. The Malvern Hills are a perfect example of birds using a linear feature as a migration tool although in October several birds were stopping to refuel on berries before continuing on their way south. At least seven birds had been seen feeding together and had been present for a number of days so it was highly likely they would still be there when I visited one afternoon. I had already checked the weather forecast and checked with a friend who lives nearby what the conditions were like and all was set fair. As is so often the case I left in beautiful morning sunshine and by the time I arrived the clouds and rain had arrived. Not to waste the trip we hiked up onto the hills and found our quarry very quickly in the same faithful tree. A pleasant afternoon's photography ensued even if the stunning shots we were expecting did not materialise. This is my best effort and only Ring Ouzel shots I currently have so I should not be too disheartened.
Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/80 sec @ F5.6, -1/3 stop, ISO 400, tripod
For more images of this species click here.
3 August 2009 - Woodspring Priory, Somerset, UK
One of the fascinating aspects of butterfly photography is the arrival of migrant species. In Britain there are only two main migrants; Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow. There are several other rarer vagrants that may turn up but you would be lucky to happen across many of these more unusual species. During 2009 there has been one of the biggest migrations of Painted Lady's ever with millions of butterflies arriving in Great Britain from North Africa. Most of these have breed and the volume of the second generation has been quite outstanding. There was one estimate of over a billion Painted Lady's in Britain this summer!! Although I'd seen the movement of this species in reasonable numbers I had yet to actually catch up with them to photograph. Once the second generation had hatched they were willing to feed and bask and allow a very close approach. One early morning in August I ventured out to a local coastal site where I was hoping to find some Painted Lady's to photograph. I didn't have to walk far and within 50 metres of the car I found two Burdock bushes which were covered in Painted Lady's and Small Tortoiseshells. I estimated that within an area of 30-40 metres I could count well in excess of 50 Painted Lady's. Opposite is one of them basking on a Burdock flowerhead.
Painted Lady Butterfly Vanessa cardui
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L lens & 12mm extension tube, 1/320 sec @ F8, -1/3 stop, ISO 125, monopod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
11 to 13 July 2009 - Buckinghamshire & Berkshire, UK
Continuing the June butterfly theme, I took off to middle England hoping for some new species to photograph. After a very wet and miserable start along with a strained back muscle, I was able to catch up with three new life species; Purple Emperor, White Admiral and Silver-studded Blue, the latter two species being photographed. There were a total of 19 species identified altogether in two full days with this beautiful Common Blue being one of the commoner ones. This pristine female perched and basked in the sun on Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor at Bernwood Meadow, Buckinghamshire. We also visited Finemere Wood in Buckinghamshire and Broadmoor Bottom in Berkshire.
Common Blue Butterfly Polyommatus icarus
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L lens & 12mm extension tube, 1/125 sec @ F11, ISO 200, tripod & cable release
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
22 - 25 June 2009 - Northumberland & Bempton Cliffs, UK
A visit to Northumberland is a must for all wildlife photographers who wish to add the commonest British breeding seabirds to their image portfolio. I had not, however visited Bempton Cliffs on the east coast of Yorkshire. I don't think I was prepared for the outstanding spectacle of the 300 foot sheer cliffs, and was in awe of the spectacle of seabirds visiting their nesting sites covering every ledge available. Amongst the usual assortment of Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars is the largest mainland colony of Gannets in England. The views are not always easy as a cliff-top fence prevents the brave (or stupid!) going too near the edge. There are a number of good viewpoints and some of these are excellent places for working on flight shots. With the sun rising directly out-to-sea it is not necessarily a good first thing visiting early in the day. I was disappointed by the poor lighting conditions on arrival at 04:30 and the briefest of glows from the short sunrise offered a tiny window of opportunity as Gannets glided their way over the rough sea. Using a long telephoto lens I was just able to squeeze the best from the orange glow and the image opposite was certainly the highlight of the day.
Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/2000 sec @ F4, -1 & 1/3 stops, ISO 400, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
3 - 4 June 2009 - Priddy Mineries, Somerset, UK
Wherever you live in the UK there are always a few local sites which are magical places to visit; however if you decided to visit at the 'wrong' time of year you may be very disappointed. Priddy Mineries along with the nearby woodland of Stock Hill are just two such sites which during the winter do not have the same draw as the summertime, when large numbers of dragonflies, butterflies, flowers and spring migrant birds turn this spot into a beautiful little gem. Having visited the site during the evening of 3rd June I was able to establish some of the key species I wished to photograph the following day. Downy Emerald, Emperor and Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies were tricky in the warm conditions; however the several butterfly species were far easier to approach as the regular passing clouds kept their activity curtailed. Small Heath, Painted Lady and Dingy Skipper were pleasing subjects but it was the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries that I was most interested in. This is one of my favourite images when at 21:00 they had gone to roost amongst the tall grass. This was also the time the wind dropped and I was attacked by thousands of midges; this was the time to leave after a 15 hour photo session.
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L macro lens & 12mm extender, 1/125 sec @ F8, ISO 200, tripod & cable release
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
23 - 24 May 2009 - Haugh Wood, Herefordshire, UK
Following honeymoon blues the best thing for me was to get out into the field once again. Thankfully a friend asked if I'd like to assist on some Wood White surveying at Haugh Wood in Herefordshire so I was quite happy to tag along. A pleasant period of warm weather ensured plenty of butterfly and dragonfly activity. I think a count of 20+ Pearl-bordered Fritillaries and 50+ Wood Whites were enough to account for a good couple of days. We also discovered a small pond where several immature Broad-bodied Chasers must have recently emerged along with a hunting Club-tailed Dragonfly (from the nearby Wye River) and several Large Red Damselflies. The image opposite was one of the many chaser images that I took as they perched at the top of dead vegetation.
Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa
Canon 1Ds MkII & 180mm F3.5L macro lens & 12mm extender, 1/200 sec @ F9, ISO 200, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
28 April - 14 May 2009 - Seychelles
No-one can expect a birder, let alone a wildlife photographer not to take their camera away on their honeymoon especially when it is in such a wonderful destination as the Seychelles! Thankfully my lovely wife Helen was more than happy to share her luggage with a couple of lenses and flashguns! Visiting the Seychelles was an amazing experience and we managed to see 11 of the 12 endemics in the beautiful Indian Ocean surroundings missing out only on the Seychelles White-eye. The successful endemics however were: Seychelles Sunbird, Seychelles Black Parrot, Seychelles Magpie Robin, Seychelles Fody, Seychelles Warbler, Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, Seychelles Bulbul, Seychelles Blue Pigeon, Seychelles Scops Owl, Seychelles Kestrel and Seychelles Swiftlet.
We also visited Bird Island which was one of the most amazing islands I've set foot on with thousands of nesting seabirds, although the famous Sooty Terns were not nesting at this time but coming to roost in probably 7 figures!! The other highlights included nesting Fairy Terns (opposite) which lay their single egg in a crack or depression on a branch. The people on Bird Island give some assistance in the form of coconut shells which increase the nesting locations and also nesting success. The chick stays virtually still for many weeks whilst it grows.
White (Fairy) Tern Gygis alba
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens, 1/250 sec @ F4, +1/3 stop, ISO 400, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
8 - 11 April 2009 - Cairngorms, Scotland
Requiring a pre-wedding photography fix, I ventured up to Scotland to repeat some of the wildlife experiences of March and May 2008. Having only 4 days was a little disappointing but good views of Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Pine Marten and Crested Tit made for a noteworthy list. Photography, however was a little mixed with commoner species like Chaffinch, Siskin, Pheasant and Red Grouse taking some of the limelight. This Pheasant in particular was in a dominant mood having fought off a potential male intruder. The image shows him maintaining his territory with a vocal call.
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Canon 1Ds MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/320 sec @ F6.3, -1/3 stop, ISO 400, bean bag from car
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
21 February 2009 - Gloucestershire, UK
The UK Nature Photographer's Conference provided a chance to arrive early for a brief photography session at the reserve. The hides leading to Holden Tower proved quite productive with Pochard, Mallard, Gadwall and Tufted Duck shots. During the lunch interval and at the end of the conference it was possible to obtain some cracking shots of wild Pintail, Moorhen and flight shots of Bewick Swan and Starling coming in to roost. The Pintail image right was the best shot of the day taken in fantastic light (at mid-day!!).
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/1250 sec @ F8, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
1 - 6 February 2009 - La Serena Plains, Spain
Each winter I like to take a short European break to check out a new area and the last two years Fuerteventura has been the destination. This year I wanted to see the spectacle of Common Crane migration as they move between their roosting and feeding grounds every day. During one cold vigil at Almorch�n we counted 1358 cranes in one hour passing through a low cut in the mountains. Great & Little Bustards scattered the plains along with harriers, larks and many other steppe species. The highlight of the 5 day trip was an encounter with an early migrating Great-spotted Cuckoo which perched handsomely on a rock. A bit of quick thinking was required to get into position to take a sequence of images as the bird displayed.
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/800 sec @ F8, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, bean bag from car
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
24 January 2009 - Aberystwyth Harbour, Wales
Whilst visit Tregaron to plan a future trip with friends to Cuba, I made the short journey to Aberystwyth to look for Grey Phalaropes which had been reported feeding in the surf along the south beach. Having found the birds, I proceeded to explore more of the excellent beach and harbour area and came across a pair of Goosander, a Rock Pipit and a floundering fish which jumped out onto the slipway! The tide was out so I was able to sit among the boats watching a Rock Pipit feeding in the muddy pools. The most pleasing image was this one when the bird paused by a small pool and provided a nice reflection in the afternoon light.
Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/500 sec @ F6.3, ISO 200, tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
1 - 5 January 2009 - Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, Wales
Having had the flu during New Year of 2008 I was determined to start 2009 with a trip to Anglesey. The only previous journey to this part of Wales was in November 2006 and I was really looking forward to some crisp mornings, early evenings by the fire and the chance of some interesting pictures of birds in wonderful winter light. I was not disappointed when it came to all three! Red Wharf Bay turned out to be the most productive site with Redshank, Oystercatcher, Curlew and Turnstone giving wonderful opportunities with some late evening light; oranges, purples and reds. I tried some new techniques and deliberately slowed the shutter whilst panning to get some interesting movement shots. Here is one of my favourites of four Turnstones against an orange sea.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Canon 1D MkII & 500mm F4L IS lens & 1.4x converter, 1/80 sec @ F18, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, panning using tripod
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.
23 November 2008 - Grainthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK
Watching the rare bird alert channels, I was keeping an eye on a very confiding shrike in Lincolnshire close to Donna Nook where I was planning a photography trip for Grey Seals. This was enough to get me excited about seeing such a rare bird on British soil. I was especially lucky with the snow that fell on the weekend I visited and I had the bird almost to myself. I have never known such a confiding bird and it was a case of waiting for it to come to me rather than trekking after it. The poor blighter was obviously looking for food but all I could offer were some biscuit crumbs, something it probably doesn't find in the wild in Asia! As the bird had been exceptionally well photographed already I took a slightly more unusual set of images using a 17-40 wide angle lens. My images were subsequently published in Bird Watch (Feb 2009) and Bird Watching (Jan & Sep 2009).
Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis pallidirostris
Canon 1Ds MkII & 17-40 F4L lens set at 38mm, 1/1250 sec @ F8, -1/3 stop, ISO 200, handheld
For more images of this species click here or from this trip click here.