Reed Bunting

Sometimes the simplest encounters make a morning feel worthwhile. Last weekend, at Deeping Lakes LWT, I spent a bit of time enjoying the sight and sound of a Reed Bunting doing exactly what you’d expect — perched on the swaying reeds, belting out its scratchy, cheerful song across the fen.

Collared Pratincole

Last week, I made my annual early summer evening visit to Frampton Marsh RSPB with my Dad. It’s become a bit of a tradition for us — we always pick an evening when the reserve is quiet and enjoy a peaceful wander, just the two of us and the birds.

This year’s visit brought a nice surprise: a Collared Pratincole that had been found the weekend before was still present and showing well (if a little distant!). These elegant waders are always a treat to see in the UK — and this sighting made it my second Pratincole species at Frampton Marsh. The first was an Oriental Pratincole I was lucky enough to catch up with there about 15 years ago.

It’s special moments like this that keep me heading back, year after year. You never know what Frampton will deliver next — that’s half the fun!

What a Hoot!

Have you ever wondered what a Tawny Owl looks like when it hoots? It’s one of those moments you always hope for but rarely get to witness clearly—especially in daylight.

Last weekend, I had one of my most memorable encounters yet with this usually elusive species. Early in the morning, I spotted a male Tawny Owl perched low and out in the open—already unusual. He was alert and watching, not tucked away in typical roosting mode.

Then, completely unprompted, he began hooting continuously, his throat puffed out and his wings softly quivering with the effort of each call. It was a real privilege to see and photograph him mid-hoot—something I’d only previously seen under cover of darkness.

Eventually, he flew off into dense cover, where I could hear a female Tawny calling back. It’s always a thrill to witness a duet between a pair, and I can’t help but wonder if they have young in a nearby nest. Hopefully I’ll be able to return soon and perhaps spot the next generation.

This image captures that magical mid-hoot moment, and I’ll be sharing more photos from this special encounter soon.

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More of the Tawny Owl

Early one morning at the weekend, I had one of my most memorable encounters yet with a Tawny Owl. I found it perched high in a tree, slightly obscured by summer leaves, and clearly wide awake—not in the mood for roosting.

With a bit of slow repositioning, I managed to get a clearer view. Then, without warning, the owl began hooting repeatedly, filling the quiet woodland with its deep, resonant call. Moments later, it flew into the dense cover—and that’s when things got even better. A second owl responded, and soon I was listening to a duet between a male and female Tawny Owl, echoing through the trees.

It’s not often you get to witness this kind of behaviour in daylight, let alone capture it. While the photo above reflects the calm before it all kicked off, I’ll be sharing more images from this encounter soon, including the moment the hooting began.

Tawny Surprise

Green Woodpecker in May

Green Woodpeckers are a regular part of my patch at Deeping Lakes, a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve. I often hear their distinctive “yaffling” call echoing through the trees or catch a fleeting glimpse as one flies low across the grassland. But despite seeing them fairly often, I’d never actually managed to photograph one properly—until now.

Early last month, I was making my usual circuit through the reserve when I spotted a flash of green in the elder ahead. To my surprise, a male Green Woodpecker had landed on an exposed branch. Expecting it to fly off immediately (as they usually do!), I paused for just a second, slowly lifted the camera, and to my amazement—it stayed put.

It gave me just enough time to fire off a few frames before heading off in the direction of what I suspect was a nearby nest site. A fleeting moment, but one I’ve been hoping for for quite some time. It’s always rewarding when a familiar bird finally gives you the shot you’ve been chasing for years.

You can see the image on my Instagram and Facebook (@JustWildImages)—and I’ll be sharing a few more from that morning soon.

If you enjoy these field moments and want to follow more of my patchwork stories, don’t forget to check out the rest of my blog. And if you love my wildlife photography, you might also enjoy my photo cards and prints—link’s in the menu!

Scarce Chaser at Deeping Lakes

Scarce Chaser dragonflies were recorded at nearby Maxey Pits earlier this month, so it wasn’t a huge surprise when Mike Weedon spotted the first individuals for Deeping Lakes along the river last weekend. Over the past few evenings, I’ve found at least three males (including this worn individual) in a short stretch—suggesting a promising local population.

Their numbers have steadily increased in recent summers, although not quite as quick of the Norfolk Hawker. I recorded the first Norfolk Hawker for the reserve just last night, and they now seem to be everywhere along the River Nene in Peterborough. Hopefully I will get some photos over the weekend.

A Windswept Encounter with a Black Tern at Deeping Lakes

Despite the blustery conditions over the bank holiday weekend, one of the real highlights on the patch was a beautifully agile Black Tern at Deeping Lakes. I spent some time watching it glide low over the water, picking insects delicately from the surface—making the most of what was available, since there weren’t many insects in the air.

It's always a treat to see Black Terns here, especially considering that some springs can pass by without a single sighting. This spring, though, has been much more productive. Flocks were reported moving through earlier in the week, and this lone bird was the icing on the cake.

Their flight style is a joy to watch—graceful, buoyant, and totally at home in the wind. These birds don’t linger long during passage, so getting a moment like this is one to appreciate.

Here’s hoping the rest of the spring continues in the same vein!

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Boom!

Some birds never lose their magic, no matter how many times you’re lucky enough to see them. Over the past week, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with one of Britain’s most secretive and iconic wetland birds—the Bittern.

Often a master of staying hidden, this particular male Bittern has been a little more obliging than most, offering a few wonderful views. Better still, I’ve been able to watch him booming on several occasions.

If you’ve never heard a Bittern boom, it’s something truly special. The sound is deep, resonant, and carries far across the wetlands—almost more felt than heard. This male is still a little rusty though, his calls more like deep grunts than the full, echoing booms that experienced birds produce. Still, there’s something hugely endearing about watching him try, chest puffed out and neck stretched skywards in effort.

Bitterns are birds of stillness and patience. Their camouflaged plumage allows them to vanish into reedbeds with ease, blending perfectly into their surroundings. Every sighting feels like a reward for persistence and quiet watching. It’s part of what makes springtime birding so exciting—moments like these that you simply can’t plan or predict.

Sky Dancers - Marsh Harriers at Willow Tree Fen

A few weeks ago, I had one of those wildlife encounters that really sticks with you. I was at Willow Tree Fen, a fantastic Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve, enjoying a morning visit with my friend Matt (who volunteers on site), when a stunning adult male Marsh Harrier gave us several incredibly close fly-pasts.

It’s always a privilege to get good views of a Marsh Harrier, but this one seemed especially showy—crisp plumage glowing in the low sun, its flight slow and deliberate. What made it even more special was the aerial display going on above us: several males were sky dancing—a classic Marsh Harrier courtship behaviour, where they climb high before diving dramatically in a series of twists and turns.

There’s something magical about watching these birds over the open fenland landscape. And every time I see one, I’m taken back to childhood weekends at the end of the River Welland, scanning the skies with my Dad and my late Grandad, hoping to catch even the briefest glimpse. Back then, Marsh Harriers were a real rarity. Now, to be watching multiple birds displaying with a mate and a camera in hand—it’s something I never take for granted.

This encounter was one of those moments where everything just lined up: great light, great company, and a bird that’s meant so much to me over the years.

If you’ve enjoyed this story, or if my photos resonate with you, do check out my photo cards and wildlife artwork—available now on my Etsy shop (link above). It’s another way I get to share these beautiful encounters with you.

Spring Spotted Redshank on the patch

Worth getting up early, to find this Spotted Redshank on my patch this morning. Only my third ever here.

Daytime Barn Owl

This Barn Owl showed well in the mid-day sun.

First Aurora of the Year

Great to see the Northern Lights over Lincolnshire, last night.