Sunday 28 February 2010

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Camargue area, 8-14/2

A week in southern France in the company of Kevin Du Rose, Graham Catley and John Wright wasn't especially productive for photos though some excellent birds were seen. The weather was perhaps to blame for the lack of photo opportunities with strong, icy winds being uncomfortable conditions for both us and the birds.

Wallcreeper at Les Baux

Perhaps should have taken more of these as the rest of the lads got some alright shots of this rather special bird wintering at Les Baux. There only appeared to be one present and it was rather mobile and I was never in the right place at the right time to really nail it unfortunately. The strong wind on top of Les Baux meant that all the Alpine Accentors were sheltering in impossible to reach places so didn't even get any shots of these usually soft targets.

Greater Flamingo shapes

I had never seen Flamingos display before and it was quite an impressive sight but it was incredibly hard to get a good composition out of.

Slender-billed Gull

Saw a few of these during the week but couldn't do any damage until the last day when the sun came out and the wind dropped. Amazing how the different light condtions affect how pink the birds look.
A worn first winter- very tame.

Cattle Egret

Black-necked Grebes

Common Buzzard

Last one from Camargue- Buzzard in the rain.