Velvet at last!

The last Velvet Scoter in the PBC area was in 1983 so news that Josh Jones had found one on the Welland at Cradge Bank was very welcome. It was a challenge to photograph and not particularly approachable but with a bit of patience, we managed to get some superb views. 

 

Hidden Bittern

Had a lucky encounter with a Bittern at Deeping Lakes this lunchtime. They are never an easy subject to photograph here, but I think these photos really show the cryptic plumage nicely.  

Look up!

 When a Red Kite glides low over the reeds.....

Diver on the patch

Another rare visitor to my patch, Deeping Lakes LWT. There have only been three previous records on the reserve, with a further record from the Mere, of which saw the 2006, which was the first since 1966! 

 

First new bird of 2024- Northern Waterthrush

A painful dip on Saturday with Dad, was quickly rectified on Wednesday, with Paul Bolton, et al. A dawn start at Maldon in Essex and the assembled crowd were pleased when a small passerine appeared at the water's edge. As the light improved, we enjoyed superb views of this great American vagrant. Fantastic start to 2024. 

2023 Highlights

A few days into 2024 now so as is tradition, here are some of my favourite shots from 2023. 

Barn Owl, Deeping Highbank, south Lincolnshire.

Long-eared Owl, south Lincolnshire.

Barn Owl, Deeping Highbank, south Lincolnshire

Common Crane, courting in south Lincolnshire.

Eyed Hawkmoth, Bourne, south Lincolnshire.

Avocet, Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire. 

Peregrine, Stamford, Lincolnshire.

Black-winged Stilt, Maxey GP, Cambridgeshire.

Long-eared Owls, south Lincolnshire. 

Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.

Peregrine, Yaxley, Cambridgeshire.

Reed Bunting, Deeping Lakes, Lincolnshire.

Otter family, Deeping Lakes, Lincolnshire. 

Red Squirrels, Norway.

Magnolia Warbler, St Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire. 

Veery, Shetland. 

Orcas. Shetland.

Citrine Wagtail, Shetland

Arctic Warbler, Shetland. 

Glossy Ibis, Deeping Lakes, south Lincolnshire. 

Aurora, south Lincolnshire.