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.

Redwing

Black Redstart

The Eyebrook Bittern showed immediately on arrival this morning but a Grey Heron forced it into hiding and with my toes nearly falling off I decided to head to Exton instead for the Black Redstart. Between hiding in warm barns this stunning male showed rather well, allowing for some nice photos in the snow.

Freezing Pewits

Two Deepings firsts

A lucky break today when Kev Du Rose and I found Deeping's first Yellow-browed Warbler at Deeping Lakes this afternoon. See Kev's shots here.

Whilst waiting for better views, we got news that the Glossy Ibis was back at Maxey Gravel Pits. We enjoyed lovely views of the Ibis in the excellent light until it eventually flew off south.

Yellow-legged Gull