From the archives No. 8

Don't remember publishing these Great White Egret photos I took in 2016 with Mike Weedon. I first found it on the 2nd April on Deeping Highbank in Lincolnshire and these photos were taken later in the month. Fantastic bird and brilliant to see more regularly these days!

Lammergeier

Yesterday morning Pops and I visited Howden Moors, just outside Sheffield. Sadly, we missed the Lammergeier and walk was horrific, though we didn't go all the way to the cliff where the bird roosted.

This morning Pinky and I visited and didn't enjoy the near two hour hike but at the end of it we enjoyed great views of the Vulture sat on the cliff. Eventually it took off and landed on a nearer rock to warm up in the sun giving outstanding views.

To the crowd's delight, the bird took off and flew directly towards us, disappearing behind a hill. Incredibly, it appeared from behind the hill and soared slowly, higher and higher, starting at eye level. At times the crowd were in the shadow of this enormous bird of prey. The joy and elation after an incredibly challenging walk was immense. An unforgettable experience.

Black-tailed Godwit

This Black-tailed Godwit remained at Deeping Lakes all weekend, often showing well. It's been a great few weeks for Godwits at Deeping Lakes this past week. Another flock appeared today, this time 24.

Auk-ward. No Albatross

Puffin

Guillemot
Despite no sign since 11am on Friday, I decided to go to Bempton Cliffs on Saturday, for the Black-browed Albatross on Saturday. Crazy it may have seemed but actually Bempton is amazing in it's own right and an Albatross would have just been an a dream come true, especially after the photos that had come out on Friday and Thursday.

Not an Albatross

... but still a magnificent bird. The Gannet population has grown over the past few decades at Bempton Cliffs. I remember on my first visit, as a kid, you had to go to one area to go and see the Gannets. These days, they are all over the cliffs and they are impressive! Great masters of the sky and sea. But they don't command attention like an Albatross would I guess...

Juvenile Long-eared Owl at Bempton

This juvenile Long-eared Owl was day hunting along the cliffs at Bempton Cliffs RSPB on Saturday (4th July) morning. Not exactly an Albatross but beautiful nevertheless.

From the archives No. 7

Northern Bald Ibis from February 2012, in Morocco. I don't really remember my week in Morocco, because of my first ever migraine, which lasted nearly the full week,  so I barely remember this experience. Still, at least I picked up the camera!

From the archives No. 6

This Black-winged Pratincole was at Stodmarsh in Kent back in May 2009. Always distant, as this record shot suggests. Pratincoles are always great value, even at a distance!

Fly Over

A past it's best Fly Orchid near Peterborough in early June. They were photographed in their prime a whole 7 days later last year, and multiple spikes. The dry spring hasn't done this species any good around here.

Dark Green Fritillary

We though this Dark Green Fritillary was fairly early when we found it on the 6th June at a site near Peterborough. They seem to have fairly recently colonised the Peterborough area and it's only the second time I have seen them around here! 

Black Tern at Deeping Lakes

Found on the Lake at DL by my Dad on Saturday 13th, it moved onto the East Pit later on in the day where it gave good views but unfortunately was too far for decent shots.

Scarce Chaser

This male Scarce Chaser was one of many seen at Woodwalton Fen NNR on Saturday morning.

Orchids on the patch

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, or the (now voluntary) warden's, obsession with Orchids at Deeping Lakes has led to the mass man made spreading of  Orchid seed over the last decade or so. Consequently, thousands of Common Spotted Orchids are now around the reserve.

I remember when I did work experience on the reserve and we found the first Pyramidal Orchid on a part of the (at the time, new reserve), which hadn't been touched for 15 or so years. It was thrilling and don't get me wrong, seeing so many Orchids on site is amazing but it's not quite so the same; knowing it's throw someone spreading the seed.