Got the Hump

 

Humpback Whales are iconic giants of our oceans. I first picked up one from probably a mile and a half away and was able to put Pinky on them from the water pouting with the naked eye! We tried to then move round to where we thought they were with no success so moved to a layby over looking the Sound of Mousa. The views were incredible, if a little distant but as you can see from these record shots- they are massive. 

I have only had poor views from a speed boat off Rotnest Island, Perth in Australia with my good pal Dom previously and I have craved more ever since- including the iconic tail views. I have kept an eye on Humpbacks in Shetland in the past, with November seeing the pair (perhaps the same pair we saw today?) return the past few years and Orcas also appearing then; the double act has been very tempting! 

We only arrived on Shetland today so to have these outstanding views of two Humpbacks, two Minke Whales and 10+ Harbour Porpoises (plus distant Dolphin sp- perhaps White-beaked) has been incredible. But like many, these views of Humpbacks, are a massive tick off the bucket list. Once again Shetland has delivered a Cetacean bucket list tick after the Orcas in 2018. What a place! And what a group of marine animals! 

Another local Otter

On the local facebook groups there have been videos by Jo Public of Otters in the Welland for the last two months or so. I've had a few walks along the Welland attempting to find them but today my father found one, which was followed by a photo by local talented photographer Iain Toombs reporting else where. Turns out there were three and they ranged probably three miles today! 

I caught up with them near the centre of Market Deeping just after 5pm and enjoyed 10 glorious minutes, watching a delightful family of three hunt for fish and crayfish. My addition to Otters continues and I consider myself lucky, that ever six months or so I get an awesome opportunity to photograph these gorgeous creatures. 

Otterly wonderful!

 

Pied Flycatcher

 

An obliging individual in a park in Huntstanton yesterday. 

Brown Shrike in Norfolk

This is my second Brown Shrike in the UK. They appear to have become a regular autumn feature in the past five years but nevertheless, a rare bird for Norfolk. Although showing well, it was just out of range for decent photos when we were there, with the harsh light not helping. Great bird though and much closer than my first, which I saw in London. 

Common Darter

 

Willow Spreadwing

 

Great Overload

 

More Great Egret overload

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The incredibly showy Great Egret continues to delight on Deeping Highbank today. Very active but seemingly fearless, with it flying directly at me at one point and landing on the river bank below me- just outrageous views. Spent a superb 20 minutes or so this afternoon photographing it. No doubt there will be more to come, if it remains. 

Whinchat at Deeping Highbank

 

It has been an exceptional Autumn for Whinchats, locally. Three were found on Deeping Highbank today and this one showed reasonably well this afternoon. Always good value and a great bird to catch up with during their migration south. 

Another Sharky

 

Superb views of the Deeping Highbank Great White Egret. Probably the most fearless one I have seen in this country.