Local LEO

The local Long-eared Owls have bred once again, with two pairs fledging two young each. Both families are obliging in the evening and mornings. Even when the young look downy they still have some pretty good wings on them and move from tree to tree. On one morning, we found an adult roosting near the young. 

Whinchat on Cradge

I remember the first spring drake Whinchat I found on Cradge Bank, by the Welland, near Spalding 11 years ago. It showed well  Ever since then it's been tradition to look for them in the spring and Autumn has become even better for them. Today's was in exactly the same place as previous spring birds but this bird has was the most obliging yet. 

A Local Hobby

 My first Hobby of the year! 

Black-tailed Godwit

 

More Goosandlings

 

Patchwork

Been a great spring for wader passage on my patch, Deeping Lakes but constantly gets out shined by Baston & Langtoft GP. It's a small site, so will never produce huge numbers but the past week has seen a pleasing number and variety pass through. Yesterday's pre-work visit produced a Wood Sandpiper and Whimbrel. The former is my first ever spring record at Deeping Lakes. Both, typically, only stayed for the early morning. 

Goosandlings

Last year we suspected Goosanders tried to breed on the Maxey cut but presumed failure, as no young were seen. On Thursday, ten tiny Goosander ducklings, or Goosandlings if you prefer, were found with their mother on the Maxey Cut! Fantastic! First proven breeding in the Deepings!

My friend Hugh Wright followed them as they travelled over 1.5 miles on Friday morning, as the mamma clearly knew a better feeding area! In the evening, I joined Hugh and his family and enjoyed fantastic views of these very cute babies.
 

Emperor Moth

 

Great Egrets

A pair of Great White Egrets spent their afternoon at Deeping Lakes today. A welcome patch year tick. Others today included a Great-black backed Gull and Grey Partridge, bringing me to 96 this year. Amazing for such a small space!

Brown Owl

I have never had the opportunity to photograph a day flying Tawny Owl before. Nor have I have enjoyed such amazing views as of this individual. An early morning visit on Saturday produced amazing views; I was later today, due to work so the sun high in the sky wasn't ideal. Another early morning visit is in order, before the trees become too green.

Young Yank

This 1st winter drake Ring-necked Duck was found by Josh Jones some time in the late Autumn/early winter last year. It's been pretty faithful to his patch of Baston & Langtoft GP all winter, even over coming apparent health problems. Another drake, this time an adult, is also on site, having wintered close by at Tallington Lakes. Yet I still wait for one to appear at Deeping Lakes...
 

Otter family

'If I hold back, perhaps he won't notice I have a fish....'
 

Frank

 Grey Heron, taken with macro lens.