Far Ings Rarities 28-4-12

Red-rumped Swallow

Ring Ouzel

A visit in the bitterly cold and windy weather to see the reported Red-rumped Swallow and male Ring Ouzel. Great views of both species! Only managed a record shot of them but great birds to see at Far Ings :)

A Couple of Hours at Far Ings NNR 24/4/12

I decided on a couple of hours out on the reserve as the sun was shining. I knew it wouldn't be long before the rain moved in so I took a chance. I was delighted to have a confiding Swallow perch up for me near to the visitor centre. I was also watching a flock of 4 Linnet in the car park area, everytime I approached, typically, they were off. So I lay down on the grass behind a picnic bench and waited patiently for them to return, which they did! Other birds of note were Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Avocet, Oystercatcher etc and a couple of Common Tern.

Kestrel

Linnet

Swallow

Meadow Pipit

Later in the evening we had a nice drive out to Worlaby Carrs and enjoyed good, if distant views of SEO. I didnt manage any photos of them but pulled up in the car to photograph a perched Meadow Pipit.

Photography Trip to Derbyshire update

I have 2 places left now on this trip (details of trip below), for either a couple or two friends to share one room.

Derbyshire Photography Trip June 2012

I am planning/ leading a 3 day photography trip with the onus on birds/landcapes of the Hope Valley area in Derbyshire.

I have 4 places available for this great few days in a beautiful part of the UK. The cost includes 3 nights bed & breakfast in a village pub (I have stayed there many times and its thoroughly recommended), one day at a secret location that is a hotspot for breeding Redstarts and also we shall enjoy two days exploring the delights of Padley Gorge/Longshaw estate enjoying such birds as Redstart, Pied Flycatchers, Grey Wagtail and Wood Warbler.

It is my intention to enjoy the area mainly on foot , mostly gentle although Padley Gorge has areas which demand a little fitness! It will be an informal trip with plenty of time for rest and relaxation where we can exchange photography tips and enjoy the areas scenery and wildlife.

The cost for the trip is £175 per person which includes:

3 Nights B&B, rooms have free wifi internet access.

One day visit to the Redstart breeding area

Two days visit to Padley Gorge/Longshaw estate.

Not included are evening meals and transportation to and from Derbyshire.

The dates for the trip are Sunday 10^th June -Tuesday 12^th June 2012. Photography days will be Monday Tuesday and Wednesday.

A deposit of £50 per person is required to secure a place with the remainder due by the beginning of May 2012. Further information/details of the trip will be forwarded to the participants in due course.

Hope you can join me! Please contact me via my email mandy_west48@yahoo.com  to register your interest or for further details.