For a change this morning I decided to take a drive over to the Stour Valley and listen for some Owls before I then went on to Stodmarsh. I spent an hour driving around the Grove/stodmarsh area and managed to hear 7 Tawny Owls and 1 Little Owl. There is something special about being out early in the dark listening to the Owls calling across the valley to each other. I then drove down to Stodmarsh reserve where I spent a few hours in the reedbed hide hoping that the Kingfisher would return for his photo. As most photographers will tell you, you can't have enough shots of a Kingfisher, especially when the sun is shining on them. All sat in position in the hide before the sun was up the Kingfisher arrived on the post and set about fishing. Great that it had turned up but it was too early, the sun was not above the tree line. I had some lovely views through the binoculars as it caught a nice sized fish before flying off out of site. Needless to say not long after the sun was shining but the Kingfisher did not return before I left at 9.45am. Birds that were noted from the hide this morning were 2 Jay, 5 Great crested Grebe, 2 Green Woodpecker, 10+ Bearded Tit, 3 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Water Rail, 1 Little Egret but no sign of any Great White Egrets this morning. There were 5 Marsh Harrier, c100 Greylag Geese out of the reserve, 4 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff, 6 Mute Swan, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker, 3 Golden Plover were in with c200 Lapwing, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 Redwing called a few times but went unseen. No shots this morning despite the lovely light so here is another Kingfisher from the other day. I shall hopefully be back this week for it so expect some more Kingfisher shots If I get lucky.
Best one yet Marc :-)
ReplyDeleteYou saw loads, and a great Kindfisher picture from the other day. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteYou beat it, the Kingfisher is your best; best bird of this year.
ReplyDeleteHola Marc magnifica fotografia de esta bella ave.Un saludo.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful!... Lovely pictures!!!.. Congrat..
ReplyDeleteThat's a real cracker!!
ReplyDeleteI love the color of his feathers
ReplyDeleteREAL NICE LIGHT OF THIS kING!
ReplyDeleteSALUDOS!
What a beautiful shot! Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteVery very nice greetings joanca
ReplyDelete