tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72349501013951651392024-03-18T03:03:00.736+00:00owls about that then!Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.comBlogger681125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-21567900623048476512021-04-06T10:46:00.000+01:002021-04-06T10:46:43.693+01:00Getting back into it.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-right: 0px; text-align: justify;">Well, where do I start......?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-right: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-right: 0px; text-align: justify;">My blogger absence wasn't enforced, it was just a case of too much too often. I decided to have a short break and then get back into it after a short period. Then I just got use to not doing my updates and that's the way it has remained until now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-right: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-right: 0px; text-align: justify;"><u>Action Plan</u></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Prior to Christmas I was asked if my monitored Little Owl numbers were in decline? I had no idea as I'd not invested any time into them for at least 3-4 years. That was the catalyst I needed, so from Jan 1st 2021 I been making an effort to take my daily exercise around or near to my old Little Owl sites. So far my findings are not good, of the 60 or so sites I've visited so far birds have only been seen at approx. 16 locations (I will publish more accurate data at a later date). Of those occupied sites 4 of them are brand new, so my initial instinct's are telling me there is 'a problem'.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span>In conjunction with checking on the Little Owls I've also been monitoring my known Barn Owl sites where Col Green and I have put up boxes. This is a bit more complex of a task because the locations are nearly all on private land and I've had to make contact/visits (which is difficult at the moment) to reacquaint with the farmers and reaffirm that access is still allowed. So far, every landowner has been pleased to see me and 100% access permission secured.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Prior to me getting started I needed a new 'owling vehicle, so a black Jeep Cherokee was acquired. On top of the initial purchase price it has also cost me extra with new mud tyres and a cam belt replacement that set me back over a grand, but it was worth it, a superb bit of kit that suits my off roading requirements perfectly! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Since my new journey started I have been making every effort to get our early and late 3 - 4 times a week, it will be more often now the lighter mornings & evening are with us. Along the way I have also encountered other species other than Little & Barn owls, in particular there were two different encounters that come to mind with Tawny owls, one near to the village of Kilworth and the other not far from Gilmorton.</span></p><span><p class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyEClIqEQA-kjCnTI-h_gYrvKVwr7nZylBU9dBsWFlM7H2lolZmYD8v_IkBpgC_nWaRalpDepf7gBxVdz4NmL4L23TryEXxZ5h1jD5gX103rq5Mt3yAAS7Sn66rGgS_1_p_WH1RSVZXiv/s1100/TO+Stanford+twitter+450A6898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="880" height="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyEClIqEQA-kjCnTI-h_gYrvKVwr7nZylBU9dBsWFlM7H2lolZmYD8v_IkBpgC_nWaRalpDepf7gBxVdz4NmL4L23TryEXxZ5h1jD5gX103rq5Mt3yAAS7Sn66rGgS_1_p_WH1RSVZXiv/w536-h670/TO+Stanford+twitter+450A6898.JPG" width="536" /></a></p></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span> </span><u><b>Tawny Owl - Kilworth Site</b></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></p><b><p class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHFT4RVKIaFAt4RYwp4OPoDD-9Awy6bWWR1YAa6LuidK3qorJeilMr1PYfM2NsQ9LvgfWdnMcT1gi2NV62RCWSqsRQ5Ej79uzyvPNGlkla46iPljM9zbUL1F_iIUdQO1_bc0QYJNST8Ff/s1100/TO+Gilmorton+twitter+450A8781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1086" height="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHFT4RVKIaFAt4RYwp4OPoDD-9Awy6bWWR1YAa6LuidK3qorJeilMr1PYfM2NsQ9LvgfWdnMcT1gi2NV62RCWSqsRQ5Ej79uzyvPNGlkla46iPljM9zbUL1F_iIUdQO1_bc0QYJNST8Ff/w537-h543/TO+Gilmorton+twitter+450A8781.JPG" width="537" /></a></p></b><p style="text-align: center;"><b><b></b></b><b><u>Tawny Owl - Gilmorton Site</u></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b>The encounters at the two above sites were very memorable indeed, I'd have been more than satisfied with just viewing these birds, to see them in the daylight was very rare indeed and to attain these images was just mind blowing, you should have seen the smile on my face!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have since revisited the Gilmorton site on other occasions, and I've filled my boots with many more daytime images, but they will be shared at a later date as time to go now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by and hope to catch up again with you all soon....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Paul<br /></div>Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-57239332970515286972021-03-31T20:12:00.000+01:002021-03-31T20:12:09.950+01:00Still Here!!!!<p> Hi all, sorry for my lack of posts over the last couple of years.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have still been out and about and monitoring my owls, but somewhat at a lesser degree than in previous years. However, I am now back with the bit between my teeth and will be posting the odd update on Blogger (see image below that I was lucky enough to capture this morning). </p><p>However, if any of you would like a more frequent catch up then please follow me on twitter, my user name is <span style="color: red;"><b>@PMRiddle</b></span></p><p>It's great to be back, catch up soon.....</p><p>Paul</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F1JOjtY7i2hassLVv0r_LxxrghD0A_w7Ri76lvRJk6tZxz718XgXeKTgfe2Yuupjkqgou8UkL6toQOFsH2UdJe9rXcWnuNBqoTJJrlSfX1W__1nSeuPFXOBNfwz-w_UNnge2Cq-VL2sF/s1100/TO+Gilmorton+edited+450A8529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1100" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F1JOjtY7i2hassLVv0r_LxxrghD0A_w7Ri76lvRJk6tZxz718XgXeKTgfe2Yuupjkqgou8UkL6toQOFsH2UdJe9rXcWnuNBqoTJJrlSfX1W__1nSeuPFXOBNfwz-w_UNnge2Cq-VL2sF/w603-h469/TO+Gilmorton+edited+450A8529.JPG" width="603" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-64688100075361245962018-08-28T19:05:00.000+01:002018-08-28T19:05:40.584+01:00A long long time...........Hi all, remember me?<br />
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It has been an awful long time since I did an update on Blogger, there are loads of reasons why I've been absent for so long but I'm not going to get into all that right now. Here in Leicestershire it's the August bank holiday weekend, and guess what? It's raining!</div>
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Because of the crappy weather there is not much to do today so I thought why not have a catch up on Blogger! Well I say catch up, if I did manage to catch up from where I left of (well over 12 months ago) I'd be sat here processing images and writing away for months! Therefore, I'm going to limit myself to posting just a few images from a couple of my birding adventures from last year....... </div>
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Back in July 2017 we had a family holiday to Florida, obviously I packed a bit of camera equipment just in case there was a bit of free time in between visiting all the theme parks. I was only allowed to take my 300mm lens which did limit my photo opportunities somewhat but never the less the "birding" was absolutely excellent and here is a selection of some of my "better" captures.........</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VcXePwiPU9zGB_4r-2I9v1HRBXQfYM6aO1WdWQLliOMX614x96WnhpAMpoekpypsTm8iMLXHBQSGun4mrKYYRUOahLtSa-X-B0dpAGQKmd-_jPA0glI46ygHQABdJlkhLEJXxUq2Zk97/s1600/Eastern+Meadow+Lark+blog+IMG_9641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VcXePwiPU9zGB_4r-2I9v1HRBXQfYM6aO1WdWQLliOMX614x96WnhpAMpoekpypsTm8iMLXHBQSGun4mrKYYRUOahLtSa-X-B0dpAGQKmd-_jPA0glI46ygHQABdJlkhLEJXxUq2Zk97/s1600/Eastern+Meadow+Lark+blog+IMG_9641.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Meadow Lark</td></tr>
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On the way to one of the theme parks this beauty was spotted perched up on a roadside post. The Caracara was a lifer for me and this was too good an opportunity to miss. Much to the disgust of my passengers I had to do several slow drive by's shooting out of the window and driving at the same time, what a bird!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8-d-mNUHAwEx_Hpyx_0c1FQsdV_ggiN3HvqWtzk7RtINo69dWah31dXE6ZhFQwKmze5Fry0bVSfNfl9rdPQ4BdS_1bwofTF38pUCT_TsqylvGyqFNq1KaeD0qJ1SrwR-TBRgCdAa3hie/s1600/Northern+bobwhite+blog+IMG_3750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8-d-mNUHAwEx_Hpyx_0c1FQsdV_ggiN3HvqWtzk7RtINo69dWah31dXE6ZhFQwKmze5Fry0bVSfNfl9rdPQ4BdS_1bwofTF38pUCT_TsqylvGyqFNq1KaeD0qJ1SrwR-TBRgCdAa3hie/s1600/Northern+bobwhite+blog+IMG_3750.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Bobwhite</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CHrlVR2vB1_EppuufHMvv5ZifnJ0FB2yzsI44qdhGvmWHD4V5VZqWeURuBppZ_JHFFXoyE9vqImardXr5gtXCVz7H1h0CQ8D4ZRljfxm-Q8oeRi5mrdsNmBJx4_EnaKOOYkbyBFrTy3G/s1600/Caracara+blog+IMG_4730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CHrlVR2vB1_EppuufHMvv5ZifnJ0FB2yzsI44qdhGvmWHD4V5VZqWeURuBppZ_JHFFXoyE9vqImardXr5gtXCVz7H1h0CQ8D4ZRljfxm-Q8oeRi5mrdsNmBJx4_EnaKOOYkbyBFrTy3G/s1600/Caracara+blog+IMG_4730.JPG" /></a></div>
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Northern Cardinals were seen on an almost daily basis, their vivid scarlet plumage made seeing them an easy task, however getting close for a usable image wasn't, this was my best effort. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Xj9oaLRjT8CXb2XRbYaX02ZzbAYbUP4bhpF6mNs0I2GqY7-PaiHQWPPNUQe6Dus4z5NKbE7-7eZwoiFvzWaUB1pPh-80_rxWlQA0lu8-0iKMRmNrP_aWam9lHJrhKslviU-GQi-Cb62y/s1600/IMG_3500+blog+northern+cardinal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Xj9oaLRjT8CXb2XRbYaX02ZzbAYbUP4bhpF6mNs0I2GqY7-PaiHQWPPNUQe6Dus4z5NKbE7-7eZwoiFvzWaUB1pPh-80_rxWlQA0lu8-0iKMRmNrP_aWam9lHJrhKslviU-GQi-Cb62y/s1600/IMG_3500+blog+northern+cardinal.JPG" /></a></div>
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For anyone who doesn't know Florida is awash with pools, marshes, lakes and swamps, these in turn attract an abundance of wildlife and birds. Observing from distance through binoculars was the only real option at most locations because of the vast dense vegetation that fringes all the water courses. However, I did a bit of research and came across one location, Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive that had a one way road that ran through the middle of the swamps for ten miles! It was a 40 mile drive from where were staying so I opted out of hanging around the pool that day and set off on my own at 5am. Upon approach to the reserve I was mystified as to how I was going to gain access as the only way in was through the huge electric gates which barred my way? Unknown to me at the time the gates opened automatically at dawn, luckily I'd only been waiting for a short while. Once in I pulled over and read the notice board, there were only two rules, no stopping and no feeding the alligators!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHUCjaDS6drqHs4VzWoXhzelalRBL3oAFWfSJ9rSfH5sxa9nGKUUp7HHi0-OzdqEBS7FHdCOZnppXv4GYzY0BqmmnlIjxehbyjsSVy65JitIUWLEnqioOeg7mnMgOyC_kWTbOCBHYiRF0/s1600/IMG_9783+sign+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHUCjaDS6drqHs4VzWoXhzelalRBL3oAFWfSJ9rSfH5sxa9nGKUUp7HHi0-OzdqEBS7FHdCOZnppXv4GYzY0BqmmnlIjxehbyjsSVy65JitIUWLEnqioOeg7mnMgOyC_kWTbOCBHYiRF0/s1600/IMG_9783+sign+1.JPG" /></a></div>
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There is no doubt about it, the best birding location I have ever visited. Needless to say I didn't obey one of the rules as I was stopping all the time ticking off lifers. The photo opportunities were also excellent, here are a just a few that I took on the day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj556feQZ9ogY_HI2-hlku0TTfAcElKckMpUYKZMpsDPvtBYoZei_oZTre_p9rTSC3Plnqrj68wopeAfIrv1DpyAwRtq-Rt1hudO35CdwjgI1U7C0XZSKgyDQvv8uHSZVVbdo0BnnaUPsPw/s1600/Green+heron+blog+IMG_4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj556feQZ9ogY_HI2-hlku0TTfAcElKckMpUYKZMpsDPvtBYoZei_oZTre_p9rTSC3Plnqrj68wopeAfIrv1DpyAwRtq-Rt1hudO35CdwjgI1U7C0XZSKgyDQvv8uHSZVVbdo0BnnaUPsPw/s1600/Green+heron+blog+IMG_4670.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Heron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngeMephPUcq6d6A-qdoArpMamFSwn7ktje4xFKqAshaGgEaCYYAtN7SPzxa1OBrmqNUa5aVCGpqebLXqpdD6xpKtL9bLTPqlv8yW-fLpAYKE-vQCbOYwNus80dVA5O84rhPh657E4p7fV/s1600/IMG_3691+great+blue+heron+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngeMephPUcq6d6A-qdoArpMamFSwn7ktje4xFKqAshaGgEaCYYAtN7SPzxa1OBrmqNUa5aVCGpqebLXqpdD6xpKtL9bLTPqlv8yW-fLpAYKE-vQCbOYwNus80dVA5O84rhPh657E4p7fV/s1600/IMG_3691+great+blue+heron+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-XGKvnVj5x0MDXbURduc21qDHxHWYbF8aq9xiq_6UAHeXhOghx82E8jTb8S6N19CHmDHMnjl-ZklLnZoa7BabNDuVtiEC_oCeyLd8YYPU4cxRcPY4fG6QzaF4Yt8T4yysQkJdF4Adftx/s1600/IMG_4174+white+ibis+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-XGKvnVj5x0MDXbURduc21qDHxHWYbF8aq9xiq_6UAHeXhOghx82E8jTb8S6N19CHmDHMnjl-ZklLnZoa7BabNDuVtiEC_oCeyLd8YYPU4cxRcPY4fG6QzaF4Yt8T4yysQkJdF4Adftx/s1600/IMG_4174+white+ibis+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Ibis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIrwo4dDgcLz9xK86CwYblfBDVYVq_3ecPq02KfMKQbHW4_TRq5ahMe2EScZwtT4REjmUxsLJpBjD0WJIG8hRqRW2rFuK_gxEL4BgReY1-GFQw0UZJ0MyjrWXdd909W0CUjRjkgWMiCRk/s1600/IMG_4231+little+blue+heron+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIrwo4dDgcLz9xK86CwYblfBDVYVq_3ecPq02KfMKQbHW4_TRq5ahMe2EScZwtT4REjmUxsLJpBjD0WJIG8hRqRW2rFuK_gxEL4BgReY1-GFQw0UZJ0MyjrWXdd909W0CUjRjkgWMiCRk/s1600/IMG_4231+little+blue+heron+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Blue Heron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl3bRzYjI9R8OVS0HPouejA4SjypJjj78qm05UCihF5qYDokZvkHxa-8ie6yNCtGuEqalhIovYXbgJkp6-DkOwKuuPsb0Pgs9hyphenhyphenZmYENddxeHwy8Ui4YPy3pFz7azXPVIORO3KY3VCZNQ/s1600/IMG_4277+bold+eagle+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl3bRzYjI9R8OVS0HPouejA4SjypJjj78qm05UCihF5qYDokZvkHxa-8ie6yNCtGuEqalhIovYXbgJkp6-DkOwKuuPsb0Pgs9hyphenhyphenZmYENddxeHwy8Ui4YPy3pFz7azXPVIORO3KY3VCZNQ/s1600/IMG_4277+bold+eagle+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bold Eagle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvu7xJ-Y6ydH6teLcW7kUbgHqT25weAOV_2CVMXhQx4atMsAuRtUwEL64wt3ZdTm3j-Ig-tQMDUjch8Na08ckIzWIK9lbGlWu7aLjXwZ1fKGuKwEi9BGIqGXVEkyjP9W7PV68iCPSW5Yx/s1600/IMG_4298+snowy+eagret+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvu7xJ-Y6ydH6teLcW7kUbgHqT25weAOV_2CVMXhQx4atMsAuRtUwEL64wt3ZdTm3j-Ig-tQMDUjch8Na08ckIzWIK9lbGlWu7aLjXwZ1fKGuKwEi9BGIqGXVEkyjP9W7PV68iCPSW5Yx/s1600/IMG_4298+snowy+eagret+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Egret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TxzcbyC9SUslxv_zuYGqqYmgIeQEGlyUdjcAXlhpezJlbXAEaPwRJtxLY_ksVDQ7T7yrLzXOjaeoCVPawmxG81DH-U7GOVAW9b54Z76tjuDc8H1EPHlGy0ayi_tpfR_Aef8mKvwslK0X/s1600/IMG_4325+anhinga+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TxzcbyC9SUslxv_zuYGqqYmgIeQEGlyUdjcAXlhpezJlbXAEaPwRJtxLY_ksVDQ7T7yrLzXOjaeoCVPawmxG81DH-U7GOVAW9b54Z76tjuDc8H1EPHlGy0ayi_tpfR_Aef8mKvwslK0X/s1600/IMG_4325+anhinga+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anhinga</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6W0j7LLYKc3FN30Lim_GYE54ItozvmdgwhBb3GCQIa5Fnq7pEPn2bb79MAusSzf17alLLAPhauCXtLOpoCX9eF-7kJC2M-dKBQzhabOrTlZlKauMsilouboCjzBcsUud0T-8SyaX6wpCZ/s1600/IMG_4346+grat+eagret+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6W0j7LLYKc3FN30Lim_GYE54ItozvmdgwhBb3GCQIa5Fnq7pEPn2bb79MAusSzf17alLLAPhauCXtLOpoCX9eF-7kJC2M-dKBQzhabOrTlZlKauMsilouboCjzBcsUud0T-8SyaX6wpCZ/s1600/IMG_4346+grat+eagret+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Egret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtevyYPzvYWKHA8FiV6wqr_lscIsEnNxVKCfW6b8kpqp_TR5uqbF-zRclJbpugm854r1Ee7QQUlKsOZXcAXhV_9DsDQjPWa5gNzdNWOSIGfk5StRZcaU4fMbHnzj4fx48Cqu2TwshAoJdW/s1600/IMG_4598+limpkin+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtevyYPzvYWKHA8FiV6wqr_lscIsEnNxVKCfW6b8kpqp_TR5uqbF-zRclJbpugm854r1Ee7QQUlKsOZXcAXhV_9DsDQjPWa5gNzdNWOSIGfk5StRZcaU4fMbHnzj4fx48Cqu2TwshAoJdW/s1600/IMG_4598+limpkin+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limpkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CETKwioxh0qxUSd33pQCLoIh6QykMoNXxsTTODNjbkFznfuSFn27mSfZxHVT7S48Iy3wv6CHfK9-fvNqNM2ZiuTGgJZL-zsHwpVCVukDecyGmnUSgWvi9g6vL6lRKyxHyYnBv4ct9Etu/s1600/IMG_4960+common+gallinule+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CETKwioxh0qxUSd33pQCLoIh6QykMoNXxsTTODNjbkFznfuSFn27mSfZxHVT7S48Iy3wv6CHfK9-fvNqNM2ZiuTGgJZL-zsHwpVCVukDecyGmnUSgWvi9g6vL6lRKyxHyYnBv4ct9Etu/s1600/IMG_4960+common+gallinule+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gallinule</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi_wbPWzMkqXg31PibNwprDaFOo7dJAcX3ozcDg4t_qtxX4MmNBpbVWRlq-X_M8bZgEJc5pMlPQMZfT_o7eVHE1wdvw52zJUrozWrHStnqbFyErFSadL_iBa9yiyRD0oyZePbBILadKGe/s1600/IMG_9855+osprey+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi_wbPWzMkqXg31PibNwprDaFOo7dJAcX3ozcDg4t_qtxX4MmNBpbVWRlq-X_M8bZgEJc5pMlPQMZfT_o7eVHE1wdvw52zJUrozWrHStnqbFyErFSadL_iBa9yiyRD0oyZePbBILadKGe/s1600/IMG_9855+osprey+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_J0HRbnzpcg-kudNFtU6nqLYc0IDAhDS0KhAjx1whqb9FELG7Hbp-zNU-SuW2ID-yHaSIvk3uwtPySI3hZXVdalUEFoNABXYxX6h3pabzxxGVkni1ay8YUAf8GzxoiGM29uKRuxF3zPb/s1600/Swallow+Tailed+Kite+blog+IMG_9985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_J0HRbnzpcg-kudNFtU6nqLYc0IDAhDS0KhAjx1whqb9FELG7Hbp-zNU-SuW2ID-yHaSIvk3uwtPySI3hZXVdalUEFoNABXYxX6h3pabzxxGVkni1ay8YUAf8GzxoiGM29uKRuxF3zPb/s1600/Swallow+Tailed+Kite+blog+IMG_9985.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swallow Tailed Kite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Needless to say there were loads of Alligators too! Everywhere I looked there seemed to be one lurking. This image below was of a female guarding her nest, she charged and came right out of the water and up onto the side of the road, I was soon back in the car!!!!!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm8likkzVmueS-aHap9WJT_GT5lBcEJd0xalZyvs8PaXwpC7-KCwkpu4Uqry0EMzT7xSYX49dWkXXh4A3XCHkE3QLAAVcFxYT1eT1jt7pTjfNCxUfY0C31-I124QOiIapT7umKIqAmGOj/s1600/IMG_5076+alligator+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm8likkzVmueS-aHap9WJT_GT5lBcEJd0xalZyvs8PaXwpC7-KCwkpu4Uqry0EMzT7xSYX49dWkXXh4A3XCHkE3QLAAVcFxYT1eT1jt7pTjfNCxUfY0C31-I124QOiIapT7umKIqAmGOj/s1600/IMG_5076+alligator+blog.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Florida is renowned for the Snail Kite, a rare and very elusive species. Now this was one bird that was definitely on my "to see list" and I visited several locations for a distant glimpse but to no avail. Then a local birder I bumped into said the best and most reliable way was to hire a private air-boat and driver. I persuaded the rest of the family to give up on sunbathing and theme parks for one day and accompany me on the quest for the Snail Kite. Once agreed I got onto the internet and booked my guide and air-boat, it was 60 miles away and was going to cost £200 for 2 hours!</div>
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Once on the boat our first encounter was with the Gators, hundreds of them! They were everywhere, some would submerge as we approached whilst others didn't seem to be bothered, and allowed us to get within just a few feet! </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuWiJV5jMU6qv_cWX5Zswq4rf96iJjCRA91QigwJBe0abIrcLfWZtnAwsn3HJ9yg2ILc2XK4w_jBzR0_3krw8zsxwox9Bz59ZQsSqmkQQ6eIkg39e-rahRzxRc2vuErSCeVzQGt8rw_No/s1600/IMG_4871+aligator+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuWiJV5jMU6qv_cWX5Zswq4rf96iJjCRA91QigwJBe0abIrcLfWZtnAwsn3HJ9yg2ILc2XK4w_jBzR0_3krw8zsxwox9Bz59ZQsSqmkQQ6eIkg39e-rahRzxRc2vuErSCeVzQGt8rw_No/s1600/IMG_4871+aligator+blog.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6_73jqBIiCQP0dboKo592XhHbo9TduJ9fs7MoAf7du_2UmuILaYu3b6_GpDbIS3XYzG0bwq_gtxb8PiX8qeF_b48ekhLohgda0inyVK7EKFtWeGDoH_9FU7pUN7tl8rena6dxG6zpyhu/s1600/IMG_4971+least+bittern+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6_73jqBIiCQP0dboKo592XhHbo9TduJ9fs7MoAf7du_2UmuILaYu3b6_GpDbIS3XYzG0bwq_gtxb8PiX8qeF_b48ekhLohgda0inyVK7EKFtWeGDoH_9FU7pUN7tl8rena6dxG6zpyhu/s1600/IMG_4971+least+bittern+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Least Bitten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Photography from the boat was a real challenge, vibration, wind, and choppy waters were all making life difficult. However, I did mange to capture a few of the birds that flew close by.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7onN3njHMlPcpa2Mz5bLeFi-qyec8XMsX-8YaDwjSndci_NfbktXjxB-L45OGUsT7D3yOyRu4MWPCK68HxalCkVNTGQtgmVDO9k551LPZMQ15CDwSe8sRUzN_Ijro8F2XGX9ks78jMJyC/s1600/Limpkin+blog+IMG_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7onN3njHMlPcpa2Mz5bLeFi-qyec8XMsX-8YaDwjSndci_NfbktXjxB-L45OGUsT7D3yOyRu4MWPCK68HxalCkVNTGQtgmVDO9k551LPZMQ15CDwSe8sRUzN_Ijro8F2XGX9ks78jMJyC/s1600/Limpkin+blog+IMG_4984.JPG" /></a></div>
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Including the Snail Kite!!!!</div>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52Spl7QKlv74lco1_uOxnT1RpQf6zvi4wv_2xSqxnD1P6nyIPHeYSEZkLMVhOe3XdtA1-zd9t3w09njz-nwd0-IeZKJ3FAGl8YMXZa8sPt5HCIaLpzw8Le1XpP5zvW3hsi1G2-KlwxGCD/s1600/Snail+Kite+blog+IMG_5033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52Spl7QKlv74lco1_uOxnT1RpQf6zvi4wv_2xSqxnD1P6nyIPHeYSEZkLMVhOe3XdtA1-zd9t3w09njz-nwd0-IeZKJ3FAGl8YMXZa8sPt5HCIaLpzw8Le1XpP5zvW3hsi1G2-KlwxGCD/s1600/Snail+Kite+blog+IMG_5033.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snail Kite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then we chanced upon a Snail Kite that held it's ground long enough for me to capture a shot of it perched up on a pole right out in the middle of the lake.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAn6o7J4rC85hXueJVP7Yu2BvqaTxoBmsK5rNCVH0nYV_yhA4OVCMDIJV-b9rbjT-uRjUur9wa1mi2TyaeA5dOk8h6cJLGvD50VJDJ-GiV_jl65FchpgVGWofo3NmOg8PdyposB-WFEa6/s1600/IMG_4937+snail+kite+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAn6o7J4rC85hXueJVP7Yu2BvqaTxoBmsK5rNCVH0nYV_yhA4OVCMDIJV-b9rbjT-uRjUur9wa1mi2TyaeA5dOk8h6cJLGvD50VJDJ-GiV_jl65FchpgVGWofo3NmOg8PdyposB-WFEa6/s1600/IMG_4937+snail+kite+blog.JPG" /></a></div>
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We all loved the two hours spent out on the water, definitely worth every penny and on my list to do again when I return. </div>
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During the trip I also managed to photograph two species of Woodpecker.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQni0wajQ5CmMzICIqdr9xHAKsw8n7sdQ-D8hpv00bgiBVYTf32v0E4Knr8bTjEPLEQsZmcheLPG9EKLEvl8KSFdtBXbuPe1Vu7AVgkmRUUlHjdHtOQYJKgyVI64qlIBQyN0hxiIWj7QCC/s1600/IMG_4488+red+bellied+woodpecker+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQni0wajQ5CmMzICIqdr9xHAKsw8n7sdQ-D8hpv00bgiBVYTf32v0E4Knr8bTjEPLEQsZmcheLPG9EKLEvl8KSFdtBXbuPe1Vu7AVgkmRUUlHjdHtOQYJKgyVI64qlIBQyN0hxiIWj7QCC/s1600/IMG_4488+red+bellied+woodpecker+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Bellied Woodpecker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And the massive Pileated Woodpecker!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLnbsJodPRLJM_AN1sja-0-jZX2LcpUZ2s-jJb-DIbipwGH1Fumi9E2zVeFIaC6zmv0e0_xps1gy34lO3ILqp8nfVC83yO7NW7qNIMFA6nwMAfQuh-qJO-_40bi9a7eQplXCQUXCBFF9a/s1600/Pileated+WP+blog+IMG_4557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLnbsJodPRLJM_AN1sja-0-jZX2LcpUZ2s-jJb-DIbipwGH1Fumi9E2zVeFIaC6zmv0e0_xps1gy34lO3ILqp8nfVC83yO7NW7qNIMFA6nwMAfQuh-qJO-_40bi9a7eQplXCQUXCBFF9a/s1600/Pileated+WP+blog+IMG_4557.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pileated Woodpecker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And finally, my number one objective for the holiday was to see a Burrowing Owl, I found a family party on the edge of a residential area and lucky me they stayed for just long enough for a couple of images.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9fmK-tlGSbYoDdijPOVk613OV9neVdHmXyheHqRpt4zNOUfCB7ifuBdqebjsfMxwx9VKXj9UUpwy6G8OwIGcXwDXTYjQML5VYtJlON5w-XzQr7ffDoXHc2GiUGPUFjPrdJdl-74BxAoq/s1600/IMG_4825+burrowing+owl+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9fmK-tlGSbYoDdijPOVk613OV9neVdHmXyheHqRpt4zNOUfCB7ifuBdqebjsfMxwx9VKXj9UUpwy6G8OwIGcXwDXTYjQML5VYtJlON5w-XzQr7ffDoXHc2GiUGPUFjPrdJdl-74BxAoq/s1600/IMG_4825+burrowing+owl+blog.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrowing Owl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i16C3mYNWxLeAOypL6mrxNBHx3ao5A1cEtBM7zgy4qkj9uTGS1A3mAhCtD8P4eahn-nU_VS5MZxskZZP0ODk28x1lDQL4Ag9bDBJmvi6O-uVinK5M7WYYh_z9wc15Ts59RTsoYCbHY0w/s1600/Burrowing+owl+blog+IMG_4790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8i16C3mYNWxLeAOypL6mrxNBHx3ao5A1cEtBM7zgy4qkj9uTGS1A3mAhCtD8P4eahn-nU_VS5MZxskZZP0ODk28x1lDQL4Ag9bDBJmvi6O-uVinK5M7WYYh_z9wc15Ts59RTsoYCbHY0w/s1600/Burrowing+owl+blog+IMG_4790.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrowing Owl</td></tr>
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So that's all for now folks, I shall be back again soon I hope.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-88842288219344546212017-04-25T11:21:00.003+01:002017-04-25T11:21:44.426+01:00Blowing the cobwebs away.........<div style="text-align: justify;">
After spending most of my free time during the winter months making and erecting Barn Owl boxes and barrels I had a very welcome and overdue "owling" session last night. Although very windy (not usually conductive for finding owls) it was however very bright during the last 2 hours before sunset.</div>
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Because time was limited I edged my bets and visited a location where I had previously seen Barn Owls in similar conditions. Once there I slowly drove around the rough grassy area hoping to chance a hunting Barn Owl, this wasn't to be the case but instead I spotted a Little Owl flying across the field and up into a tree, I was compulsed to investigate further.</div>
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I slowly drove around to where I thought it had landed only to find a very nice looking cavity about 10 feet up, but no owl! I positioned the car in an advantageous position and waited........ After a wait of around 10 minutes the owl appeared at the cavity, this offered a great photo opportunity.</div>
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It sat at the cavity for a while scanning around making sure the coast was clear before it re-emerged. Luckily right next to the tree is a sheep pen which offered a variety of different perches for it to use.</div>
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After a while the owl flew and landed on top of the Hawthorne hedge, seconds later it was joined by a second owl, not sure where this bird had been hiding?<br />
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As the sun set both owls seemed to gain more confidence and moved around from perch to perch, one of them even dropped down into the tussocky grass right in front of the car! </div>
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Eventually I was beaten by the light and reluctantly departed, whilst driving back up the field another larger bird (presumably an owl?) was seen flying across my path and up into a tree. As I slowly approached I could see it was a Tawny Owl!!!</div>
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It sat perched high up in the tree and didn't batter an eyelid at my presence! I slowly got got out of the car and pointed the camera up at it. It was almost dark, 8:44pm, at an ISO of 2000 I could only muster a shutter speed of 1/30 of a second whilst hand holding the camera (sorry for boring those who don't know photography settings). I wasn't very hopeful of attaining a photo that was going to be usable but among the rubbish I did have this one "usable" image. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">It was a very enjoyable couple of hours with the owls, two new sites that I will surely be visiting again soon...........</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by, hopefully another post soon! In the meantime if you would like to keep tabs with my day to day activity with the owls I am now posting on twitter, @PMRiddle</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Cheers!!</span></div>
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Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-35472410325022826902017-02-18T18:34:00.000+00:002017-02-18T18:34:25.659+00:00Bluethroat<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I found myself working out in the Grantham area, I knew that there had been a wintering Bluethroat not too far away from where I was working and fortunately en-route between two of my planned calls. As it proved it was too much of a temptation and I made the effort to go and visit Willow Tree Fen LWT in Lincolnshire. </div>
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So during my lunch hour I wandered down the track towards the 40 or so other birders that had already huddled together in a horseshoe shape around a small reed fringe ditch. Apparently it had been showing very well on and off all morning, but not when I arrived!</div>
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Now I'm not really one for "twitches" as some of the behavior I have witnessed in the past by so called birders/photographers has appalled me, but not this time. Everyone there seemed to be conducting themselves in quite an orderly manner, just a low hum of people chatting, no shoving and pushing for more advantageous positions and patience was the order of the day. </div>
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I soon got chatting to the guys either side of me and they assured me that the Bluethroat would soon pop out of the reed bed and feed on the gravel track right in front of us, I hoped they would be proved right as it would be a "lifer" for me.........</div>
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After no more than five minutes out popped this first winter male, I was very lucky too as at times it came very close indeed, what a bird!</div>
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I know it must seem that I have been in hibernation recently because of the lack of posts, well I'll be back again soon to give an update on how my Barn Owl breeding programme went last year, a real success story.</div>
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Catch up again soon............ </div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-85458586203990662842016-12-08T11:57:00.004+00:002017-01-27T17:25:40.345+00:00Kingfisher with the Thrushes.......<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Sunday morning I managed a few hours out with camera in hand, it was quite a pleasant morning and for the first time in what seems to be ages I had no other distractions like checking and maintaining my owl boxes. This was to be just a few hours out with nature and hopefully some subjects would show and allow for a few images.</div>
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My main objective was to find some Little Owls, sadly after visiting several known sites not a single bird was either seen or heard. Whilst out it became quite noticeable just how many winter Thrushes (mainly Redwings and a few Fieldfares) were about, for the best part they would settle on one of the berry laden bushes and gorge themselves stupid, however, getting close enough to them to obtain an image proved to be quite a challenge. Trying to drive up slowly was a complete waste of time, as soon as I was with 30 metres or so they would erupt en-mass and move down to the next laden bush. After 30 minutes I gave up on this tactic and instead opted to park up near what seemed to be a favoured bush and waited for them to come to me. This new tactic proved to be slightly more successful than the last and the odd Redwing did come close enough for a few images (nothing good enough to share here though!). </div>
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Then to my complete surprise a Kingfisher suddenly appeared in amongst a small flock of Redwing! This was very bizarre indeed but I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth and a few images were rattled off. The Redwing didn't stay for long, they ate a few berries each and then off they flew again, but the Kingfisher stayed for at least 5 minutes!</div>
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A very strange encounter indeed, all my previous encounters with Kingfishers have been close to rivers, lakes, ponds etc and not in the middle of a field! Well that's all for now folks, maybe an update on how my Barn Owls have fared this year in the next post?</div>
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Catch up again soon...........</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-53055472775122972292016-11-25T13:16:00.004+00:002016-11-25T13:20:59.893+00:002017 Owl Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi all, as any regular readers/followers of this blog will know, I have over the years (with the help of my buddy Col Green) been designing, making and erecting owl nest boxes in south Leicestershire, over 130 so far. This is definitely a labour of love and when owls find one of the boxes and go on to use them as a breeding site it makes all the effort worth while. However, completing all this work and sourcing the required materials doesn't come cheap! In order to help maintain existing and to fund more new boxes I compile a unique owl calendar each year with all profits going back into the scheme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My calendar for this year has just been finalised and ordered with my supplier, each month features an owl image (four different species) that was taken by myself during 2016, see draft of each month below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExGsr8vuU72qVb6LseK_AiLz3iOTrPBpWaixciHi7xF4SHuL64jgqojKxWu4HZveBFfTseLY04bWeTJjzUf669cJpnJZOKy6BDTFngXEyDYyAuNQ32xF5A9yPQ2MOmK9tsmvCWpos9QVb/s1600/2017+calendar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExGsr8vuU72qVb6LseK_AiLz3iOTrPBpWaixciHi7xF4SHuL64jgqojKxWu4HZveBFfTseLY04bWeTJjzUf669cJpnJZOKy6BDTFngXEyDYyAuNQ32xF5A9yPQ2MOmK9tsmvCWpos9QVb/s1600/2017+calendar.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">The calendars are professionally manufactured using a high quality glossy 235g/m premium paper stock which gives the images a vibrant and vivid finish. The approx size when opened is 11" wide x 17" high and would complement any kitchen/study wall!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This year I have again committed to </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">a large quantity from the supplier, this has enabled me to keep the pricing as of previous years! 1 x calendar is £10.00 </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">or two for £18.50, (plus p&p at £1.50).</span><br style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So would you like one of my 2017 owl calendars whilst also helping the owls? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: white;">If so please either leave a message on my blog or email me at </span><span style="color: yellow;"><b><i>littleowl123@icloud.com</i></b></span><span style="color: white;"> and I'll get back to you asap with more details.</span></span><br style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Many thanks to anyone that is able to order a calendar, your support is greatly appreciated!</span></span></div>
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Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-91377764315865362222016-10-07T12:56:00.001+01:002016-10-07T13:37:07.667+01:00MERLIN!!!!!!!!!!!!Hi all!<br />
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Yes it has been a while since my last post, my apologies but for personal reasons I decided a while ago that I was going to take a break from the social media (Blogger) that I participate in. I will be back when the time is right and post a catch up of all the activities that I am still actively pursuing, especially my Barn Owl breeding programme which is thriving and 2016 has proven to be my best year so far! </div>
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However, I am going to break my own self imposed rule on "no posts for a while" by offering this quick post following a most enjoyable few days break up in Ayrshire, Scotland with my mate Adey.</div>
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We were on the Isle of Arran, (a beautiful place and would highly recommend a visit) our main objective was to search for Hen Harriers and then if luck was on our side maybe a few photo's of them too. After three days of solid searching two separate Hen Harrier sightings were made, one of a ringtail and the other of a very handsome male, some images were achieved but of rather poor quality due to the distances involved.</div>
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For anyone who is a long term reader of my blog will probably recall the odd time I have mentioned that the Merlin has been my life long bogey bird. After many years of visiting potential sites (Scotland 4 times) my first ever sighting was made in Norfolk in January of this year, since then I have made a further 3 sightings at different locations, albeit all from distance and or very brief. Although no "record shot images" were obtained I was still very satisfied to have just made the sightings, until now!</div>
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We were driving slowly along the west coast of the Isle near to Black Waterfoot when I spotted up ahead a small raptor like bird diving out of the sky at speed down near the seas edge. There was a scattering of small passerines (Rock Pipits) and the raptor species re-emerged catchless and disappeared further along the coast. We both witnessed this explosion of activity but couldn't be sure of the raptors identity although Merlin was suspected? I continued to drive slowly along the costal road hoping to see it again, then as we turned a corner there it sat on top of a small wooden building about 100 yards from us. The car was stopped and the bird was viewed through our binoculars, 100% it was a Merlin. </div>
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Windows opened and cameras at the ready the car was started and we inched nearer and nearer, 90 yards, 80 yards, 70 yards etc., we got to within 30 yards and the car was turned sideways so as to get an image out of the window then whoosh, off it flew, not even a distant record shot was obtained, sods law strikes again!</div>
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For the next 20 minutes we drove slowly up and down trying to re-locate it, then Adey called out that there was a bird in a tree the other side of the bay to where we were, within seconds I got it in view in my binoculars, there it was again!! A painful and tentative drive around the bay commenced, we slowly got nearer and nearer until I dare not push my luck any further and the car was stopped. I poked my lens out of the window and BOOM, GET IN THERE my first ever image of a Merlin was in the can!!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNi8tQDTmpX_Nfj-Mmnzp2yl2m2dvzf4HDXadUHHxjDoiPwc6MLT0wVmv3OedYKUXtBna_-VAzzM9FYebkJfZgB0b3qiV-oKCKV72qwYP6n4C5RclpTfwdx3YpjuaZmweyhEiH1bVCvYw/s1600/merlin+blog+IMG_1268_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNi8tQDTmpX_Nfj-Mmnzp2yl2m2dvzf4HDXadUHHxjDoiPwc6MLT0wVmv3OedYKUXtBna_-VAzzM9FYebkJfZgB0b3qiV-oKCKV72qwYP6n4C5RclpTfwdx3YpjuaZmweyhEiH1bVCvYw/s1600/merlin+blog+IMG_1268_edited-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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I rattled off over 150 images of it (Adey 300+) before it flew off at speed along the coast, I haven't as yet had the time to go through/edit all my images but what a bird, (female<b>/</b>1st year juvenile) I suspect? I couldn't get over how lucky I was to have witnessed it hunting let alone to have captured and image of it, I do feel truly blessed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcvNoUmZwVKcRexmQrvKrqLdEyT7QUxxK1MA0mIN3qspV67nDasxj7TtlMtQOJMjb-Gza5i4P-Tp6L3J66UvxeWx_Fq9nHUeswD0Fb4hr206uI3pjmAIt24cnru2XZH1Kb3GYAcxaMqJD/s1600/merlin+blog+IMG_1219_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcvNoUmZwVKcRexmQrvKrqLdEyT7QUxxK1MA0mIN3qspV67nDasxj7TtlMtQOJMjb-Gza5i4P-Tp6L3J66UvxeWx_Fq9nHUeswD0Fb4hr206uI3pjmAIt24cnru2XZH1Kb3GYAcxaMqJD/s1600/merlin+blog+IMG_1219_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by, catch up again soon, hopefully...........</div>
<br />Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-76046961297352664752016-06-20T11:51:00.002+01:002016-06-20T11:51:20.318+01:00Kingfisher catch up........<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its been a while since my last post, apologies on that count but any free time I've had recently has been spent checking out my owl nest boxes (initial signs are looking promising but more about that in a future post). Add to the lack of free time the fact I have been in France for the last week or so following England in the Euro's it's no surprise my blog has been dormant!</div>
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Anyway, earlier this morning (Sunday) found me out at dawn, my initial target was to visit the Kingfisher family that I have been monitoring for the last 2 months. I knew there was a chance that whilst away I'd miss the juveniles fledging the nest? Upon arrival the male was seen on his usual perch guarding the nearby nest hole, occasionally another Kingfisher would dart by and the male would drop down off his perch and follow in hot pursuit. I was initially confused by this activity but then one of the "fly by" Kingfishers landed on a nearby post and I was able to confirm that it was in fact a juvenile bird! This was great news that they had raised a family, but slightly disappointing I wasn't here to witness all the action. With the lack of sightings of the female Kingfisher I can only come to the conclusion that she must be tucked away inside the nest chamber busily laying her second clutch? </div>
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Before the rain became too heavy I was able to spend some quality time with the male bird and captured a few images of him in various poses, below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS58p9xylKY6Ci7v3_gurE7onnpVp3mD-xIaG6fi1PDhW0n_BCmyk9y19ymdHX4EnIKIwRjDjGNDU8u_hvphafzInHygOou6Aqv6K6QbEDVr_tnla390GgMUEWXYKVlpZFFrPxP_IzYWO/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS58p9xylKY6Ci7v3_gurE7onnpVp3mD-xIaG6fi1PDhW0n_BCmyk9y19ymdHX4EnIKIwRjDjGNDU8u_hvphafzInHygOou6Aqv6K6QbEDVr_tnla390GgMUEWXYKVlpZFFrPxP_IzYWO/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8839.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUxIRIUiddUDmIJU6d8bCm3ZqidMJA8BItMkATj7pOsI3tnU8bb6J7sksd_ANPUE-lFxFUj6Hu3RgPNaZqt92yg0o64SkpqEX5BLi3t4IYBbxl7fHLqHpVPM68GAoQpuiDGDxGsajDxAv/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUxIRIUiddUDmIJU6d8bCm3ZqidMJA8BItMkATj7pOsI3tnU8bb6J7sksd_ANPUE-lFxFUj6Hu3RgPNaZqt92yg0o64SkpqEX5BLi3t4IYBbxl7fHLqHpVPM68GAoQpuiDGDxGsajDxAv/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8410.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSP8jwhwkZE039KqOux_DOXlVRWygwmOsvIhlrxrV_HJMNe4xbHlulAX7tjY0nqz8pjCvEFv8e-ajLUBU7bQXzsa80Pc4b3Lrc23Kl7Hi2z9XZi16fQoAr4u9ORteWi6vWeAlrIOWJqQ9/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSP8jwhwkZE039KqOux_DOXlVRWygwmOsvIhlrxrV_HJMNe4xbHlulAX7tjY0nqz8pjCvEFv8e-ajLUBU7bQXzsa80Pc4b3Lrc23Kl7Hi2z9XZi16fQoAr4u9ORteWi6vWeAlrIOWJqQ9/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8558.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7XJBS2mueNIxJ6UQriHHsl0MfI81qvqsggFymc-tubGqS_2gsmVTQpgSUpk6wtWKskYetbSLcuRUNL4NwrRLPFkrgLwNbYGpjJr3b_BEfSiiuQM-p9PxZRIZWovAInPNGi4N4gKyNHod/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8772_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7XJBS2mueNIxJ6UQriHHsl0MfI81qvqsggFymc-tubGqS_2gsmVTQpgSUpk6wtWKskYetbSLcuRUNL4NwrRLPFkrgLwNbYGpjJr3b_BEfSiiuQM-p9PxZRIZWovAInPNGi4N4gKyNHod/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_8772_edited-1.JPG" /></a></div>
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Hopefully back to my owls very soon, it's fingers crossed that all this heavy rain we are having at the moment doesn't have too much of a detrimental effect on their breeding success.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by, catch up again soon................Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-63594387337849595562016-05-25T22:08:00.000+01:002016-05-25T22:08:06.309+01:00Nosy Neighbors........<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whilst out checking owl nest boxes at the weekend one of my landowner friends told me he'd seen a woodpecker flying away from a newly excavated hold along one of his tracks. I needed no further encouragement and went off to investigate.....</div>
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The said tree and then the hole were soon located, it was a bit awkward getting the car into the right position as the track was very narrow, but after a bit of back and forth shunting I was ready. As is the norm with most woodpecker holes it was quite high, this meant pointing the camera up a quite an angle, this made it most uncomfortable as I sat there straining my neck. </div>
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As I waited for a bird to show matters were made worse when it started to drizzle, this obviously lowered the light levels which in turn made getting a usable shutter speed even more demanding than just coping with the heavy shade from the tree canopy. I could cope with the additional challenge of the low light but then it started to rain heavier and due to the angle of the camera the lens started to get splattered with water droplets. I persevered and after the camera had been brought back into the car for its sixth or seventh wipe down a woodpecker showed.</div>
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I was surprised it was a Great Spotted Woodpecker as all along I was expecting a Green Woodpecker? Anyhow, it was a nice male bird (red on the back of the head) it shuffled slowly upwards around the tree trunk, most of those images were too blurred to use as all I could muster at ISO 1000 was 1/50th of a second shutter speed. However, when it reached the hole it did hold its pose long enough for me to attain this first image. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewToya3pJ-iqNWln0c9ZRUAr0FhCTiiPtw7qfnuvJTAdJDb3W5NOiyRShs1PSpaVLBcuZnfcD7N4-BAIbBOp0dgGSJQ4yqnG3ExDMB4t_ZqeqGBYJyEZMZ9S3WfLWtkDM4nhbF1Uf4iXJ/s1600/GSW+blog+IMG_7356_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewToya3pJ-iqNWln0c9ZRUAr0FhCTiiPtw7qfnuvJTAdJDb3W5NOiyRShs1PSpaVLBcuZnfcD7N4-BAIbBOp0dgGSJQ4yqnG3ExDMB4t_ZqeqGBYJyEZMZ9S3WfLWtkDM4nhbF1Uf4iXJ/s1600/GSW+blog+IMG_7356_edited-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Spotted Woodpecker - Male</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The Great Spotted didn't hang around long and was soon on its way, this gave me another opportunity to withdraw the camera once more for yet another quick dry off.</span><br />
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The next half an hour or so was very quiet, then the rain ceased slightly which coincided with another woodpecker visit. But this is when I got totally confused as this time it was a Green Woodpecker that visited the cavity?? </div>
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I rattled off a few shots and made the most of the slightly improved light levels (now at 1/200 second). This woodpecker, a female (lack of a red mustachial stripe) posed lovely at the hole entrance for me, I was reveling in this viewing, by far the best ever I'd had of this species.</div>
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The brilliant views of her then came to an abrupt end as she flew off, initially I couldn't understand why she'd left but then I noticed the male Great Spotted Woodpecker had returned, he was this time a little closer and in much better light which lent for much better photography conditions.</div>
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Then the fun and even more confusion (on my behalf) set in, the Green Woodpecker again returned which in turn shooed off the Great Spotted. This time she held her pose for a good while and I was allowed (by her) to spend a bit more time trying to get a better exposure. </div>
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Then whilst I was watching and photographing her another movement caught my eye up near the hole, no it wasn't the Great Spotted that had returned yet again but the male Green Woodpecker (red mustachial stripe) that had stuck his head out of the hole!</div>
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So after all that confusion it appears that the cavity did after all belong to the Green Woodpeckers and the Great Spotted was just being nosy, or maybe just a good neighbor?</div>
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Thanks for stopping by, catch up again I hope?</div>
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Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-45799290681184833582016-05-20T00:08:00.000+01:002016-05-20T00:08:16.769+01:00Watching and waiting..........<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the course of the last two evenings I have been spent quite some time parked up at two different potential Barn Owl locations/buildings where boxes have been recently erected. Things seem to be on a real roll at the moment as at both locations single owls where seen, I can't as yet confirm if they are actually using the box (or if there is a pair) as I didn't enter either of the buildings to check.</div>
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Last night (Weds) this bird below offered some nice views as it perched up in the fading light. </div>
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At the second site that I visited this evening (Thurs) this single bird was seen perched up on this old rustic gate after a wait of almost 2 hours. At the time of showing it was pouring with rain and consequently it didn't venture far from the barn. </div>
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I will be re-visiting both sites again within the next week or so to see if there is a pair in residence and if any breeding has commenced?</div>
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Catch up again soon..................</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-60501303438747785962016-05-16T15:01:00.001+01:002016-05-16T15:01:15.097+01:00What a surprise!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to the fact that my owling wing man is currently laid up recovering from a hip operation our Barn Owl box checking this year has been somewhat delayed. It isn't really a job I can do on my own as it involves climbing up and down ladders, so things will just have to wait until Col is fit again. Anyhow, I was pestered last night by the Mrs to accompany her with a bit of dog walking, reluctantly I agreed, (but unknown to her at the time I secretly had another motive to go?). </div>
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About this time last year Col and I made and erected 4 Barn Owl boxes that we sited in the western part of our study area. These were the first boxes in this area and we didn't even know if there were any Barn Owls local or not? So after agreeing with the Mrs to take the dog (Patch) for a walk I suggested where we should go, (oh you can see where this is going now). </div>
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The 4 boxes in question are all situated in old buildings/hovels within an area of approx 2 square miles, too far to walk between them all during an evening stroll but maybe we could have two or three small walks? Obviously I didn't have any checking equipment with me (ladders, drills etc) otherwise the Mrs would have smelt a rat right from the off, therefore I had to be content with the casual walk past an old building and then just casually pop in to see if there was any activity or evidence that Barn Owls had been visiting?</div>
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At the first location the plan went perfect (well nearly!) just as we approached the building I pointed it out to the Mrs and said "oh look a barn, I'll be back in a mo, just going to check it out". Luckily in this building there was a couple of old oil drums that allowed me to climb up to the box. I quickly got the screwdriver out of my pocket (I'd stashed that earlier) and started to unscrew the door, just then the Mrs walked in. She saw I'd got the screwdriver with me and instantly knew what I'd been up to, I was rumbled!! But luck was deffo on my side as before she could speak a Barn Owl flew out of the box, yeeeeeesssss!! I could see that she was as excited as me to see the Barn Owl and no further explanations on my behalf were necessary, thankfully. </div>
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In this box were four chicks and 1 unhatched egg, the eldest chick was nearest to the door, (see crappy i-phone image below) and I'd estimate it to have been around a week old?</div>
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Walking back to the car I obviously had some explaining to do, but I managed to wriggle out of getting a rollicking and persuaded her that beings we were in the area we may as well go and check the other 3 new boxes, see agreed!</div>
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At the second site my good fortunes continued, just as I walked into the building a pair of Barn Owls were flushed from a post they'd been perched on against the far wall, they had obviously been using this location for a while as the floor was littered with pellets and poo! The nest box here is quite high and there was no way I could check it out without my ladders, I was more than satisfied to just see them and I'm sure that this pair were new residents and almost certain breeders, get in there!!!!</div>
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The third site/farm we checked belongs to my cousins in-laws, here we chatted on the front lawn for a while and they said that no owls were using my box but I was more than welcome to go and have a look. As we all entered the building the first thing I saw was a fresh primary feather from a Barn Owl, it lay on the floor right beneath the box! I suspected it must have belonged to one of the birds from either of the two sites we'd already visited, maybe it was using this site as a roosting location? </div>
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Dave (the farmer) eagerly fetched me a pair of ladders, up I went and after a light scratch on the side of the box out flew a Barn Owl!!! It flew over the heads of the observers below and out of the window, if you could have seen the look on Dave and his Mrs's face, it was of utter disbelief! </div>
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I didn't need to remove the door on this box as I could peer into the entrance hole, it was now my turn to disbelieve what I was seeing, (image below) two chicks and three eggs, unbelievable!!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">By now the Mrs was very eager to go and check out the fourth box, here we parked up opposite the old barn and whilst I was explaining to her that t</span><span style="text-align: justify;">here was no way I could check out this box as again ladders were needed </span><span style="text-align: justify;">a bloody Barn Owl flew out!!! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">This was a crazy crazy Barn Owl evening, I just can't believe that we have managed to encourage Barn Owls into these four different boxes so quickly, and because they are quite close to each other too, just what is going on????</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-84781503026292433552016-05-07T09:11:00.002+01:002016-05-07T09:11:35.089+01:00Cuckoo......<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not much doing at the mo, too busy celebrating Leicester City winning the premier league. It has been one long party and booze up since last Monday when it was official that we were champions of England, unbelievable!! </div>
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I did have one evening out in between all the chaos, I went in search of some newly arrived summer migrants and photo opportunities. Along the Hamilton to Goadby field road in the east of the county I located up to a dozen Wheatear, nice to see but too far for any images. Also there were two Yellow Wagtails, a single female Whinchat and a fly over Hobby, again all too far away to capture any decent images. </div>
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However, during my "migrant search" I did chance upon this stunning male Cuckoo. Initially it gave its presence away by its distinctive call, it didn't come as close I'd I have liked and the below image is quite a heavy crop, but I am happy!</div>
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The only other "usable" image I managed was not of a migrant bird but a resident that I just don't see that often anymore? A superbly conditioned male Grey Partridge, he gave me a great showing calling and wing flapping along the side of the car.</div>
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Sorry but this is a very short post, not because I don't have much to talk about but more to do with I'm leaving in an hour to go to the King Power Stadium to watch the mighty City play Everton in our last home game of the season. Regardless off the outcome, after the game we are going to be presented with the Premier trophy, (I'm sure you have heard about it on the news, ha ha) let the party begin!!!!!!</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-71382938637592922662016-05-03T10:18:00.004+01:002016-05-03T10:18:50.850+01:00Leicester City<span style="font-size: x-large;">My team, Premiership Champions, DREAMLAND!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<br />Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-15956478278746159552016-04-26T17:58:00.000+01:002016-04-26T18:31:18.394+01:00Catching up, late April.......Hi all,<br />
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Since the finding of the White Stork a couple of weeks ago (see last post) things have somewhat settled back down to the norm. The weather of late has been a bit hit and miss but now the lighter nights are with us there has been a few opportunities to get out and about.</div>
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During early April Col Green and I made a few more Barn Owl boxes, these have now been erected in some carefully selected locations, time will tell if our strategy was creditable? We have also checked a few older nest boxes, in some the usual non invited culprits have taken up squatting rights, namely Stock Doves, Squirrels, Jackdaws and Starlings. It hasn't all been bad news though, we've also got Barn Owls in three boxes and Little Owls in a couple. It is still early days and our box checking will gather momentum in a few weeks time when Col has recovered from having his new hip fitted, oh yes he's going to be a blur as he zips up and down those ladders.........</div>
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On the owl/bird watching front I've had some superb viewings at various different locations around the Leicestershire countryside, obviously owls do dominate. Now that the breeding season is upon us the male Little Owls do seem to be easier to locate than in the winter, that is if its a nice sunny windless evening! It is still very much a waiting game and not every site has owls in residence (or not ones I've seen yet?) but when a bird does show it can be amazing just how bold they can be?</div>
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I've also invested more time over the weekends with my "church owls" (featured in a couple of posts ago). Here it is very much a case of how lucky you can get? As with the majority of my owl photography I initially spend a long time (sometimes years) making observations from distance, you get to know when its a good time to visit and also when its not! You also get to know which perches the owls prefer, I then set myself up in an advantageous position and wait.............. At this site I have gone through this same routine on many occasions and come away with nothing! However, when luck is on your side you do get rewarded for all the preparation and dedication. I'd had my minds eye an image of one of the owls perched up on a headstones, I did fulfill this objective on a recent visit but at the time I was too close and the light not so good. So another few visits were made and eventually I have got nearer to what I'm trying to achieve, this next set are not the best Little Owl views/images I've ever had but I'd like to think they are a little more interesting? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWe6f1AqyU29BoRVxkGdCL5tUI7fbOffYxjRqNzELUVie0ge1x_W-Eere7BCCdLi_QJX8mNYPZ-nIVoRYCge7KkC65Mw2k0mIvgL_Rff480wQQKd-lQhrWAn9KpkNJmvyue1ODVWi87AP/s1600/LO+6+blog+IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWe6f1AqyU29BoRVxkGdCL5tUI7fbOffYxjRqNzELUVie0ge1x_W-Eere7BCCdLi_QJX8mNYPZ-nIVoRYCge7KkC65Mw2k0mIvgL_Rff480wQQKd-lQhrWAn9KpkNJmvyue1ODVWi87AP/s1600/LO+6+blog+IMG_3622.JPG" /></a></div>
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Away from the Little Owls I have also been very privileged to have seen the Osprey hunting again at a body of water in the south of the county (no not Rutland). Mostly the views are distant but occasionally it does come a little closer and an image is attained. In this next shot the prey fish that the Osprey has just caught can be clearly identified as being a Jack Pike. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gQfXkKc841QDyvNt4JIP6EUrBS0kDUzpMyI_qT1akECeCPkCGW_xw4aPfiTJr1FQZdQSGDVcrdPptpNZAwUusKA9qhuaEOvCIzNRBvJ7tjJIFeqUxj9xqAvDkcqJ0S2gQKcskRPxiDnL/s1600/osprey+blog+2+IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gQfXkKc841QDyvNt4JIP6EUrBS0kDUzpMyI_qT1akECeCPkCGW_xw4aPfiTJr1FQZdQSGDVcrdPptpNZAwUusKA9qhuaEOvCIzNRBvJ7tjJIFeqUxj9xqAvDkcqJ0S2gQKcskRPxiDnL/s1600/osprey+blog+2+IMG_4796.JPG" /></a></div>
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There isn't much time that elapses without me going down to the local river and parking up with a hope of seeing the Kingfishers. I think breeding has commenced here too because only the male has been seen lately, and that is not too often either. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU8AnhptxKxNGn-NLr-nIsjz9kU1E34H-FXvszzPv5zJUZo6BikwUCViadFTZthXDv_534IrKoKPorzIs-qqruXvCFE6qu7MEi6QRVxItyBMzdf3KpZ-QdovfXdXzjt9VxDCAd3C_0Kvm/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBU8AnhptxKxNGn-NLr-nIsjz9kU1E34H-FXvszzPv5zJUZo6BikwUCViadFTZthXDv_534IrKoKPorzIs-qqruXvCFE6qu7MEi6QRVxItyBMzdf3KpZ-QdovfXdXzjt9VxDCAd3C_0Kvm/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_5608.JPG" /></a></div>
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As we all know now is the time when the migrants start coming in to the UK, I haven't had much luck with photographing any of them yet, however this handsome Yellow Wagtail proved to be a very confining individual and as it sang its head off it allowed me to get incredibly close!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yqinzdeSKLt073gf-IQFaZ379VLLx6nie-chiEax_AIDT1sds4Bh2sNIEAhp9d0Ta5gLpshiYk-xBlGWcA46cPhVGWYcHFKm_eGyxxawztvmcqcA2ENFm_3lPSvs3mJs8cD6hZoIg9w3/s1600/YW+blog+IMG_5795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yqinzdeSKLt073gf-IQFaZ379VLLx6nie-chiEax_AIDT1sds4Bh2sNIEAhp9d0Ta5gLpshiYk-xBlGWcA46cPhVGWYcHFKm_eGyxxawztvmcqcA2ENFm_3lPSvs3mJs8cD6hZoIg9w3/s1600/YW+blog+IMG_5795.JPG" /></a></div>
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The best bird during the last few weeks has been the on off showing of a Short Eared Owl in the east of the county. I've stood for hours in eagerness of it coming out to hunt whilst at the same time questioning my sanity as I braved the dropping temperatures and cutting winds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB8WRkyWAquggag0Kcq-fQiZ_nuewBOUtuEQ-6B9MqIUKhtzP4QMSRTpZ47OygVt46VJ6dlGfJKiLG6c3iNYwaz95wgmrFHdH8Q9wJNq2eeVDEh68BCISirAl0kcZyjuNiGhiSHfyZl36/s1600/SEO+blog+3+IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB8WRkyWAquggag0Kcq-fQiZ_nuewBOUtuEQ-6B9MqIUKhtzP4QMSRTpZ47OygVt46VJ6dlGfJKiLG6c3iNYwaz95wgmrFHdH8Q9wJNq2eeVDEh68BCISirAl0kcZyjuNiGhiSHfyZl36/s1600/SEO+blog+3+IMG_5147.JPG" /></a></div>
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But the brief and fleeting evening views were well worth the wait as it hunted back and forth in front of me whilst being bathed in the glorious golden setting sun.</div>
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Without a doubt the image of the Short Eared Owl that I was most pleased with was this next one. I was very lucky with the diffused and uncluttered background that makes the bird stand out all the better. But just as it flew past it dipped its nearest wig down slightly allowing great views of the whole of its back, in great light too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtffzFAEfRZn8vye5A5evAFgjPOD9-ypz-cU6acEL34Cx3Be8goOhl4VYCtrHemZobVkPoymsdDjrGrvHdBF6XZuk4zMbwQMSJpRF3eb5HTZ0P_Zo1xVnKoe8lfgUXL-kCkNRISEexvl79/s1600/SEO+blog+IMG_5276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtffzFAEfRZn8vye5A5evAFgjPOD9-ypz-cU6acEL34Cx3Be8goOhl4VYCtrHemZobVkPoymsdDjrGrvHdBF6XZuk4zMbwQMSJpRF3eb5HTZ0P_Zo1xVnKoe8lfgUXL-kCkNRISEexvl79/s1600/SEO+blog+IMG_5276.JPG" /></a></div>
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That's all for now folks, hopefully catch up again soon......................</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-7696154893526533792016-04-12T09:07:00.001+01:002016-04-12T09:07:51.814+01:00White Stork!!!!!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Col Green and I were conducting some more checking out of our owl nest boxes late yesterday at one site in the south of the county where (not too far from Countesthorpe) where we have several boxes sited. Whilst there the land owner told me and said there was a "strange white bird" walking around in one of his fields. I initially suspected Little Egret but he was adamant it was something else so I agreed to go and investigate......</div>
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We drove along some farm tracks to the last location the bird had been seen. As soon as we pulled up the bird came into sight, although distant (200 yards or so) I knew straight away that this was no Little Egret.</div>
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Blimey I was looking through my binoculars at a White Stork!!! I still didn't get too excited as it could be an escapee, from this distance no leg rings could be made out so it looked promising? I then called Col (who was checking boxes at another location on the estate) and he initially though I was pulling his leg. Ten minutes later we stood shoulder to shoulder watching the bird, it was at this stage that we both agreed this bird must be the real thing as neither of us could make out any leg rings and it was absolutely spot on for the time of year.</div>
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We then discussed putting out the news, sadly the landowner was adamant that he did NOT want hoards of folk all over his land and we had no option but to respect his wishes. We did try to work out a compromise but as the only access point and viewing location meant going right through the middle of the farm we reluctantly agreed. </div>
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Luckily both Col and I had our camera kit with us, so after taking some distant record shots we drove along a dirt track and parked up. Our theory was the bird would hopefully work its way towards us enabling some better and closer up images. This plan worked perfectly and as the bird gorged on earth worms it did come closer and closer (50 yards would be a guess?) and the images below were bagged.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENx-0a890NrfRTBGeoMO6AcYFS-75KbbNDrzpwM92YLea9Vdu4AUjOECMU3ZjfSj-gc7adx_1ypvHQlrzHMXya51uoWekv8lE3hpbHhMQbTRQWjlSdH6Q9yB5UXl0boyPRkv9QlyD5lc0/s1600/WS+blog+2+IMG_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENx-0a890NrfRTBGeoMO6AcYFS-75KbbNDrzpwM92YLea9Vdu4AUjOECMU3ZjfSj-gc7adx_1ypvHQlrzHMXya51uoWekv8lE3hpbHhMQbTRQWjlSdH6Q9yB5UXl0boyPRkv9QlyD5lc0/s1600/WS+blog+2+IMG_4266.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing nicely</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJAFBZFnWB5UjoNEvs-MhmgEmT-QGDAuhQGYkvqamIEX9xTPyM2lOTUqPlWisD1uVq0sZsv6NCmtpQ6iT2ekSAuoqENYd8CK7rFpMMP3ex-LUxscYH5OTwPq7zGnwLFCVowur1nl0uyMK/s1600/WS+blog+2+IMG_4391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJAFBZFnWB5UjoNEvs-MhmgEmT-QGDAuhQGYkvqamIEX9xTPyM2lOTUqPlWisD1uVq0sZsv6NCmtpQ6iT2ekSAuoqENYd8CK7rFpMMP3ex-LUxscYH5OTwPq7zGnwLFCVowur1nl0uyMK/s1600/WS+blog+2+IMG_4391.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding on earth worms</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Whilst watching the bird we did make a couple of phone calls (county recorder, LROS news line) to explain the dilemma we were in with respect to the restrictions of putting the news out, we made assurances that if there was any change we would call back. Well there was a change, sadly it was a negative one, as without notice the bird took flight and headed off high in a westerly direction. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNFGZD24rMxJOT2ZIX-LlO_7JbfqyrtOL09Vb1HTRbpcokwReQ_O1MJ2PwM67vzXsEufN0xtgNX_7Twyqh0e51Oudr0n-rWSfLjLUGzhNF9ebbwu5VFq5fbNExkLNcuiD7nnlebF_36-W/s1600/WS+blog+2+IMG_4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNFGZD24rMxJOT2ZIX-LlO_7JbfqyrtOL09Vb1HTRbpcokwReQ_O1MJ2PwM67vzXsEufN0xtgNX_7Twyqh0e51Oudr0n-rWSfLjLUGzhNF9ebbwu5VFq5fbNExkLNcuiD7nnlebF_36-W/s1600/WS+blog+2+IMG_4503.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying off</td></tr>
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So a great bird for Leicestershire, great views were had even though it was for only a short period. Apologies must be made to any birders who would have welcomed viewing the Stork, we tried our best but the logistics just couldn't be agreed.</div>
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I'll be back again soon with another post, more Little Owls I suspect!</div>
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Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-86898663685361035602016-04-08T10:09:00.000+01:002016-04-08T10:09:25.854+01:00Right place, right time!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday evening I was out with Daz doing a spot of "general birding" in the south of the county. We hadn't seen much of note apart from a single fly past Red Kite. We weren't surprised that none of our main target, Little Owls hadn't been seen as the weather was very intermittent, one minute sunny the next it was pouring down.</div>
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As we ventured along the lanes of South Leicestershire we neared a body of water (no not Rutland) where we parked up to see what was about. A couple of Little Egrets at distance, a few Tufted Ducks out in the middle, plenty of Sand Martins skimming the waters surface feeding on flys, a Grey Heron in the reeds and several circling Buzzards up high.</div>
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Then out of the blue a flying Osprey came into view!!! It was flying straight across the lake towards us. Through my binoculars a fish could clearly be seen in its talons. At the time neither of us had our cameras out and before we knew it the bird had passed overhead without a single image being taken.</div>
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As the bird was flying away from us it seemed to be keeping parallel to the lane where we were parked, we were soon in the car and in pursuit. As I drove Daz kept an eye on the bird and within a minute we'd caught it up and then overtaken it. Once we had managed and good lead we pulled up and got the cameras out, we then waited and as if to order the Osprey deviated slightly away from the fields and flew straight at and over us!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxRq9zNorIkPv1m_uUQLxz8fr2L-lvkQhbqxkLFEuKdRkiG65f1boAOPKicf_xgFBHrU4ryyr8HREpN6POs9XWOoul3RiheV2WgcRAtaYVVml8YRsU_NNkz0_RkvcCKlmnRFCH0tqoFHZ/s1600/Osprey+blog+3+IMG_3948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxRq9zNorIkPv1m_uUQLxz8fr2L-lvkQhbqxkLFEuKdRkiG65f1boAOPKicf_xgFBHrU4ryyr8HREpN6POs9XWOoul3RiheV2WgcRAtaYVVml8YRsU_NNkz0_RkvcCKlmnRFCH0tqoFHZ/s1600/Osprey+blog+3+IMG_3948.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLwDn7owOucUwe9ZtfzI1VQ6YBw7KllGDQpC0SLWMHSRD32ap_G5hiJm0mr5vu4CD2emuFKbM_fbonLH5NRsbL26QeEIhIUUEpOGbvnNOa0Bu4uE9gutKA9KWNOx6aa6tKN9b4Pf474w6/s1600/Osprey+blog+5+IMG_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLwDn7owOucUwe9ZtfzI1VQ6YBw7KllGDQpC0SLWMHSRD32ap_G5hiJm0mr5vu4CD2emuFKbM_fbonLH5NRsbL26QeEIhIUUEpOGbvnNOa0Bu4uE9gutKA9KWNOx6aa6tKN9b4Pf474w6/s1600/Osprey+blog+5+IMG_3946.JPG" /></a></div>
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All of this action, from stopping the car to the Osprey flying overhead was over in a matter of seconds, luckily I have pre-set a custom function on my camera for just such indecencies, I turned the dial to this setting and prayed I'd be lucky! I did manage a sequence of 14 images with these two above images probably being the best? </div>
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A superb encounter and a great bird to see, especially as it had a fish in it's talons. Obvious we have no idea as to where the bird was going, I suppose it could have been a bird from the Rutland breeding programme that was having a wander about (although that's miles away!) or maybe a Scottish bird still on it's way north or even better still maybe a bird that has set up a new territory in Leicestershire?</div>
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Thanks for stopping by, catch up again soon..............</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-58717276177664849922016-04-07T14:02:00.001+01:002016-04-07T14:02:43.696+01:00Kingfishers - Still showing.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another visit has been made down to the local river, an hour session parked up near to one of the favoured perches that the Kingfishers use resulted in two "stop offs". Initially it was frustrating as the birds whizzed up and down and didn't stop, however the female bird (orange lower mandible) did eventually oblige and posed nicely for a few fleeting seconds.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDj9sy5tEPs4UOb2r_RXJPIhN1chH4-n1AP32aqBCQgapGC1LMj7xu68o-DdX8PqC5p1OPBB38ci9JAOv6gNMg0e3KSpeaMwKWgD913r6E5l6QSb2SSdZTRaSGIB3Ky5YmVns12Si5NcK/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDj9sy5tEPs4UOb2r_RXJPIhN1chH4-n1AP32aqBCQgapGC1LMj7xu68o-DdX8PqC5p1OPBB38ci9JAOv6gNMg0e3KSpeaMwKWgD913r6E5l6QSb2SSdZTRaSGIB3Ky5YmVns12Si5NcK/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_3199.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr>
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I watched the male bird land on a perch further down the river, from here he dived into the water and emerge with a fish. Lucky for me he then landed on the perch right in front of me and then devoured his catch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mhLGXRsGRLv6RqBYWHCw22ovIuMwXBT1-laBrUhcSHRQvpxqZurNb_thp9mExvF-U6UJ1LxtVTtfDFx0o95ZaUxEBQfAdeJUD8o9rgi_z6NXPJ0nwYej9U2Hn8Z9nmyoJ-HN13htePmD/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mhLGXRsGRLv6RqBYWHCw22ovIuMwXBT1-laBrUhcSHRQvpxqZurNb_thp9mExvF-U6UJ1LxtVTtfDFx0o95ZaUxEBQfAdeJUD8o9rgi_z6NXPJ0nwYej9U2Hn8Z9nmyoJ-HN13htePmD/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_3134.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I was surprised to see both birds as I would have thought by now they'd be sitting on eggs, especially as I witnessed them mating over a week ago?</span><br />
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Only a short post, catch up again soon...............</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-32364535496205961322016-04-05T10:12:00.000+01:002016-04-05T10:12:14.209+01:00Holy Owls.......<div style="text-align: justify;">
A pair of Little Owls that I have been monitoring for at least seven years have recently been evicted from their nest location by a pair of Jackdaws. Not good news I know but after several return visits to this site I have eventually managed to re-locate the pair, in a nearby church yard. </div>
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As with most sites that I stake out there is always an element of luck as to when the birds will show? One has to be prepared for loads of waiting around when nothing happens and this site proved to be one of the more stubborn ones! However, when the birds did eventually come out (after five visits and about ten hours of waiting in total) they did put on a great show for me. As with most rural churches there are lots of interesting features and choices for perches around the grounds. The birds didn't disappoint at all as they landed on a variety of headstones, walls and fences. </div>
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This unusual location offered up some quite unique photo opportunities for me, the time invested was well rewarded even though the birds only showed for about ten minutes!</div>
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Catch up again soon..............</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-53708462670627496162016-03-27T10:09:00.002+01:002016-03-27T10:09:20.798+01:00Before the storm.........<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday (Saturday) was as predicted a pretty miserable day weather wise. It was inevitable I suppose, the first bank holiday of the year and the conditions were against us, bloody typical! However, at first light the expected high winds and rain hadn't yet materialized into the blowy damp conditions that were predicted so it was deffo a case of make hay while the sun shone as it wasn't going to last for long?</div>
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My first call was to pop down my local patch down near the river, all kind of goodies have been showing here lately, Kingfishers, Water Rail, Grey Wagtails, Little Egrets, Goosanders and Green Sandpipers. However, my main quarry over the years and the species that brings me back time and time again hasn't yet been seen this year, the Little Owls. It has been whilst watching the owls that I started to notice all the other species and realised just what a gem the wildlife this location is.</div>
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Upon arrival I drove slowly along the shallow part of the river, I parked up near the weed raft where I'd been seeing the Water Rail lately (see previous post). It was seen again, but no photo opportunities this time as it stayed deep in the cover. I'm sure if I'd waited long enough it would have eventually showed better but because of the impending weather I moved on.</div>
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I next parked up parallel to one of the perches that the Kingfishers use, this proved to be a far more productive stop and the male arrived within minutes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD0Aqi88qW6YW5BS2uidJWNEjT0UhWX8q3rPd9xACyfyDodcvFzAhUYIIeHIoVlnEd1gO6KKQKD5xI68zDTdeDxd3CIW8GiJKYz72VIGGLvbJsOhaNQEcfd4yFD1vPNH0Cr87ImdrOQpN/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD0Aqi88qW6YW5BS2uidJWNEjT0UhWX8q3rPd9xACyfyDodcvFzAhUYIIeHIoVlnEd1gO6KKQKD5xI68zDTdeDxd3CIW8GiJKYz72VIGGLvbJsOhaNQEcfd4yFD1vPNH0Cr87ImdrOQpN/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_2812.JPG" /></a></div>
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From where I was parked the Little Egret flew in and landed on the bank around 30 metres downstream. A very skittish bird this one and I had to be satisfied with a few shots from distance.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdWJMDxvaUK0aZOmtzXFFLznYGLlx0P0cWNufPv2sJywnJcWXBmudO_y6UzUAoX2vsVZcI1cbGRRNkCoOg0nECCG4b0GQJrqze8JubZD8cXSdASfaEcSc0MHVG74ZSdrxFPpqj42jU04x/s1600/LE+blog+IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdWJMDxvaUK0aZOmtzXFFLznYGLlx0P0cWNufPv2sJywnJcWXBmudO_y6UzUAoX2vsVZcI1cbGRRNkCoOg0nECCG4b0GQJrqze8JubZD8cXSdASfaEcSc0MHVG74ZSdrxFPpqj42jU04x/s1600/LE+blog+IMG_2292.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Egret</td></tr>
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Again I also saw two Goosanders, (both redheads this time) that's three sightings in the last four visits. They were diving and feeding upstream from where I was parked, but just as previous times as soon as I started to drive nearer to them up they went and flew off!</div>
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The pair of Grey Wagtails were still showing well along the shallow part of the river, on this visit they kept their distance so I have used an image that I attained whilst visiting the previous day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWMXmzu_Bwbw0yX5HMkUkpqy-kPmuCdyXqIRcuoIDBDs1sw43HfaHUvz0cziotcHZ5XinigYSBacsDtgtRSWFRjcRLJ_ybAr-b0-wyYd_ihCXm2wdi2Qt1m_w61lUORyI618YUHBSAnLG/s1600/YW+blog+IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWMXmzu_Bwbw0yX5HMkUkpqy-kPmuCdyXqIRcuoIDBDs1sw43HfaHUvz0cziotcHZ5XinigYSBacsDtgtRSWFRjcRLJ_ybAr-b0-wyYd_ihCXm2wdi2Qt1m_w61lUORyI618YUHBSAnLG/s1600/YW+blog+IMG_2577.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Wagtail</td></tr>
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These next two images of the male Kingfisher were also attained in better light the previous day (Friday) whilst visiting with Col Green. This first shot the bird held a high erect posture as a rival male Kingfisher darted past.</div>
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Back to yesterday..............</div>
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The weather was still holding out, just! A few other delights offered nice views as I worked my way along the river, this Wren sat out in the open for a few seconds as it blasted out its territorial song.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCKrJdHh0IMPSBbAiD4mOokIKPvsJ93L19xDPteHTThoRcHUr821WyF2XTMMYpx8kbLjl6lOZpd-bfVOsr7U1QGiO9WfcK1ZGoY4qUu0QvleScrMPHBc8gFNZ0PblyZsFhsNl4zDxC2MZ/s1600/wren+blog+IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCKrJdHh0IMPSBbAiD4mOokIKPvsJ93L19xDPteHTThoRcHUr821WyF2XTMMYpx8kbLjl6lOZpd-bfVOsr7U1QGiO9WfcK1ZGoY4qUu0QvleScrMPHBc8gFNZ0PblyZsFhsNl4zDxC2MZ/s1600/wren+blog+IMG_1864.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wren</td></tr>
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An earlier in the week visit didn't offer up any Green Sandpiper sightings, this was the first "non show" for months. I thought that their over wintering at this site had come to an end and they had finally departed to more northern breeding grounds? But I was wrong, as today one of the birds was seen yet again feeding in the river. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J_OR45bWlELkVxFN607QG3pvo6Ib4JrfyQddNd7MoMjdia4VqOooXoFviSJkNRv1S72RhzJVZE17KdhUjLqAkmcafpaxEidhWJCtB0cttCI6R-eiG3L66Vy3leZ6c8NzJ7g_k0ALsJlA/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J_OR45bWlELkVxFN607QG3pvo6Ib4JrfyQddNd7MoMjdia4VqOooXoFviSJkNRv1S72RhzJVZE17KdhUjLqAkmcafpaxEidhWJCtB0cttCI6R-eiG3L66Vy3leZ6c8NzJ7g_k0ALsJlA/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1939.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Sandpiper</td></tr>
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I know it's a real long shot but I am really hoping that the Sandpipers hold this territory and stay here and breed. Because of the chance of this I've been doing a bit of research on Green Sandpipers and their breeding habits, I was quite surprised to read that they actually nest in trees!!! They don't make a nest themselves but prefer to use old nests of other birds, now did you know that?</div>
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As the morning drew on the weather continued to deteriorate, that was my call to change tactics and search for other targets. As I previously mentioned I'd not seen a Little Owl here so far this year. The two active sites that use to be so reliable have both been effected, a blown down nest tree at the first site and Stock Doves moving in and evicting the owls at the second site. However, there was some hope as during Fridays visit with Col I did hear a Little Owl calling from the other side of the river, so I knew they were still here but where? It proved to be a fruitless exercise as my usual tactic of moving slowly around the site and scanning every lowdown post and likely roosting spot offered nothing, the high winds and driving rain didn't help.</div>
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I was now in the mood for more Little Owl hunting, something I hadn't really dedicated any time to for what seemed to be such a long time. Therefore, that is what I decided to do for the rest of my time out. I left the river location and drove out into the countryside where there were a few sites I knew of which would offer the owls some shelter, and maybe some sightings?</div>
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The first site I visited, an old farmhouse offered an owl almost straight away, all I had to do was park up on the sheltered side and scan all the likely nook and crannies where an owl would perch, and there it was sitting on an old rafter. </div>
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Just down the road my second sighting took a while longer to materialise, but again an owl was seen and photographed perched in a crevice on the sheltered side of the nest tree.</div>
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The third and final owl was seen at another known site where they frequent a group of old brick building, this was my closest view of the day albeit it only lasted a few seconds!</div>
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So that is a catch up of where I am up to, the forecast for later today (Sunday) and tomorrow is still not that good, but given half a chance and a break in the weather I will be out to see what other goodies can be located.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by, hopefully catch up again soon ............</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-52742881318389332982016-03-22T12:06:00.002+00:002016-03-22T12:06:02.969+00:00Full frame Rail.......<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the last few visits down to my local river I have been chancing upon a few bird species of note. The main target has been the Kingfishers (see previous posts), it can take quite sometime for these little blue gems to show, if they show at all? Consequently when parked up for hours on end other species do come along and sometimes can show quite well, or not!</div>
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A week or so ago I spotted a Water Rail sneaking along in the reedy fringes that boarder the shallow part of the river. This was my first ever sighting of this species down here after eight years of visiting. OK Water Rails are not that uncommon but to have one show here on my part of the river was really quite unusual and a very notable sighting as far as I am concerned. </div>
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On my next visit on Saturday morning (with Col Green) the Water Rail was again seen, it was in the exact same location as it had been during my previous sighting, under a large reed raft and only occasionally venturing to the waters edge where it could been clearly seen. Yes I did manage a couple of distant shots of it (with Col's camera) as it scurried between the patches of dense vegetation. The resultant images were OK but I thought I could do better so a return on Sunday morning was planned.</div>
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On the Sunday morning I ignored, the Kingfishers, the newly arrived Little Egret, the pair of Grey Wagtails and the Green Sandpipers, this morning was going to be dedicated to the Water Rail. Now Water Rails are notably cautious and secretive creatures which makes watching them a challenge. For this reason driving slowly up and down the rivers edge (as I usually do) wasn't the tactic for today, instead I parked up opposite the weed raft where I'd seen it on two previous occasions and waited. </div>
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After only 20 minutes the bird was seen as it dashed from one side of the shallow river to the other, the problem was it was 20 metres downstream! Then within seconds it emerged again and bolted straight into the weed raft opposite me, this is when the waiting game really started. For the next hour the bird was occasionally seen, it would come to the edge of the dense undergrowth, over turn a couple of damp leaves, feed avidly on what it had revealed and then disappear. In all that time I didn't manage any images that would be deemed "keepers" the bird was either too fast or there was obstacles blocking the view.</div>
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Then remarkably and uncharacteristically and without warning the Rail just sauntered out from within the cover and just stood there, right out in the open in all its glory! I just couldn't believe my luck and the camera rocked into action.</div>
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It seemed relaxed and totally unfazed with the presence of the car or the camera shutter rattling away. It had a bit of a shake then to my almost disbelief it started to cross the river straight towards me!</div>
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As it crossed the river it actually started to come too close, I was now completely filling the frame with just the bird!</div>
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Just before it disappeared it held one last pose right in front of me, here I was able to attain this full frame shot with the water droplet on its bill. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">What a fantastic encounter, to have photograph a Water Rail right out in the open and up so close was an almost unimaginable encounter, and one I shall not forget in a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Thanks for stopping by, hopefully catch up again soon.</span>Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-6095402151890088132016-03-20T16:19:00.002+00:002016-03-20T16:19:12.717+00:00At long last!<span style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes, and I do mean sometimes, a long term plan does come to
fruition..........</span><br />
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For several years now whilst monitoring
the Little Owls at one of my sites I do occasionally see a pair of Kingfishers.
Mostly the sightings are restricted to just a blue blur as they blast up and
down the river, however they do sometimes rest up on a bank side
perch and offer some better views, for a few fleeting seconds! This noted
behaviour tempted me last year into to trying for some perched up images, there
was a lot of time invested with mixed results initially. But in time I did
manage to slowly gain better views and consequently improved images of both the
male, female and juvenile Kingfishers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But was I content?.........No I wasn't!
Don't get me wrong, I was more than satisfied with the slow but sure
improvements with the images that I was attaining, but the one image that I'd
got in my minds eye that had so far eluded me was one with both the male and
female Kingfishers together. So you can probably imagine my smugness when this
morning I not only managed an image of the pair of them together and in focus,
I actually superseded my own expectations and nailed a few images of them mating!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj0_wgCYNuC565_jbMSe2Y1MZ9e0lc7hi1IeldK8Z5PVUVbYpDZzlJmXoUNt8qmy1clepsbGYoGsYAU3_YGUErFUnnkmSpJ1ZJEz5VJaM91_M_QY8ofWrZOh7ewqelx6cLawflNtdgfoQ/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj0_wgCYNuC565_jbMSe2Y1MZ9e0lc7hi1IeldK8Z5PVUVbYpDZzlJmXoUNt8qmy1clepsbGYoGsYAU3_YGUErFUnnkmSpJ1ZJEz5VJaM91_M_QY8ofWrZOh7ewqelx6cLawflNtdgfoQ/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_2381.JPG" /></a></div>
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It was an excellent and very productive
early morning visit with great views of Kingfisher (obviously), Little Egret,
Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail and Water Rail!! I now have over 400 more images
to go through from this morning before I can even think of publishing another
post on here, watch this space!<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Catch up again soon...........</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-40563270183044607882016-03-14T07:16:00.001+00:002016-03-14T07:16:28.609+00:00More Kingfishers<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday morning (Sunday) I made another visit down to my local river, the couple of hours spent there proved to be very rewarding with some great views of both the male and female Kingfishers. These are just a quick sample from over 300 images I rattled off whilst there!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYhtsVteSzA9HDXo2rdaiam4y1tLtV-mpjlwRHIRRkpXZd1bw14q0z-d9F5Rwh0DVViBwXuJsUHpYAdGbdhgQ6f3vdcAIQ2YrRdlqv2UY5O_raD1nhBzT5tkrsGJ7wIlNl8n0N3iPuFSU/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYhtsVteSzA9HDXo2rdaiam4y1tLtV-mpjlwRHIRRkpXZd1bw14q0z-d9F5Rwh0DVViBwXuJsUHpYAdGbdhgQ6f3vdcAIQ2YrRdlqv2UY5O_raD1nhBzT5tkrsGJ7wIlNl8n0N3iPuFSU/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1620.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Whilst there I witnessed both birds individually catch a Bullhead for dinner. Just amazing how they can swallow whole a fish of such size in comparison to their body size.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4Iixs7LETKWFm4Vpjfj46C4F6ZM-YlncbrU7EkdA1j3BYfUHUaK73dHCGlct6kfeID1OR2j21p2cP_NswD-AalmiG5iVgLvt8QuG6V-uwp9kmFoOy4684aZLw9f0L7fj6dN8CG3h-9S5/s1600/kf+Blog+IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4Iixs7LETKWFm4Vpjfj46C4F6ZM-YlncbrU7EkdA1j3BYfUHUaK73dHCGlct6kfeID1OR2j21p2cP_NswD-AalmiG5iVgLvt8QuG6V-uwp9kmFoOy4684aZLw9f0L7fj6dN8CG3h-9S5/s1600/kf+Blog+IMG_1632.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uidG7SVgiPBEkwTXmE_T9eF7Zsyp47vWi-kIorIQ0Y9FCUPjmqsMJZ_r02LQLjNF4ZJaz9VKerG1xsT2bpIP0yb9euzVEdaCfEdJ5reJITBQTCzQk1SAKk084JNpzuFAOdfhq4DKMWaI/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uidG7SVgiPBEkwTXmE_T9eF7Zsyp47vWi-kIorIQ0Y9FCUPjmqsMJZ_r02LQLjNF4ZJaz9VKerG1xsT2bpIP0yb9euzVEdaCfEdJ5reJITBQTCzQk1SAKk084JNpzuFAOdfhq4DKMWaI/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1711.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The male bird, below certainly has the more vivid feather colouration, deeper blues and oranges, oh and of course a blacker bill.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cyDi-aXYOKS9QS1ihRVMRQeC5ONhHi2RoUIl7MinnfmuoXdb1BAe628Yz0P9GPp9YgdJIOUtlbfOD0FU1d5FnK5nBWQ3Mq8lik9gTE0VALSa_cTiXAg4QekpV3hXGxBUlxKyxOa2rMe2/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cyDi-aXYOKS9QS1ihRVMRQeC5ONhHi2RoUIl7MinnfmuoXdb1BAe628Yz0P9GPp9YgdJIOUtlbfOD0FU1d5FnK5nBWQ3Mq8lik9gTE0VALSa_cTiXAg4QekpV3hXGxBUlxKyxOa2rMe2/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1913.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After many many visits to this site over the years, mainly to watch the Little Owls I added another "first" to my species list in the form of a Water-rail, it took my very much by surprise when I spotted it walking along the concrete causeway. This alone is reason enough for me to go back asap, oh and the Little Owls, Kingfishers etc...........</div>
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Catch up again soon!</div>
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Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-79137894152480595772016-03-08T13:03:00.003+00:002016-03-08T13:03:54.941+00:00Down The River<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early Sunday morning it was clear and bright, it appeared to be just the perfect conditions for a spot of wildlife watching and photography. However, I was deceived because as I started the car the temperature gauge flashed back at me, it was minus 2 degrees!</div>
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I'd decided that I was going to visit one of my favorite local sites over near the village of South Wigston. My last visit here was well before Christmas, recent conditions have limited visits because of how wet the fields have been which makes driving across the soggy grass an almost impossibility (bring back to old Landrover!). The other reason why I haven't visited is because I'd lost the key that the farmer gave me to access the many gates that are encountered, that obstacle was soon overcome though as I went round to visit him and borrowed his!</div>
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Upon arrival the first birds encountered were a pair of Green Woodpeckers feeding in the fields, dam things were far to shy and no images attained. I drove up and parked against the side of the river, the next bird seen was a first for this site, a male Goosander! It was around 50 yards up stream and diving on a regular basis, I tried to get nearer each time it dived but after 20 minutes of employing this tactic I gave up, it was far too cute and I never did get any nearer so I went back to the car to see what else would come by.</div>
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The next showy subject was in the form of a Green Sandpiper, at first the bird was quite distant but in time it slowly moved nearer and nearer whilst feeding in the shallow water. Eventually it came close enough for me to capture a variety of images, below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs3VyguBQOE0LxEZKiHNaEkR47p4z_Dmi19bAKDbfJ_WfZF53nbZwWTdualhUi1LGeMrcQDZ1eoWUChouycLK7dGNlzwy2VFTsMGXDp6kOsOYtIiu3vMEBNYmooO_Y-k3NIC7ZkapLC58/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs3VyguBQOE0LxEZKiHNaEkR47p4z_Dmi19bAKDbfJ_WfZF53nbZwWTdualhUi1LGeMrcQDZ1eoWUChouycLK7dGNlzwy2VFTsMGXDp6kOsOYtIiu3vMEBNYmooO_Y-k3NIC7ZkapLC58/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_0848.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_TbNDoqYRxUTIcRn57Venb9_AWq_uHzE5m34GqxHz_nrkbRUBytbP3ZbqJPIdxSizYjRl2CGtl3d7TZoCxqnSIqMaFFMtLFmlK07xVQ1YClAVZ8fnPlIqy572UHhAPqRNJpQB2uG5nVv/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_TbNDoqYRxUTIcRn57Venb9_AWq_uHzE5m34GqxHz_nrkbRUBytbP3ZbqJPIdxSizYjRl2CGtl3d7TZoCxqnSIqMaFFMtLFmlK07xVQ1YClAVZ8fnPlIqy572UHhAPqRNJpQB2uG5nVv/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1092.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMerm7LAYkQDpJzReCvIVqFmsLZk2im5NvDILbWAF-fkkI5pxtr96ti55D_Wp0qlne878tu4NdMleDrS1i5KSbWn-0fq4Q-_v7BHHSjP0OTAWl3Z_L7FV6AyewsiD5oan54C2lFwMP1qKp/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMerm7LAYkQDpJzReCvIVqFmsLZk2im5NvDILbWAF-fkkI5pxtr96ti55D_Wp0qlne878tu4NdMleDrS1i5KSbWn-0fq4Q-_v7BHHSjP0OTAWl3Z_L7FV6AyewsiD5oan54C2lFwMP1qKp/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1106.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoxHWZaovskxNpXD6QkvSZzxk2mKIvh2UZ0n52wFtoFJsAYWdmuOt7Z8rmAOGmmGKolZo33TZQZKQ3QFQ-VTN1VX-vP__HNS-bhD-4os-0FXEmcqEqyj_M5O9dvvVofr5w6QaNz8ZtqTb/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoxHWZaovskxNpXD6QkvSZzxk2mKIvh2UZ0n52wFtoFJsAYWdmuOt7Z8rmAOGmmGKolZo33TZQZKQ3QFQ-VTN1VX-vP__HNS-bhD-4os-0FXEmcqEqyj_M5O9dvvVofr5w6QaNz8ZtqTb/s1600/GS+blog+IMG_1215.JPG" /></a></div>
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After a good time (20 minutes or so) the Sandpiper wandered off further down the river and out of reasonable distance for photography. My next "within range" bird was a pair of Grey Wagtails, great to watch as they fluttered around catching Nymphs and fly's, sadly no usable images were obtained.</div>
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Eventually my main subject, the Kingfisher finally put in an appearance, this was a pleasing sight as last year a pair used and bred on this stretch of the river but there was no way of knowing if they would be here again? So to see a single bird perched up on a post on the far bank was very encouraging indeed! I would have been more than happy with this viewing of the single bird but my luck was really in when a second bird appeared and landed on a branch just down the river from where I was parked!</div>
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For the next 30 minutes I was rewarded with some stunning views of both the male and female Kingfisher as they posed for me. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQan34MLlDy2ORx_LUiIwT0taYMv9_ULOUG2IT56bVckhe186PGq2KjkHI_ciA5YNj-dVHXMjMJ8Hd2sDLHeWcSUwZMr3rkLA1QeWGzjxYt8WVeQ6oH4KLq6ThOdMR40sFyr-UwQnnBeE/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQan34MLlDy2ORx_LUiIwT0taYMv9_ULOUG2IT56bVckhe186PGq2KjkHI_ciA5YNj-dVHXMjMJ8Hd2sDLHeWcSUwZMr3rkLA1QeWGzjxYt8WVeQ6oH4KLq6ThOdMR40sFyr-UwQnnBeE/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1396.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female - red base to the bill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJufODBcwYacJgkRivYhU64vjqsAZwueCwK_6GiYrZTdeQpFHqBgK7aRGXf3ls-UURmyTygeK-MY8ccORjc1WDOxEqmnpuUdTL-4imk1KYKmhOsjvePoJbWOaOrt4P9Nx_5RHQ-lyI8FUg/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJufODBcwYacJgkRivYhU64vjqsAZwueCwK_6GiYrZTdeQpFHqBgK7aRGXf3ls-UURmyTygeK-MY8ccORjc1WDOxEqmnpuUdTL-4imk1KYKmhOsjvePoJbWOaOrt4P9Nx_5RHQ-lyI8FUg/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1388.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewG0OVuaWjN2RMb2ad8c04PRSeOipJNrJhqPkvY3UTPzWsSrT31gsD6Tt4ROUlWFGT_9k5YhGlGJvg-RyUbm0b3mkU-ScdHlyZFPKGPEp3E1j2wGqRwKksPiyrIG67szTo0sek-DJBkKJ/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewG0OVuaWjN2RMb2ad8c04PRSeOipJNrJhqPkvY3UTPzWsSrT31gsD6Tt4ROUlWFGT_9k5YhGlGJvg-RyUbm0b3mkU-ScdHlyZFPKGPEp3E1j2wGqRwKksPiyrIG67szTo0sek-DJBkKJ/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1336.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male - almost all black bill</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0xVp8V2iETymnQlk861ddbdsrvI5JDAWNIRNAtjpDEhUHLBBZzPOvr31keGjCW7Ig6z2YT9c9Y8ayQlGLRKBw9O9eCmovaksHZC_501gkjwnL-ROjCjH9h2oqEiPQVJ_9fhQf47KAzeA/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0xVp8V2iETymnQlk861ddbdsrvI5JDAWNIRNAtjpDEhUHLBBZzPOvr31keGjCW7Ig6z2YT9c9Y8ayQlGLRKBw9O9eCmovaksHZC_501gkjwnL-ROjCjH9h2oqEiPQVJ_9fhQf47KAzeA/s1600/KF+blog+IMG_1285.JPG" /></a></div>
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What made this viewing of the Kingfishers even more rewarding was they must have been nest excavating quite close by as they both had traces of mud on their bills (did you spot it in the images?). So things do look promising that this pair of Kingfishers will breed yet again on this stretch of the river, can't wait, bring on the Spring!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by, catch up again soon...............</div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7234950101395165139.post-17897800015308881682016-03-02T12:54:00.001+00:002016-03-02T13:03:15.607+00:00New Little Owl Site<div style="text-align: justify;">
During the week I had a couple of late in the day sorties out to check on a couple of potential Barn Owl locations. Sadly neither location produced any Barnie sightings but I did stumble upon a new Little Owl territory. </div>
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Initially I was crawling along at low speed down an off road lane that belongs to one of my farmer friends, all the car windows were wide open which enables better listening for any nearby owls that maybe calling. I have found that this time of year (pre-breeding season) it is really good for locating new owl territories as they can become very vocal at dusk, and this is what happened on this occasion. Unlike of late this particular evening the wind had dropped and it was quite still, therefore any calls tended to reverberate around the nearby vicinity. </div>
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When the call(s) were first heard there was absolutely no doubt it was that of a Little owls. I inched nearer to where the calls were coming from and to my delight there right in front of me were a pair of Little Owls perched on an old fence. The hen bird didn't tolerate my close proximity but luckily the male stayed around long enough for me to capture this one usable image, below. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMjtehWJ3Ea9eK3K6B8rQGJWy_-353gso3y0rk0ArptUA_wqFyMsYQ2pzWnXBA1rEahVh-2t3cwao8wKx23ai0qWIcKrBd38hLF6huYFM3cxh76dI2A1Ua5QBLl4YbfjB0K4Lzgva0Lvz/s1600/LO+john+smiths+blog+IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMjtehWJ3Ea9eK3K6B8rQGJWy_-353gso3y0rk0ArptUA_wqFyMsYQ2pzWnXBA1rEahVh-2t3cwao8wKx23ai0qWIcKrBd38hLF6huYFM3cxh76dI2A1Ua5QBLl4YbfjB0K4Lzgva0Lvz/s1600/LO+john+smiths+blog+IMG_0742.JPG" /></a></div>
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The conditions for photography were abysmal, it was 6:50pm and in almost complete darkness but the obliging owl remained still enough for me to manually focus on him (with the aid of a full moon) and with the settings at ISO 3200 I did manage to achieve a shutter speed of 1/20 second! Obviously the image was then in need of some post processing but considering the challenging conditions I am very pleased with the final outcome.</div>
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I will be returning back to this same location as soon as possible to hopefully get some better viewing and attain a few improved images.</div>
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Only a short post but rest assured I will be back again soon.</div>
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Bye for now................<br />
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PS I forgot to mention that I now have a twitter account, for anyone interested it is <complete id="goog_553953748">@PMRiddle</complete></div>
Paul Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745064452469646249noreply@blogger.com7