28/06/2012 Frodsham Marsh

Black-tailed Godwit: Another after work  trip to Frodsham Marsh again by far the star bird was this stunning large wader.  It was seen further along Tank no.5.

This was one of those time I wished I had a 500mm lens, one day. For now I will do my best with my 300mm and 50mm Macro.

27/06/2012 Frodsham Marsh

Common Buzzard: A great day out after work, I started down on Weaver bend where I was covered in flies. In fact everywhere I walked I seemed to be followed by them.

This stunning huge Buzzard was seen in Tank no.5

Grey Heron: This was in the lagoon in Tank no.6 along with Cuckoo, Sedge warbler, Common Whitethroat and Kestrel.


Insects where abundant, Gatekeepers, Skippers, Small Tortoiseshell and loads of Thick-legged Flower Beetles. Great time to be out in the sun surrounded by birdsong and mini beasts.  




 
Spotted Wood Butterfly: This stunner was seen just off the bridge running over the motorway leading down to the Weaver Bend. Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and tits where seen around this area.

24/06/2012 Gronant

Little Tern: Theses excellent little sea birds are back at Gronant.  There are about 100 to 120 breeding pairs here at the moment and a handful of Little Ringed Plover all using the secured and protected fenced RSPB area.

The site is owned and managed by Denbigshire Rangers.





Theses little stunners are very active and where feeding just meters off shore.

Bee Orchid: I stumbled along this cracking tiny flower among the sand dunes and I was very pleased as this was another life tick.


I started the walk to the Tern colony from Point of Aye which was full of Pyramidal Orchids, Skylark and the odd Reed Bunting but only came across one Bee Orchid.




The Orchid was a little bit passed its sell buy date but was still looking stunning among the grasses of the dunes.

For those who don’t know, theses amazing wild British Orchids produce a pheromone which mimics that of a female bee and has evolved to produce a flower which is meant to resemble a bee to attract male bees.

The bees then attempts to mate with the flower and in so doing transfer pollen between plants. Although here in Britain it is thought that bee orchids only reproduce asexually and the species of bee that the flower evolved to attract is not found here.

Marsh Orchid: Theses have been long in flower at Gronant alongside the boggy parts and naer the ponds. This one I came across was huge, the flower head was at least 50cm.

Pyramidal Orchids where also in flower and in very god numbers all over Gronant, there where everywhere really along that coast sand dune path.

18/06/2012 My Garden, Chester

Garden Snail: Just practicing my macro skills with my new Sigma 50mm DG Macro lens.


I know, this is not a bird, should I change my Blog name to Austin's Wildlife Blog?

14/06/2012 Leighton Moss RSPB

Bullfinch: I love Leighton Moss as its full of cracking birds, I went to see the Spoonbill and was treated to great views of a hunting male Marsh Harrier.

Half an hour spent at the feeding station was very productive as this Stunning male Bullfinch turned up to feed.




Along with the male there was also one female Bullfinch seen, she is the paler bird on the left and was a right fatty, constantly stuffing her beak.


 

Chaffinch: The most common finch in the UK and by far the most active on the feeders I counted at least nine individuals many where juveniles. Other regualr birds to note at the feeders where Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Graet Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch and Greenfinch.





Spoobill: This was the reason why I went up to Leighton Moss, this Spoonbill has been hanging around the Eric Morecambe Hide for a few days now, and I was made up to see it.

Although my lens could only manage a record shot, the picture still shows off its general size and spoon shaped bill.

09/06/2012 Burton Marsh RSPB

Marsh Orchid: A brief trip to Burton started off pretty good with a walk through the woods I saw Greater Spotted Woodie, Tree Creeper, Nuthatch, Blackcap and Willow Warbler.


I then got to the main reception hide and saw Black Tail Godwits, Avocet with young and the usual garden birds around the feeders which are always good to see.

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The day then got relatively quiet with no notable birds t mention on the reserve as I was hoping for a Spotted Flycatcher.




Although the day picket up again when I got to the other hide and was a field full of wonderful Marsh Orchids right outside the window.






Theses where inaccessible but along the reed bed walk there where was the odd one dotted about amongst the sedges and reeds




A stunning wildflower, a must see for anyone.









Ok, ok, I know my Blog is slowly turning in to Austin's Wildflower Blog!

Well watch this space for more pictures and reports of wildbirds.

06/06/2012 The Great Orme - Continued

Meadow Pipit: This guy was very active along the rock wall on the road up towars the visitor centre, it kept hopping from one wall to another giving some great views.

Jackdaw: Theses guys are everywhere on the Orme, and not shy at all. A great bird to photograh.

06/06/2012 The Great Orme

Common Spotted Orchid: I began my walk up the toll road towards Pen-trwyn where I saw two huge Ravens stealing Fulmar eggs of the cliff face and getting mobbed by a single kestrel and a horde of Jackdaws.

It was here I saw my first Orchid the purple pyramidal Orchid, It was out of reach of both myself and my 300mm lens so I could only manage a record shot.









I continued around the roads up to the visitor centre, where I then came upon my second Orchid of the day the stunning Common Spotted Orchid. There were four in total but only two within reach.


They were right alongside the road, as I was taking pics I pointed them out to passersby as the Orme was particularly busy.





Pyramidal Orchid: Too far over the cliff edge to get a good shot.

The birds to note where Fulmars, Ravens, Stone Chat, Black Guillemots, Guillemots and Razor Bills.