Hello and welcome
I have always had a keen interest in wildlife and the great outdoors;
I was an Angler for over 30 years but gave it up a few years ago to
concentrate on photographing wildlife. I lived in Runcorn; Cheshire a
short distance from the M56 that gave me great access to the Wirral,
Northwales and Lancashire, with some great countryside on my doorstep
I didn't have to travel too far in search of wildlife and photographic
opportunities.
Some of my wildlife photographs range from as far afield as Cuba,
Antigua, Saint Martin, Saint Lucia, Dominican Republic, Tuscany ,
Corfu, Turkey, Spain, Portugal.
I now live in the Charente area of western France.
Smash and Grab
Spent a few hours at Moore Nature Reserve yesterday getting some shots of Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe, whilst waiting for the Kingfisher to put in an appearance (that did not happen).
What did happen was some %*£! decided to break into my car to see what could be found, smashing the back window and pulling the back seat forward to look in the boot.
Nothing was taken as I don’t keep anything of value in the car, but I was not the only victim.
The car next to me suffered the same damage and had a work bag taken.
It cost me £65 because I had to pay the excess on my insurance. Not the best of days.
Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Reed Warbler.
About Moore Nature Reserve
Moore Nature Reserve comprises almost 200 acres of woodland, meadows, lakes and ponds. It is home to many diverse species of plants, animals, birds and other wildlife. The nature reserve is well known for its varied bird life, including all five species of British owl and all three species of woodpecker. Many other interesting birds can be found either as year-round residents or seasonal visitors.
Throughout the seasons a variety of wildlife can be found. Spring and summer bring a host of wonderful wildflowers including many orchids, and a large array of dragonflies. In autumn many fantastic fungi can be found.
Moore Nature Reserve is also a great place to take a walk in the countryside. Our paths, benches and bird hides make exploring the site enjoyable for everybody.
Schools, colleges and universities use the site as an educational resource, and guided walks and other assistance can be provided by the wardens. Volunteer groups carry out practical conservation work and wildlife monitoring to assist in the continuing good management of the reserve. A programme of events has been set up to help everybody become involved and learn about the wildlife and history of Moore Nature Reserve.
Moore Nature Reserve is situated between the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey. The 200-acre site has been managed as a nature reserve since 1991, after being used as farmland and for sand quarrying. Today the reserve can boast five large lakes surrounded by extensive woodland, meadows and wetlands, made accessible by a network of paths and bird hides. Its many habitats provide a home for a variety of birds, mammals, insects, plants, amphibians and fungi.
An enchanting place for everyone with an interest in nature and an attractive place in which to walk and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Moore Nature Reserve is managed by wardens employed by the Waste Recycling Group Limited, operators of nearby Arpley Landfill site. Arpley Landfill began operating in 1988 and covers more than 500 acres - nearly 200 acres of which have been given over to the nature reserve. The landfill is being restored to a mix of woodland and grassland and, together with Moore Nature Reserve, will eventually provide an important public amenity and area of rich biodiversity on the edge of what is a busy, and growing urban area.
From the A56 (from Warrington of the M56 J11) turn at the traffic lights opposite the Walton Arms public house, following the sign for Moore. From Moore village turn right into Moore Lane. Follow this road over the swingbridge to arrive at Moore Nature Reserve.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones would not be out of place here, it’s the burial tombs on the Dalyan River in Turkey.
Some Tombs are over two thousand years old.
Not the best image of a Stork, taken from a boat on the Dalyan River.
Reed Warbler on the Dalyan River.
Cold Turkey
Just got back from Turkey after two weeks in the sun sporting a worthy tan. Today I have notice my skin starting to peel on my legs, not surprising as the temperature was in the upper nineties.
I took some equipment with me so I didn’t get withdrawal systems, but photographic opportunities were meagre as the habitat was not ideal. I did get some photos, but they are nothing to write home about.
At the Hotel we stayed at a family of Jays seemed to be around most days as were a pair of Collared Doves, Pied Wagtails and the odd Lizard. We did take a river boat trip and photographed a Stork and Reed Warbler but that was it all week. Photography was not the reason I went to Turkey so I still had a great time and now have the added waistline to prove it.
We have better looking Jays here.
Collared Doves seem the same.
Images from the Dalyan river later
No Flies on Me.
No Flies on me or anything else. I rolled off the drive at a quarter to five in the morning and arrived at 7.00am at Gilfach Farm. First stop see the Warden and ask about Spotted Flycatchers.
He had not seen any, or had any reports of them on the site. Not really a surprise as they are hard to find these days. No dead flies on the car either and not many in my garden and a lack of bees.
Something is wrong, no insects = no birds and that’s just the start.
Rant over............................................
After spending most of the morning at Gilfach Farm I went on to Photograph the Red Kites at Gigrin Farm. I put my Camera away at 4.40pm and set off home arriving at 7.00pm.
The Redstarts although tame were infrequent visitors and I only managed a few shots.
Pied Flycatchers however made more visits to the feeding stations and were just as tame as the Redstarts.
View from Gilfach taken on my phone.
Red Kites at Gigrin Farm
White Kite
More images in the Red Kite folder.
Last outing
Gilfach Farm is a place I wanted to visit last year but it never happened, so I have decided this is the year I will go. It will take me about two and half hours depending on traffic and the dreaded sat- nav directions.
The weather is due to break this week, so I need to go as soon as possible. Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers should be feeding young. The Redstarts will be visiting the feeding station.
Dippers and Wood Warblers should also be around so it has the potential to be a fruitful trip.
It is my last big trip before I go to Turkey on June the 4th for two weeks. I will be taking my 7D and 300m f4 lens with me as I don’t fancy carting my 500m and mk4 with me.
Situated in a beautiful setting at the confluence of the Marteg River with the River Wye in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales, Gilfach is locally unique because of its wide variety of habitats: high moorland to enclosed meadow; oak woodland to rocky upland river. Because of this variety the farm supports a tremendous abundance of birds and animals within a comparatively small area. This richness of wildlife has adapted to living in the various habitats created over the centuries through the practice of traditional farming.
The farmyard, with its Welsh longhouse, is central to the reserve. The house is a traditional building in Wales, developed over many centuries from a wooden cruck-framed medieval hall. The Gilfach Longhouse forms the perfect complement to the Education and Visitor Centre which has been created through the conversion of the 18th century stone barn opposite. The Centre utilises a 'high-tech' approach to the interpretation of the wildlife of the Reserve. Nest-boxes fitted with cameras link to a monitor system in the Centre, as does pre-recorded footage of Gilfach's badger and other mammal activity. A gift shop and restaurant area, in addition to other picnic sites, complete the facilities which are accessible to wheelchairs.
Directions:
Gilfach is just off the A470, seven miles from Llangurig and two miles from Rhayader. Follow the brown Nature Reserve signs. The Visitor Centre is one mile across the Reserve.
Website:
For more information, check Gilfach Farm's own website at www.radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
RSPB Conwy
It’s been several weeks since I have been to RSPB site at Conwy. The light is better on the estuary side although things can be at a distance.
Little Ring Plover and Dunlin were feeding on the water’s edge outside of the benarth hide.
Gone in Sixty Seconds
Quick and always on the move Goldcrests like shaded places, it’s a safer place to be for a small bird.
Great to photograph when they come out into the open. You have to be quick on your feet or you will miss them.
Meanwhile back on the Cuckoo’s. I had to stand under a tree in camouflage gear to get these photos and they are still not what I want. This may well be my last chance to photograph them this year.
Playing Catch-Up
I have been playing catch-up with the Cuckoo’s and my images processing. Monday I revisited the Cuckoo’s to try and get some better images and failed again, the Cuckoo’s led me a merry dance all morning, so I gave up (But I will be back).
With the morning session over I turned my attention to a Goldcrest and Pied Flycatcher.
I got some good shots, or so I thought. However when I got home and checked them I could see that I had altered my settings. They were higher than the needed to be, that’s an excuse to try again on Tuesday.
Off to see the Lizards
When the sun comes out so do the Lizards, they can be a bit of a challenge.
If you can find them and have lots of patience they will reward you.
Red Letter Day
The sun is going to shine today, so where do I go. I could stay local to get some better Whitethroat shots, or travel up the M6 to look for some Redstarts and Cuckoo. Both have been on my red list of birds to photograph this year.
I decided on the latter, travelling up the M6 and reaching my destination one and a half hours later.
First stop is the Redstarts but conditions could be better, I don’t like using a high ISO but I have no choice and no cover.
As I was photographing the Redstarts I could hear a Cuckoo in the background and I decided to investigate.
Difficult to pin down as they call in-flight, the call seemed to come from every direction.
All I could do was sit and wait for a sighting; eventually one came into view and I was able to photograph them.
I lighting was harsh and getting the bird in better light condition proved impossible.
The Winds of change are blowing across Cheshire.
With migrant birds still arriving I need to get out and see what I can find. But Strong winds in Cheshire make taking any photographs a bit of a challenge; many birds seek cover and are very evasive. I have been trying to get some better Whitethroats, with not much luck, as the habitat they frequent is subjected to strong winds.
Sheltered spots in the woods offered some sanctuary for birds and me and I was able to photograph some Blackcaps.
In search of Whitethroats
It’s Cloudy and wet today with the sun only showing for brief periods, it’s enough for me to go in search of Whitethroats at my local reserve.
