www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi all,

There have been some interesting sightings posted in the forums, especially of birds, and thought it would be good to start a thread to allow us to discuss these, and share photos, over the winter months.

So - bring those birdy photos on - using this thread

Cheers,

- Pete

Met a fantastic bird the other day - blonde hair and blue eyes. No photo to start the thread off with unfortunately.

Last wednesday me and the Lady Wife were walking along the Estuary in Maldon Essex when a large bird flying over caught my eye, it was a Spoonbill, my first ever rare bird in Britain[other than birds previously reported or seen by others] i was well chuffed. Steve

I took this photo last January in Norfolk. It is an American bird, White-crowned Sparrow.
I was really chuffed with this photo, especially as it was not taken with a DSLR, but the bridge camera
(Birdguides posted this photo on their site too )
Denise

That's a fantastic sighting Denise : ) It's amazing how a little bird like that can be blown off course by such a distance! I think I should go bird watching more often in the winter_

I haven't seen anything quite as exotic as that one, Denise, but I did get to see the locally famous eagle owl that has been roosting in a sycamore tree near Bristol University, right in the middle of town.


And a rather nondescript backlit heron at Backwell Lake in Somerset benefited from some warm post processed sunset tones:

Very nice shots Mike. That Eagle Owl is a stunner, and I like the post processed Grey Heron too.
My only other reasonable bird shot was taken at Marquenterre reserve, France in July 06.
It was taken with my tiny compact camera pressed up against my spotting scope (Opticron HR66ED)
This photo turned out to be the exception that proves the rule, to go out and buy a decent camera.
Immature Spoonbill.

Denise

Just goes to show, Denise, it's not the equipment but the person behind it.

I've taken this photo from inside the house with the bird table by the window. The Kodak P712 came out for this. A Coaltit. I have been told if they are a bit pinkish they have come from Ireland, on a clear day we are able to see the Wicklow mountains so it might have come from there.

That's birding heaven to be able to stay in the warm and still get photos. Delightful pic.

The local stream goes through some suburban housing but it's close enough to the countryside to have a couple of dippers. They do have a habit of keeping out of sight unless the light is poor. I shot this heavy crop at iso 3200 today.

Just goes to show, Denise, it's not the equipment but the person behind it.

Nudge Nudge, Wink Wink.

Hello everyone
With this good idea of posting ornithological images and comments, I thought I'd send in a shot I took today of a Long tailed tit near our house. I love the way they jump and bounce around when they're in trees!
Regards
Deano.

With the way Long Tail Tits move, I think thats a wonderful photo Deano.

Thanks Shirley - it certainly took more than one attempt to get this photo which I was pleased with! These birds sure do shift don't they!
Regards from Deano.

Cool shots all. I am hopefully going out birdwatching tomorrow. A spoonbill was spotted here, and I don't think I have ever seen on before. Little egrets have been spotted along with Canadian brent geese. Well, if I see anything or get photos, I'll post them.

Last old photo. I promise
I forgot all about this one. Taken with the same method as the Spoonbill on a bright day, but quite a bit closer.
Severn Beach 30.09.07
Juv Wheatear.

Denise

Hi Everyone

I was at the park in the other town earlier this year. And I came across this duck/goose thing, I was quite big and came across it because it sounded different to all the others. I have no idea what it is though. So any suggestions would be great!
Em

Hi Mouse,
I think it's an Egyptian Goose (which is a type of duck). I'm sure one of the proper birdy people here can confirm either way!

Alexander

Yep, egyptian goose. Nice pic, Mouse.