Un Jour a Le Lac

Yesterday was a warm sunny day and we decided to walk by the lake. The Lac de Bassillon is actually a reservoir close to where we are staying and has a circular walk laid out around it. We have visited previously, but never until now fully appreciated the wealth of wildlife that abounds there. We managed to spend six hours there and only walked half of it.

It was quiet when we arrived, only one jogger and a walker parked up so we set off with high hopes. Soon we were shooting a variety of Dragonflies and Damselflies, not to mention the odd bird, mainly wildfowl. It was so pleasing to see Great Crested Grebe chicks sitting on mummy's back as she serenely moved around, while some of the older ones were following on behind very noisily.

Probably the highlight was the Otter sighting, not once, but three times. Unlike the Blandford contingent, these are very shy and were soon away once they spotted us. The plan for today was to go back and try to get a shot, but it seems the weatherman has other ideas. Hopefully tomorrow, otherwise they will have to wait for another time.

Cutting, Fledging and Lightning

We've been looking at the field across the lane from our holiday base for a week now and rueing the fact that the grass was six feet high. The problem was at the bottom of the field is a pair of Black Shouldered Kites with a chick in the nest. We have been trying to photograph them to no avail, because we just couldn't get close enough.

We were pleased to see when we got up this morning that the farmer had decided to get out his ancient, small, Case tractor and was slowly cutting the grass. That also had the benefit of attracting up to eighteen Buzzards, eager to catch the mice and voles that had been disturbed. It was a super photo opportunity witnessed from the 'hide' of the upstairs windows.

There was a downside though, as it appears that the Buzzards were attracted to the Kite chick. The parents had to work very hard to protect the chick, but for some time after it looked as though they had failed. Thankfully by late afternoon, we noticed three kites in the trees. The chick hadn't been taken, it had fledged.

But what an evening to have left the nest, as we experienced our fifth thunderstorm since Saturday evening. This image taken from the same window as this morning's Buzzards.

En France

I've been a bit remiss over the past week or so and not posted any updates, but I do have an excuse. Arriving in our holiday hideaway in the Pyrenees, we found that the France Telecom internet connection was not working. Thankfully after 6 days of work by the housekeeper, not to mention a line repair by yours truly, we were reconnected.

We weren't at a loss for things to do though, plenty of photographic opportunities and some good cycling country too. Friday was an unexpected combination of the two.

We drove down to the Col d'Aspin where we have seen a number of birds of prey in the past, but there was nothing to see. So turning back down the mountain, we got about halfway down when we had to stop for a road closure to allow a bike race to finish. It turned out to be the Route du Sud and held us up for a couple of hours.

The silver lining to this was on the drive back, Rose noticed a huge number of birds of prey following a combine harvester as the farmer was cutting his corn. We were hoping to spot a Black Kite amongst them, but had to make do with a variety of Buzzards.

Monday's Child

In August last year we ventured down to the Devon Badger Watch on what turned out to be a very wet evening. Since then we have been promising ourselves a trip to the Dorset Badger Watch at Buckland Newton and at short notice, last night turned out to be the night. Although it was a mainly dry evening, the light could have been kinder, but we did manage to make some nice images.

We're not sure how many members there are in this clan, but we saw at least five, of which this is one of the young cubs. We were treated to some good long periods when at least one of the clan was on view from as early as 6:45pm. However, by 10pm they decided we'd had our share of their time and we packed up to leave.

A worthwhile experience that doesn't break the bank, but for photography a few improvements could be made. However the hide is available from 6:30 until midnight and by prior arrangement you can stay there all night to spot other species. If you're thinking of venturing out there, get in touch and we can give you a few useful pointers.

Back in Gear

After the donning of formal attire earlier this week, it was good to get back into the khakis again yesterday after work and venture down to Lodmoor. There was no particular plan in mind, just a slow walk around to see what was about and maybe make a few good images.

It wasn't long before we encountered some busy Long Tailed Tits along Beachdown Way and the reason was soon apparent. While Ian was concentrating on the adults, Rose had found a position where she had this superb view of the brood. 

That was the main excitement of the afternoon, but there are an abundance of chicks of many varieties on view at the moment and offering similar photographic opportunities. It was also pleasing to again have some good Marsh Harrier sightings.

Once in a Lifetime

Yesterday was a special day for us both. Rose was nominated to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and Ian got to attend as her 'official hanger on', aka Spouse. Rose's nomination was threefold, based upon her work for Dorset Fire & Rescue Service managing youth diversion programmes. But it was also in recognition of the book she wrote about her daughter Karina's battle with cancer and also her charity fund raising by running three London marathons in Karina's memory.

The weather did its best to spoil things, as a heavy shower coincided with the arrival of the Royal party on the balcony above the garden. However, the Queen was unfazed by it and carried on meeting guests under a clear umbrella.

The tea, sandwiches, cakes and ice cream were, as you would expect, of the highest order and the organisation of the whole afternoon was impeccable. Too soon it was all over, but a treasured memory that will stay with us forever.