Now You See Me

A chance viewing of the regional TV news the night before sent us down to Escot in Devon on Saturday, to photograph Red Squirrels. As it turned out, waiting until Sunday would have been a better bet, because the challenges of the flat light within the squirrel compound were quite great. Despite this we had an enjoyable day and got some good images, not just of the squirrels, but also Wild Boar and Asian Short Clawed Otters. A repeat visit is planned, but only when the light is better.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

I've been looking back this evening at the images we have collected from our more recent trips to the African continent. That in turn has whet my appetite for the trips we have planned in the next twelve months. This image of an Arrow Marked Babbler was taken at one of the South African camps we have visited a couple of times and unlike the UK, you really can get this close to the birds.

Falconry Day

We ventured over to Forest Falconry today for a long awaited opportunity to fly birds of prey. It wasn't planned as a photography day, but the opportunity couldn't be allowed to pass by, even though captive birds are not our usual passion. But it was a real pleasure to be able to get upclose and personal to the birds and learn something about both them and the skill of falconry. Our thanks to Keith, Karen and our falconer for the day, Ian.

Challenge Weymouth

Mens Race Winner - Joe Skipper

We've had a really inspiring day photographing the Challenge Weymouth Triathlons. A great atmosphere and some outstanding performances by competitors in all the age ranges. Great organisation too, from a bystander's view at least and weather that was kind to everyone.

Home Turf

Out and about last night on the local patch checking on the wildlife and a couple of potential landscapes. Within 50 metres of the car I already had three Roe Deer, a Painted Lady butterfly and a Red Legged Partridge. Next up was a Kestrel and then a large and active badger sett, although a little too early for any movement. The walk back was less eventful, despite another five Roe Deer and another Kestrel sighting. Unfortunately no sign of the local Brown Hare population this time out.
Today it seems although the Partridge was spotted in what would be its normal habitat, it may well have been an escapee from over 100 birds stolen locally the previous night.

Cornwall Weekend

A weekend of good weather and a trip to Cornwall coincided for once and there were some good wildlife watching opportunities to be had. A day spent at Marazion Marshes was quite productive, both on the RSPB reserve and on the Mounts Bay seashore where I got this Sanderling feeding. There was also the opportunity to try a landscape shot of St Michael's Mount, but on this occasion the sunset was not going to play ball through low cloud, so another trip has to be made to tick that box.