Wildlife in a Suburban Garden

The Tale of a Blackbird family

Late news: A male Siskin in the garden today at around noon. 

There has been a breeding pair of Blackbirds most years in my little garden. They are a treat and a pivilege to have amongst us. This year, as the seasons developed we lost a grand adult male, the victim of yet another cat. At the time this incensed me. I hate cats and I think it wholly wrong that cat owners don't seem to take responsibility for their pets, allowing them to come and go at will all the time knowing that the cat ....... their cat ..... is likely to kill any bird that it manages to. Please don't call yourself an animal lover if this applies to you.I appreciate that it is hard to keep a cat indoors if it is used to wandering but then if you can't cope with this due to work or other constraints then you shouldn't have bought it in the first place. So no excuse there. Also I resent that my "wildlife friendly" garden is part of the territory of several local cats who stalk the birds and even frogs in my garden. So all that sad, I found the remains of a bird on my lawn a few days ago, well to be more accurate, I find hundreds of feathers and skin fragments. I could tell that it was a Blackbird and made the assumption that it was one of the young newly fledged birds that I knew were being fed by two very hard working and devoted parents. (The original male was replaced by another spanking male). Imagine my surprise today when out and about on the fence and lawn was a couple of nice healthy baby birds. I am pleased to say that they are very strong and healthy and flying strongly so I think they may escape the jaws of at least 4 cats that come in to my garden regularly.

So now the question, who did the body belong to? Well I strongly suspect that the adult female was the victim as I haven't seen her for 4 days now. Further to that I am even beginning to think that she may have been the victim of a Sparrowhawk and not a cat. There certainly was a lot of feathers which looked as though they had been plucked and also in some of the feathers had skin remains on them which would lead me to think Sparrowhawk and not cat. Cats would normally carry a victim away whereas a hawk would pluck it's victim....... we will never know unless the hawk makes a return.

Early Morning!

A went out earlier than normal today in the hope of getting better light and consequently better shots of the Cettis. The light wasn't as good as I hoped but I almost got that "killer" shot of my intended quarry. Very satisfying because I had followed a plan and waited for around 2 hours for the shot which does show the cocked tail stance very nicely, what a shame the head is obscured. 

As I drove back things were quiet, not many people about with the weather a bit on the cold side for the time of year. This Heron was right alongside the road and I used the car as a hide to get a few hand held shots..... shame I missed his legs off the shot!  Breakfast and coffee quaffed, I am back out again for a few hours. My conscience is clear because I am working late afternoon and evening, being self employed it's up to me what I do and when .............. what a life I lead, couldn't be sweeter!!!!

Nearly forgot this image which is well worth sharing. It is a male Reed Bunting. I took it yesterday but forgot to post it.

Cettis Warbler

At last I have managed to get some reasonable shots of Cettis Warbler, it's taken 2 years!!! These can be, and usually are, frustrating to not only see but especially to photograph. Study is a great thing because if you have the time you can get closer to your subject by understanding their habits. I watched a male bird singing away and this one unusually had chosen a favourite perch which was in a Willow Tree rather than the more usually choice, brambles.I heard him sing very close and then caught sight of him. Then as I watched, another bird joined him in his territory and with a mouthfull of "something" disappeared in to the thicket. As I kept my watch she appeared again, I am pretty sure this is a breeding pair, and this time it scoured the the reeds just in front of me and pulled at the reeds eventually filling her mouth with plant matter, she again disappeared into  the thicket.

Meanwhile the male continued to confound me by perching about a foot away and sang as loud as he could giving me the chance to get a few more photos.  I hadn't noticed before how pink the legs and feet are. I also am now pretty sure that the females are a more rusty brown but having located this pair

I am going to be able to confirm that fact I am sure. You will excuse me for not divulging the location, that would be wrong on so many levels.

This is a shot (below) of the presumed hen,  with the sun at my back. The other shots were hardto get  because the backlight was causing problems and made for difficult photographic conditions.  As I live only minutes from this location I will be visiting regularly of the next few days.

I am certain that this one below is a male, I heard him sing just before he settled on the reeds. The darker colour is just an anomaly of the light I think. 

The next photo is a male. At one time he was most upset at the presence of another male in his territory and proceeded to chase him out with much cocking and flicking of the tail which he held high like a Robin or Wren.

Garden Birds

All in the garden today at around 5. I sat waiting to get a shot of the Collared Doves drinking but they stayed high in the nearby tree. Just about every other bird in the district popped in for a drink including the Great Tit again. What a manky bird this individual is!!!

Great Tit-Parus major

The young Blackbirds are about to leave he nest if they havn't already and O am hoping to get some photos of the parents feeding their young. I have been sat for a while in the hide near my tiny little wildlife pond and I suppose I had noticed that it is now the centre of activity in the garden and as I sat there birds were coming and going to either drink or bathe in the pond. Firstly a House Sparrow came to drink and then this Great Tit suddenly appeared and took his daily bath. 

Dipper-Cinclus cinclus

 

I really do admire those people who manage really good Dipper photos. They would test the skill of even the very best photographers. For starters they are almost always in the dullest places on the river bank; you know, tucked close in, next to a an over hanging branch in the shade of a boulder, or something like that. Then, add to that the white breast which can deceive the camera in to under-exposing everything else in the picture, particularly the body of the bird. Then there is the brightness of the water which is always bubbling and frothing, again making it hard for the camera to adjust to the two contrasts. What is needed is a fast shutter speed to enable the photographer to manually over-expose the picture but this in my experience is rarely possibly because of the dullness of light as already discussed. Oh, and I forgot to say that the bird, aptly named, continually dips under the water and hops about so you have that to contend with this as well. So all in all, even though this is my best Dipper photo in the last 2 years, it still is not quite up to the standard that I will be happy with! So there I was again out at Dunsford and Stepps Bridge trying to get a good shot of the Goldcrests that I know are about. From the Bridge you are at eye level with the tree tops and yesterday I had seen them quite close but at the tops of the trees. I spent quite a while just waiting for such an opportunity but it didn't happen. I decided to go down to the bankside to have a look at the woodpecker hole that I had seen, and photographed yesterday, and was standing there with the camera pointed up at the hole when a little bit over movement caught my eye......... it was a Goldcrest, very close and not really making the usual commotion in that excited but squeaky way. I quickly got some photos, still not quite good enough but getting better. I think that this bird had just emerged from a nest because it was very secretive and not acting in the way that I would have expected.

Expectation, or to be more precise the 'unexpected" was the name of the game today because being pretty confidant that the Goldcrest would return to his territory, well I had seen a pair in the exact same spot yesterday, I stood for a few minutes(or longer) waiting. Suddenly a Sparrowhawk shot above me and proceeded to weave in and out of the undergrowth giving me an "unexpected" and brilliant view.

Goldcrest

 

Today has been glorious and sunny, an ideal one for birdwatching and photography. We went to the River Teign at Stepps Bridge and from the bridge this Goldcrest almost stopped still long enough to have his/her photograph taken. A pair were very active and vocal although you could hardly hear the song and call because it is so high pitched. Its a shame I didnt get a good shot of the head because the "goldcrest" is very pretty and I have really struggled to get a good shot of this species! Butterflies were on the wing and we observed. Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Brimstone and Red Admiral. The garden has really come to life in the last day or so. Today we have had Great Tits bathing in the wildlife pond and Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Dunock,and a noisy pair of Herring Gulls on the roof as well as Greenfinch, Wood Pigeon and Collared Doves. A pair of Buzzards were seen circling over head not too far away. The Blackbird Pair seem to have newly fledged youngsters.  I have not seen them yet but they can be heard in the Cotoneaster Bush and the parents come and go constantly  with food. I am hoping that they do not become the first cat casualties of the year. 

The first Brindled Hoverfly of the year was around the wildlife pond, (now full of tadpoles). This is 3 weeks earlier than the first record of this species last year on May 10th. You can read about that on the post for that day last year here . When you get there, click on the thumbnail pictures to see larger images, then use the back button on your browser to get you back here. All in all, things are livening up everywhere and with the Apple Tree in full blossom and the Clematis coming in to bloom its a nice time of the year to be in the garden.

While I think about, it if you have any trouble seeing the whole image as posted here on the Blog, this is due to a resolution problem, I will try to post pictures in a smaller format in future. But to see  any picture on my blog properly,  as well as all my images,  just double click in the middle of the image and you will be immediately transferred to my Flickr Gallery. This is where all my pictures are stored on-line. Once there you can peruse the gallery and leave comments on any of the pictures if you feel the need to make a comment. Much less long winded than it is here on the blog to comment. Try it by clicking on the Goldcrest above.

Cettis Warbler - Exminster Marsh

Stop Press

A male SISKIN in the garden at 1800. After making a comment that all the exciting birds had long ago left the garden this turns up on the fence to go down on to my neigbours feeders. I immediately filled my Sunflower feeder and minutes later it was seen on there! I would have expected Siskin to have left the area long ago and am surprised to see one in the garden, a Male in spanking breeding condition.

The garden has pretty much cleared of exciting birds, the Goldfinches are still in and out, Collared Doves and a pair of breeding Blackbirds are about it. So, my attentions now are diverted to to the local Exminster Marsh and a chance to see and snap the Warblers that have arrived and are singing for territory. Now is a good time to get close to them. For the 6th day running I have been to try and photograph the Cettis Warblers, a nationally scarce bird but one that is common here in Devon, particularly on the Marsh. In fact they are resident here all year round but more obvious at present with their explosive song. Last year at exactly this time I was doing much the same so you could say that I was pretty pleased when I predicted where one would perch. After studying it for 6 days, it eventually "played ball". They are not the most pretty species in Britain but their elusive nature has made them attractive to me. They patrol up and down their territory and rarely stay in the open for more than a few seconds before diving down in to cover. 

Stop Press

A male SISKIN in the garden at 1800.  After making a comment that all the exciting birds had long ago left the garden this turns up on the fence to go down on to my neigbours feeders. I immediately  filled my Sunflower feeder and minutes later it was seen on there!

Spoonbill - Exminster marsh

Out at Exminster Marsh this morning I heard and saw my first Sedge Warblers of the year, several males. The light was a bit overcast and almost misty, low cloud I presume. With the Easter Holidays still happening it was a tad busy though with the usual "odd" runners ... apparently its fun but they don't appear to be having much with their pained expressions, pants and grunts.  It really can't be good for you. Cyclists are everywhere, encouraged by the cycle path and who could deny them their pleasure, if only they would use the path/road and not the Towpath! 

Rant over! my new Manifrotto Tripod is great, made of Carbon Fibre it is much lighter and more stable than my last one and I am sure that my pictures will be better than before. Cettis warbler are still my main focus and I stood next to a Hawthorn bush that contained an elusive, but loudly singing bird in the hope that it would show itself .... it didn't, but on top of the bush, a really nice Reed Bunting did. When I had a close look at the piccies when I got back I was thrilled that in the poor light the camera had performed so well (rock solid tripod) . This image contained a bit of action and interest with the bunting looking at the fly. As I slowly dawdled down the Towpath a chap approached me and asked if I had seen the Spoonbill ....... I hadn't!  As we both looked, it took to the air and flew a little nearer, still in the distance but I managed a couple of good ones as it came in to land. I am glad that we have this one with us, I think its been here for a day or so. We watched it feeding for a while and with a bit of luck it may come to one of the scrapes nearer to the roadway. The birds already settled on the water look very much like Whimbrel, in fact I am pretty sure that they are! So a good morning really with 3 new species for the year making a total of 163 species so far for the year.

Clematis

With the weather a bit dodgy I decided to do a bit of shopping for equipment and purchased a new tripod. I am thrilled with the results, It is rock steady and has improved my pictures considerably. These were taken in very poor light but they are very satisfactory! Collarerd Doves are breeding somewhere near by and as I stood taking pictures of the Clematis just to test, this bird settled on the fence. I was very pleased to get the chance to snap a quick shot off. I love their eyes which are a great feature.

A Devon wood

I discovered this lovely place this afternoon. It has lots of potential and I am sure that regular visits will give me some good sightings. As the crow flies it is only a short distance from my house so I will be able to call in and check it out regularly. As you can see it is a very well established, if not ancient woodland with lots of dead trees and not too overgrown. Today when I sat quietly I heard lots of birds including Wrens and Warblers but it was quite hard to get too close. I took this photo of a White Butterfly species which is beginning to annoy me as it does not fit in to any of the photos or descriptions of butterflies that I have seen before. I am sure that it is just either a Small White or a female Orange Tip , my money being on the former! (Update: ....... I have this butterfly confirmed as a Green Veined White. Quote from WAB>-" A male Green-veined White, the males of the first brood show little spotting on the wing + the black on the outer edge of the wing extends further down than is Small white" )

 

It is the absence of a white spot on the upper wing that doesn't fit any of the descriptions of butterflies in all of my books and guides. I can see just faint spots so perhaps that is usual for small whit at this time of the year. If you are an entomologist perhaps you can help me out? There were a few very interesting and obviously well used woodpecker holes and I am pretty sure that this one is in use this year and I will be back to check for sure. You can see where the bird has almost carved a nice

 symmetrical hole.

Spring Birds on Easter Sunday

Chiffchaff and Blue Tit

With really nice sunny weather and my wife doing a shift in the hospital there was only one thing to do and guess what that was? This time last year, in fact a couple of weeks later to be exact the marsh at Exminster was alive with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Cettis. So before it got too busy with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists,  I climbed aboard the Chinese Bike at 7.30 to see if I could get a photo of the elusive Cettis warbler that are so hard to capture on film....... at least the ones at Exminster are. Because they are not the most common of warblers nationally I feel privileged that we have such a healthy population on the marsh. When I got there Cettis were singing regularly, several males were heard, some only feet from me and I caught sight of one as it did the usual trick of singing loudly in a bush to my right and then flying across to the bush on my left to then disappear low and out of sight, singing loudly again of course.  Last year I almost got a good photo but now one year on and a bit more adept,  I am hoping to get a good shot sooner or later. Of course I will have to put the time in as I think patience is the name of the game.

With the trees really bare I did manage some good photos of a Chiffchaff, yes real Chiffchaffs.... I heard it singing this time),  and Blue Tits. The former are nice to see and photograph at this time of the year. They are not only singing but calling mournfully a single monotonous  "chaffinch" type call. I assume that these birds are males having arrived on migration before the females, and are establishing territories before the females arrive. At this time they expose themselves, as they are trying to attract a mate, but once they have paired up and nesting begins they will be much less easy to spot.  So, it makes sense to try and get some good photos while the opportunity is there. Compared to American Warblers that I was photographing last week, they are really drab  in comparison. How fitting that our warblers are so subtle and yet all the American ones are so "flash" and gaudy! I think every Englishman reading this will know what I mean. The American ones are so gorgeous, they almost defy belief.

Tawny Owl - Strix aluca

The Tawny Owl is a bird that I have to confess that I have not seen  all that often throughout my life but it is also a bird that I have grown up with. From time to time I have heard them calling and I can remember as a child being petrified when I lay awake one night with one calling nearby and wondering what could possible be making such a noise! I have caught fleeting glimpses through the years and occasionally I have found one dead on the roads. I have also seen them in zoos and bird collections.

Last year I had heard one at Fenwick Ponds at Cowley on the edge of the city. There is also a nest box placed there for their use and Ray, the Water Bailiff has told me that they have lived in the adjoining wood "for years"!

So armed with all this info and prior knowledge when I was wondering where to go on this Easter Saturday I thought I would give the ponds a look.

It has been a great sunny day and when I got to my destination on the Chinese Bike I was surprised that the ponds had been cleared somewhat. I suspect that there will be some impact on the wildlife as the undergrowth has been totally cleared with no under-brush whatsoever. I guess that in time this will grow back, at least I hope so and my fears were slightly allayed when I saw my first Brimstone Butterfly of the year. At the moment with the trees still bare it is a good time to see birds and I saw both Blackcap Warbler and Chiffchaff (identified with certainty by their call).

Suddenly a Tawny Owl came in to sight and then disappeared just as quickly in the thickness of the canopy which in this spot was quite dense in spite of my previous comment. It was obvious that the bird was close by because there was a lot of "mobbing" activity from the tits and other small birds who will always mob an owl once they know of it's whereabouts.

I always amaze myself when it comes to patience and I sat for well over an hour in the hope that the owl would pop out in to the open.He kept calling and I scanned the trees in front for a glimpse. Suddenly I caught sight of him as the wind blew the larch branches aside. He was so well camouflaged that when I took my eyes of him he had blended in again. I managed to pick him up again and took several photos the best of which is above......... my first Tawny Owl photo! I am pretty sure that this is a Chiffchaff because I heard it calling but to be honest I can't be certain that it was this very bird which as I look closely again looks very Willow Warbler like to me with flesh coloured legs and greenish body, they are very hard to tell apart. I know this is a Blackcap!!!! Who wouldn't. They sing really beautifully and this one was really giving it some wellie! Canada Geese are a bit of a pain really and they are actually harmful to the breeding success of other geese being very territorial. At the top pond this pair have chosen to nest. The fox, according to the Baliff had the first 2 eggs but she continued to lay more and now she sits on 4. I cant believe that the fox has not taken her because she is in a very vulnerable place and I am sure she is not safe. She didnt seem to mind me being near her and just carried on sitting with absolutely no reaction whatsoever. She does make a very pretty picture and I am pretty certain that she will make the fox an even better dinner, its just a matter of time!

So back in the Uk I have been on a couple of outings to catch up with the local scene. The first thing I noticed was the profusion of blossoms and also how the vocal all the small birds have become. Its a good time to be walking with the recorder. For example I listened to a lovely song and wondered what was making such a beautiful noise, I was surprised when it turned out to be a Chaffinch and amazed that I had not immediately recognised it. Since my return I have added 2 new birds to my 2009 list, Swallow and Willow Warbler. Willow Warblers are very similar to Chiffchaff but have a totally different song. They are also a little "longer" in shape and more yellowish/green and usually have light flesh coloured legs. I am pretty sure that this is a Willow Warbler. Hard to say I agree but what do you think? I would be interested in your comments, by the ay I heard it sing so I am pretty certain!!!! There has been an Osprey at Topsham. In actual fact it would be more precise to say on the River Clyst because when I saw it yesterday that is where it was perched, on the warf where the Clyst joins the Exe. Good but distant views could be had from the viewing platform at Bowling Green Marsh and even more distant from the hide. The Little Gull eluded me yet again, I don't seem to be able to pin them down!

I have to confess that it has been hard to adjust back in to the routine here in the UK after my great trip to my favourite destination, Florida. Of course everyone associates the State with the the theme parks and Disney but it is so, so much more and to me it offers opportunities to do and enjoy all of my favourite outdoor experiences. The beaches are absolutely fabulous with glorious weather and azure seas. Sunsets and the sunrise have to be seen to be believed and wildlife is abundant even in the heavily built up areas. Sea Turtles nest on the beaches and fresh water turtles ......... terrapins to the rest of the world show themselves constantly. Lizards and geckos scurry through the undergrowth constantly and feral Iguanas are abundant almost everywhere and in plague proportions in some. Blossoming trees adorn the gardens and parks with squirrels and woodpeckers competing for space. Manatees are in the waterways, I saw them 6 feet away on one memorable Sunday morning dawn! Herons and Ibis nest only feet from visitors in several wildlife refuges and even the common birds like Grackles and Doves are a great spectacle. If I have one criticism at all, there is an obsession by every American with an interest,  to turn the whole thing in to a sanitised "wildlife theme park" and almost every wildlife area has toilet facilities that would rival a good hotel in any other part of the world. But, parking is free as is the entry at most, and at least that way there is no litter or obnoxious behaviour. So once you are used to the inevitable  "have a nice day" greeting, you can enjoy the experience and imagine that you are actually in the wild! The people are lovely, friendly and sincere and those that I met either observing or photographing were so nice. I met a few people with a good knowledge of their local environment but most, and that included uniformed park staff know very little about the wildlife that surrounds them even describing cormorants as ducks and not knowing that the brown Ibis are actually young White Ibis for example. Thankfully conservation is on the agenda which has perhaps arrived as an afterthought because vast areas of the Everglades have been drained and turned into yet more sanitised suburban communities. Amongst these conurbations though are massive recreational parks and wildlife areas which give a glimpse of the real environment which once existed and still does further west some 25 miles from the coast and beyond. This is very convenient for wildlife watchers like myself as wildlife is contained in these areas in large numbers and can be observed at close quarters. All in all as I have said South Florida is a great place to visit, there is something special about a place where you can wear sandles and deck shoes for 3 weeks and forget what it actually feels like to have socks on your feet,  and occasionally have the need to step out of the air con to get warm. Even at 7 in the morning the air is warmer outside on your balcony than in doors!

Surprisingly Spanish is spoken possibly more than English and Latin Americans from Cuba and just about every other South American Country you can think of make up a majority of the community. Unfortunately this element of the population doesn't appear to hold any regard for the English which at times, with their surly almost hateful attitude which can be a little frightening. Communication with this belligerent section of the population is hard and at times impossible and I have found the best approach is to avoid confrontation by smiling broadly and walking on! 

Halloween Pennant Dragonfly. Sat in Ft Lauderdale airport as I am at the moment I have been reflecting on my my great trip to South Florida, mostly Broward County, Dade and Palm Beach. I have seen around 80 species of birds, not a great amount but most very special. My last morning trip to the park before I left for home was another very interesting bird day. I spotted the Yellow bellied sapsucker again as well as Common Yellow Troat, Red Winged Blackbird, Least Tern, Coopers Hawk, Ahninga, Mottled Duck, Blue Winged Teal, Common Galinule, Green Heron, Blue Heron, American Crow, Blue Jay, European Starling, Boat Tailed Grackle, Double Crested Cormorant, Laughing Gull, Ring Billed Gull and Palm Warbler. The highlight was a banded Kingfisher. I cant say why it chose today to show itself, but it was being harrassed by a Grackle and did a good fighter plane interpritation as it was chased back and forward accross the lake, at times turning the tables and chasing back! I manageed a photo from quite a way away which I was surprised and pleased with. Yesterday was incredible! In the morning first thing, knowing that it was to be my last full day I left the appartment at just after 7 with the sun rising above the adjoining ocean. I went to the Anne Kolb mature centre which adjoines the Intra-Coastal waterway to drink my first coffe of the day and watch the sunrise above the palm trees opposite. As I stood knee deep in water I disturbed a juvenile Barracuda in the shallows. A Red Bellied Woodpecker called above my head and the sand flies were eating away at my eyebrows, the only place that I had not smeared with repellant! Suddenly I heard a blowning amd snorting sound, the kind that Rebecca Addlington does at every length turn, I heard it for at least 10 seconds before I realised firstly where it was coming from and then, what was making it .............. a Manattee. Just to my right only 10 feet away an absolutely massive anaimal that was probably as interested in me as I was her. I got a few photos but none that are worth posting, it ws such a magical and thrilling encounter. I literally tingled with excitement and I fumbled with the camera to try and get a shot or two. After a while the Manattees, there were 3 I think moved in to deeper water and showed themselves once more befor they dived deeper and were gone. As I walked back to the car my eyes filled with tears of joy........ yes thats how priviledged I felt. Later in the day we went out west to the Burrowing Owl nests to see if the babies had fledged and got some great shots of a youngster by one of the burrows.

I couldn't believe the change in bird activity this morning on my early morning trip to the local park. Warblers were numerous in the park trees. I can only assume that a fall of migrating birds had arrived on their spring migration. In stead of standing in silence with no birds to be seen apart from the od Palm Warbler the trees were full of little movements and sounds. The hghlight though was this amazing Solitary Vireo. I have read about Vireos before and on previous trips caught glimpses of them but have never managed a clear enough view to put a name to one! Can you just imagine my pleasure when I glimpsed this bird. I didn't get a good photo at first and then after staking a bush out for half an hour it suddenly showed itself again and I managed a few photos with the sun out and in a good position. As I look at the photo I can't believe how lucky I have been to see such a superb bird, everything about it is absolutely lovely. I see that they are not a particularly scarce bird in the USA which says a lot about the grest birds they have on this continent. Other Warblers included this Yellow Throated Warbler seen last week as well but I didn't get a great shot. A bit of patience pays off in the end. and wow............. look at this beautiful Palm Warbler male in full breeding condition. This one was a bit harder to get photods of because they are so active. I also saw this obviously female warbler that I do need to positively ID.......... is it a female Yellow Rumped Warbler? As well as these birds there was a Black and Whit arbler and who knows what else would have appeared if I had been able to stay a little longer. This next one is a Palm Warbler and one of the best shots of this bird this trip.

The visit yesterday to the City of Delray was an amazing experience. I have never been to a wildlie reserve that was so rich with wildlife. It is a wonderful place and is a glowing example of what can be acheived with finance and good planning. It even has toilet acilities which would do credit to a 4star  hotel. There is about a mile of raised wooden walkways which meander through and over the water past, and very near to the hundreds of birds and nests. Nests full of healthy chicks and eggs. The photo opportunities were endless and every shot had the potential to be the best shot ever taken............. yes it really was that good. If I had a criticism then in common with every wildlife refuge that I have visited in the USA it was al a little contrived and manicured with trimmed lawns and pretty gazebos and pavilions which, however served an invaluable purpose as shelter from the intense 90 degree temperatures. If you are an American please don't be offended by my comments but there is a desire to turn your wildlife habitats in to wildlife theme parks, but it does seem to work and they are always well policed and protected.

The species seen included all the USA heron species apart from Redish Egret, White Ibis, Ahninga, Red Winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Palm Warbler, 2 species of Galinule, Blue Winged Teal, Purple Martin, Downy Woodpecker, Coopers Hawk and the highligh for me a Black-Necked Stilt. There were nesting Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Ahninga, Louisiana Heron, Grackles and Red Winged Blackbird as well as the Galinules.

This species to me is the most attractive Heron.............. the Louisiana or Tri-Coloured Heron. The Red-Winged Blackbird is a bird taken for granted by the vast amount of people but I really love them and when they display they are so stunning. THe Green Heron below was nesting only fee from the boardwalk and as we watched the nest one of the couple came in to take his turn on the nest. As he arrived he did a display by erecting his head feathers and cackling. Then he proceeded to turn the eggs and did his stint on thre clutch. The Great Blue Herons ere feeding two almost fully grown chicks. This is one of the adults who couldn't have posed better. At the back of the reserve in a quiet are I was thrilled to see two pairs of Blue Winged Teal a lifer for me. Then on the edge of another quiet bank the highlight of the afternoon showed itself. A Black-Necked Stilt, a truly stunning and beautiful bird. I had seen them the other day in flight in Miami so I knew that they were about, but to get so close and get a good photo or two was a bit special for me. I have posted this next photo of a Downy Woodpecker which I have to admit is not a great photo and trying to photograph it really challenged my photographic ability.

There is a little corner of the lake at West Lake Park where I have seen 5 different species of heron in the last few days. Can you imagine that? This morning I photographed both Louisiana Heron and Great Egret. The white series of herons can at times be confusing if you don't keep your wits about you. I was watching this Great Eget today without taking too much notice and when I got back home realised that of course it wasn' a Snowy Egret which are much, much smaller and have a black beak. Th yellow beak of the Great is diagnostic. But then, immature Little Blue Heron are white as well bu have yellow legs instead of black. To make matters even more confusing there is a "white form" of Redish Egret with a black tipped pinkish beak. So as a casual visitor like myself you have to be on the ball as we say. Oh, I forgot to mentio the white morph of the Great Blue Heron known as "Great White Heron". I am getting more and more confused by the second! The one below is a Louisiana Heron, the most attractive feature is the contrasting white plume which flicks around in the wind. This bird also has a very contrasting white belly which is more notieceable when the bird opens it's wings.

At first light this morning I was at John Lloyd State Park just to see what was about. I have been waiting for an opportunity to get good photos of a Green Heron and with a bit of stealth I acheived it today. Whisky Creek at John Lloyd park is a smashing little environment fringed with mangrove and sand. The mangroves provide a great refuge for small fish, crabs and invertabrates and therefore a perfect habitat for Herons and Ibis. I have seen Green Heron there regularly so when I spotted one today it wasn't unexpected. It was tucked away around the roots of mangrove, close to the stems in the dappled light. I assume that it felt safe and well concealed because when it realised my presence it just hugged closer to the roots. I have a strategy for getting close to birds like this. I snap off a few shots and then very slowly slide the tripod forwrd to my full reach and then shuffle very slowly towards the subject. Usually this will not cause too much alarm. I then let the bird settle down ad carefully repeat the process. The photo below is proof that this strategy works well. Just have a look at how strong the shadows are on the body of this bird. Remember I said it was only very early morning and already the light is making it hard to adjust the camera properly and get good results.

The discovery of these magnificent, elegant, wild free and proud Sandhill Cranes was like a gift or treat bestowed on me as a reward for my perseverance, some woulkd say obsession. I discovered the Wetland Park right at the top of of Sheriden Street after an abortive attempt to find the Broward Bald Eagle nest. It turns out I was in the wrong place but whatever, I will be back later to find it. My day was being made special by the presence of stunning sights of a Loggerhead Shrike who was acting very territorially against a Mockingbird. Now and again the Shrike would chase the Mockingbird out of his "space" and perch high up and very close to me. All the while the Mockingbird hunted amongst the grass and I got a magnificent shot of him eating a Dragonfly. (To see this picture full size, double click it and wait for it to open at my Flickr galleries).  

Engrossed in this as I was, suddenly two dark large birds flew into the carpark about 50 yards away. My first reaction was Limpkin but after a second or two I couldn't believe my eyes..................Sandhill Crane. These birds do not breed in Broward to my knowledge and overwinter in Central Florida where I have seen them numerous times, but never in South Florida. Not being a native of theses parts I can't say how common a sight they are here and frankly I don't care becase they werre just a wonderfull and stunning spectacle that was, due to the unexpected nature of their arrival, one of my best ever wildlife experiences.

 

So, like I said they landed in the Carpark and immediately walked in my direction seemingly either oblivious to me or attracted to me, either way they just kept comming and comming, nearer and nearer. I took photos from all angles and all sides but stayed motionless in case I spooked them.

 Why did I bother because they eventually were 5 inches from me and I asked the meale to go back a bit becaue I couldn't get a good shot of him.......................yes honestly

With aroud 100 photos taken they wandered away through the gate and on to the street where they proceeded too do a courtship dance and then get down to that thing that most birds are doind at this time of the year, copulation! I missed it on film due to a full memory card! Now with the Cranes wandering of down the street towards the nearby shoppin/business centre I freed some space on the memory card........... just in case good job I did because we were very quickly joined again in the carpark by a pair of Mottled Duck!

Wren and Willow warbler

So back in the Uk I have been on a couple of outings to catch up with the local scene. The first thing I noticed was the profusion of blossoms and also how the vocal all the small birds have become. Its a good time to be walking with the recorder. For example I listened to a lovely song and wondered what was making such a beautiful noise, I was surprised when it turned out to be a Chaffinch and amazed that I had not immediately recognised it. Since my return I have added 2 new birds to my 2009 list, Swallow and Willow Warbler. Willow Warblers are very similar to Chiffchaff but have a totally different song. They are also a little "longer" in shape and more yellowish/green and usually have light flesh coloured legs. I am pretty sure that this is a Willow Warbler. Hard to say I agree but what do you think? I would be interested in your comments, by the ay I heard it sing so I am pretty certain!!!! There has been an Osprey at Topsham. In actual fact it would be more precise to say on the River Clyst because when I saw it yesterday that is where it was perched, on the warf where the Clyst joins the Exe. Good but distant views could be had from the viewing platform at Bowling Green Marsh and even more distant from the hide. The Little Gull eluded me yet again, I don't seem to be able to pin them down!

Back in the Uk and my first outing.

I have to confess that it has been hard to adjust back in to the routine here in the UK after my great trip to my favourite destination, Florida. Of course everyone associates the State with the the theme parks and Disney but it is so, so much more and to me it offers opportunities to do and enjoy all of my favourite outdoor experiences. The beaches are absolutely fabulous with glorious weather and azure seas. Sunsets and the sunrise have to be seen to be believed and wildlife is abundant even in the heavily built up areas. Sea Turtles nest on the beaches and fresh water turtles ......... terrapins to the rest of the world show themselves constantly. Lizards and geckos scurry through the undergrowth constantly and feral Iguanas are abundant almost everywhere and in plague proportions in some. Blossoming trees adorn the gardens and parks with squirrels and woodpeckers competing for space. Manatees are in the waterways, I saw them 6 feet away on one memorable Sunday morning dawn! Herons and Ibis nest only feet from visitors in several wildlife refuges and even the common birds like Grackles and Doves are a great spectacle. If I have one criticism at all, there is an obsession by every American with an interest,  to turn the whole thing in to a sanitised "wildlife theme park" and almost every wildlife area has toilet facilities that would rival a good hotel in any other part of the world. But, parking is free as is the entry at most, and at least that way there is no litter or obnoxious behaviour. So once you are used to the inevitable  "have a nice day" greeting, you can enjoy the experience and imagine that you are actually in the wild! The people are lovely, friendly and sincere and those that I met either observing or photographing were so nice. I met a few people with a good knowledge of their local environment but most, and that included uniformed park staff know very little about the wildlife that surrounds them even describing cormorants as ducks and not knowing that the brown Ibis are actually young White Ibis for example. Thankfully conservation is on the agenda which has perhaps arrived as an afterthought because vast areas of the Everglades have been drained and turned into yet more sanitised suburban communities. Amongst these conurbations though are massive recreational parks and wildlife areas which give a glimpse of the real environment which once existed and still does further west some 25 miles from the coast and beyond. This is very convenient for wildlife watchers like myself as wildlife is contained in these areas in large numbers and can be observed at close quarters. All in all as I have said South Florida is a great place to visit, there is something special about a place where you can wear sandles and deck shoes for 3 weeks and forget what it actually feels like to have socks on your feet,  and occasionally have the need to step out of the air con to get warm. Even at 7 in the morning the air is warmer outside on your balcony than in doors!

Surprisingly Spanish is spoken possibly more than English and Latin Americans from Cuba and just about every other South American Country you can think of make up a majority of the community. Unfortunately this element of the population doesn't appear to hold any regard for the English which at times, with their surly almost hateful attitude which can be a little frightening. Communication with this belligerent section of the population is hard and at times impossible and I have found the best approach is to avoid confrontation by smiling broadly and walking on! 

On the way home!

Halloween Pennant Dragonfly. Sat in Ft Lauderdale airport as I am at the moment I have been reflecting on my my great trip to South Florida, mostly Broward County, Dade and Palm Beach. I have seen around 80 species of birds, not a great amount but most very special. My last morning trip to the park before I left for home was another very interesting bird day. I spotted the Yellow bellied sapsucker again as well as Common Yellow Troat, Red Winged Blackbird, Least Tern, Coopers Hawk, Ahninga, Mottled Duck, Blue Winged Teal, Common Galinule, Green Heron, Blue Heron, American Crow, Blue Jay, European Starling, Boat Tailed Grackle, Double Crested Cormorant, Laughing Gull, Ring Billed Gull and Palm Warbler. The highlight was a banded Kingfisher. I cant say why it chose today to show itself, but it was being harrassed by a Grackle and did a good fighter plane interpritation as it was chased back and forward accross the lake, at times turning the tables and chasing back! I manageed a photo from quite a way away which I was surprised and pleased with. Yesterday was incredible! In the morning first thing, knowing that it was to be my last full day I left the appartment at just after 7 with the sun rising above the adjoining ocean. I went to the Anne Kolb mature centre which adjoines the Intra-Coastal waterway to drink my first coffe of the day and watch the sunrise above the palm trees opposite. As I stood knee deep in water I disturbed a juvenile Barracuda in the shallows. A Red Bellied Woodpecker called above my head and the sand flies were eating away at my eyebrows, the only place that I had not smeared with repellant! Suddenly I heard a blowning amd snorting sound, the kind that Rebecca Addlington does at every length turn, I heard it for at least 10 seconds before I realised firstly where it was coming from and then, what was making it .............. a Manattee. Just to my right only 10 feet away an absolutely massive anaimal that was probably as interested in me as I was her. I got a few photos but none that are worth posting, it ws such a magical and thrilling encounter. I literally tingled with excitement and I fumbled with the camera to try and get a shot or two. After a while the Manattees, there were 3 I think moved in to deeper water and showed themselves once more befor they dived deeper and were gone. As I walked back to the car my eyes filled with tears of joy........ yes thats how priviledged I felt. Later in the day we went out west to the Burrowing Owl nests to see if the babies had fledged and got some great shots of a youngster by one of the burrows.

Great day for warblers and a vireo!

I couldn't believe the change in bird activity this morning on my early morning trip to the local park. Warblers were numerous in the park trees. I can only assume that a fall of migrating birds had arrived on their spring migration. In stead of standing in silence with no birds to be seen apart from the od Palm Warbler the trees were full of little movements and sounds. The hghlight though was this amazing Solitary Vireo. I have read about Vireos before and on previous trips caught glimpses of them but have never managed a clear enough view to put a name to one! Can you just imagine my pleasure when I glimpsed this bird. I didn't get a good photo at first and then after staking a bush out for half an hour it suddenly showed itself again and I managed a few photos with the sun out and in a good position. As I look at the photo I can't believe how lucky I have been to see such a superb bird, everything about it is absolutely lovely. I see that they are not a particularly scarce bird in the USA which says a lot about the grest birds they have on this continent. Other Warblers included this Yellow Throated Warbler seen last week as well but I didn't get a great shot. A bit of patience pays off in the end. and wow............. look at this beautiful Palm Warbler male in full breeding condition. This one was a bit harder to get photods of because they are so active. I also saw this obviously female warbler that I do need to positively ID.......... is it a female Yellow Rumped Warbler? As well as these birds there was a Black and Whit arbler and who knows what else would have appeared if I had been able to stay a little longer. This next one is a Palm Warbler and one of the best shots of this bird this trip.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

The visit yesterday to the City of Delray was an amazing experience. I have never been to a wildlie reserve that was so rich with wildlife. It is a wonderful place and is a glowing example of what can be acheived with finance and good planning. It even has toilet acilities which would do credit to a 4star  hotel. There is about a mile of raised wooden walkways which meander through and over the water past, and very near to the hundreds of birds and nests. Nests full of healthy chicks and eggs. The photo opportunities were endless and every shot had the potential to be the best shot ever taken............. yes it really was that good. If I had a criticism then in common with every wildlife refuge that I have visited in the USA it was al a little contrived and manicured with trimmed lawns and pretty gazebos and pavilions which, however served an invaluable purpose as shelter from the intense 90 degree temperatures. If you are an American please don't be offended by my comments but there is a desire to turn your wildlife habitats in to wildlife theme parks, but it does seem to work and they are always well policed and protected.

The species seen included all the USA heron species apart from Redish Egret, White Ibis, Ahninga, Red Winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Palm Warbler, 2 species of Galinule, Blue Winged Teal, Purple Martin, Downy Woodpecker, Coopers Hawk and the highligh for me a Black-Necked Stilt. There were nesting Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Ahninga, Louisiana Heron, Grackles and Red Winged Blackbird as well as the Galinules.

This species to me is the most attractive Heron.............. the Louisiana or Tri-Coloured Heron. The Red-Winged Blackbird is a bird taken for granted by the vast amount of people but I really love them and when they display they are so stunning. THe Green Heron below was nesting only fee from the boardwalk and as we watched the nest one of the couple came in to take his turn on the nest. As he arrived he did a display by erecting his head feathers and cackling. Then he proceeded to turn the eggs and did his stint on thre clutch. The Great Blue Herons ere feeding two almost fully grown chicks. This is one of the adults who couldn't have posed better. At the back of the reserve in a quiet are I was thrilled to see two pairs of Blue Winged Teal a lifer for me. Then on the edge of another quiet bank the highlight of the afternoon showed itself. A Black-Necked Stilt, a truly stunning and beautiful bird. I had seen them the other day in flight in Miami so I knew that they were about, but to get so close and get a good photo or two was a bit special for me. I have posted this next photo of a Downy Woodpecker which I have to admit is not a great photo and trying to photograph it really challenged my photographic ability.

There is a little corner of the lake at West Lake Park where I have seen 5 different species of heron in the last few days. Can you imagine that? This morning I photographed both Louisiana Heron and Great Egret. The white series of herons can at times be confusing if you don't keep your wits about you. I was watching this Great Eget today without taking too much notice and when I got back home realised that of course it wasn' a Snowy Egret which are much, much smaller and have a black beak. Th yellow beak of the Great is diagnostic. But then, immature Little Blue Heron are white as well bu have yellow legs instead of black. To make matters even more confusing there is a "white form" of Redish Egret with a black tipped pinkish beak. So as a casual visitor like myself you have to be on the ball as we say. Oh, I forgot to mentio the white morph of the Great Blue Heron known as "Great White Heron". I am getting more and more confused by the second! The one below is a Louisiana Heron, the most attractive feature is the contrasting white plume which flicks around in the wind. This bird also has a very contrasting white belly which is more notieceable when the bird opens it's wings.

At first light this morning I was at John Lloyd State Park just to see what was about. I have been waiting for an opportunity to get good photos of a Green Heron and with a bit of stealth I acheived it today. Whisky Creek at John Lloyd park is a smashing little environment fringed with mangrove and sand. The mangroves provide a great refuge for small fish, crabs and invertabrates and therefore a perfect habitat for Herons and Ibis. I have seen Green Heron there regularly so when I spotted one today it wasn't unexpected. It was tucked away around the roots of mangrove, close to the stems in the dappled light. I assume that it felt safe and well concealed because when it realised my presence it just hugged closer to the roots. I have a strategy for getting close to birds like this. I snap off a few shots and then very slowly slide the tripod forwrd to my full reach and then shuffle very slowly towards the subject. Usually this will not cause too much alarm. I then let the bird settle down ad carefully repeat the process. The photo below is proof that this strategy works well. Just have a look at how strong the shadows are on the body of this bird. Remember I said it was only very early morning and already the light is making it hard to adjust the camera properly and get good results.

The discovery of these magnificent, elegant, wild free and proud Sandhill Cranes was like a gift or treat bestowed on me as a reward for my perseverance, some woulkd say obsession. I discovered the Wetland Park right at the top of of Sheriden Street after an abortive attempt to find the Broward Bald Eagle nest. It turns out I was in the wrong place but whatever, I will be back later to find it. My day was being made special by the presence of stunning sights of a Loggerhead Shrike who was acting very territorially against a Mockingbird. Now and again the Shrike would chase the Mockingbird out of his "space" and perch high up and very close to me. All the while the Mockingbird hunted amongst the grass and I got a magnificent shot of him eating a Dragonfly. (To see this picture full size, double click it and wait for it to open at my Flickr galleries).  

Engrossed in this as I was, suddenly two dark large birds flew into the carpark about 50 yards away. My first reaction was Limpkin but after a second or two I couldn't believe my eyes..................Sandhill Crane. These birds do not breed in Broward to my knowledge and overwinter in Central Florida where I have seen them numerous times, but never in South Florida. Not being a native of theses parts I can't say how common a sight they are here and frankly I don't care becase they werre just a wonderfull and stunning spectacle that was, due to the unexpected nature of their arrival, one of my best ever wildlife experiences.

 

So, like I said they landed in the Carpark and immediately walked in my direction seemingly either oblivious to me or attracted to me, either way they just kept comming and comming, nearer and nearer. I took photos from all angles and all sides but stayed motionless in case I spooked them.

 Why did I bother because they eventually were 5 inches from me and I asked the meale to go back a bit becaue I couldn't get a good shot of him.......................yes honestly

With aroud 100 photos taken they wandered away through the gate and on to the street where they proceeded too do a courtship dance and then get down to that thing that most birds are doind at this time of the year, copulation! I missed it on film due to a full memory card! Now with the Cranes wandering of down the street towards the nearby shoppin/business centre I freed some space on the memory card........... just in case good job I did because we were very quickly joined again in the carpark by a pair of Mottled Duck!

Great Egret

There is a little corner of the lake at West Lake Park where I have seen 5 different species of heron in the last few days. Can you imagine that? This morning I photographed both Louisiana Heron and Great Egret. The white series of herons can at times be confusing if you don't keep your wits about you. I was watching this Great Eget today without taking too much notice and when I got back home realised that of course it wasn' a Snowy Egret which are much, much smaller and have a black beak. Th yellow beak of the Great is diagnostic. But then, immature Little Blue Heron are white as well bu have yellow legs instead of black. To make matters even more confusing there is a "white form" of Redish Egret with a black tipped pinkish beak. So as a casual visitor like myself you have to be on the ball as we say. Oh, I forgot to mentio the white morph of the Great Blue Heron known as "Great White Heron". I am getting more and more confused by the second! The one below is a Louisiana Heron, the most attractive feature is the contrasting white plume which flicks around in the wind. This bird also has a very contrasting white belly which is more notieceable when the bird opens it's wings.

Green Heron -

At first light this morning I was at John Lloyd State Park just to see what was about. I have been waiting for an opportunity to get good photos of a Green Heron and with a bit of stealth I acheived it today. Whisky Creek at John Lloyd park is a smashing little environment fringed with mangrove and sand. The mangroves provide a great refuge for small fish, crabs and invertabrates and therefore a perfect habitat for Herons and Ibis. I have seen Green Heron there regularly so when I spotted one today it wasn't unexpected. It was tucked away around the roots of mangrove, close to the stems in the dappled light. I assume that it felt safe and well concealed because when it realised my presence it just hugged closer to the roots. I have a strategy for getting close to birds like this. I snap off a few shots and then very slowly slide the tripod forwrd to my full reach and then shuffle very slowly towards the subject. Usually this will not cause too much alarm. I then let the bird settle down ad carefully repeat the process. The photo below is proof that this strategy works well. Just have a look at how strong the shadows are on the body of this bird. Remember I said it was only very early morning and already the light is making it hard to adjust the camera properly and get good results.

Sandhill Crane

The discovery of these magnificent, elegant, wild free and proud Sandhill Cranes was like a gift or treat bestowed on me as a reward for my perseverance, some woulkd say obsession. I discovered the Wetland Park right at the top of of Sheriden Street after an abortive attempt to find the Broward Bald Eagle nest. It turns out I was in the wrong place but whatever, I will be back later to find it. My day was being made special by the presence of stunning sights of a Loggerhead Shrike who was acting very territorially against a Mockingbird. Now and again the Shrike would chase the Mockingbird out of his "space" and perch high up and very close to me. All the while the Mockingbird hunted amongst the grass and I got a magnificent shot of him eating a Dragonfly. (To see this picture full size, double click it and wait for it to open at my Flickr galleries).  

Engrossed in this as I was, suddenly two dark large birds flew into the carpark about 50 yards away. My first reaction was Limpkin but after a second or two I couldn't believe my eyes..................Sandhill Crane. These birds do not breed in Broward to my knowledge and overwinter in Central Florida where I have seen them numerous times, but never in South Florida. Not being a native of theses parts I can't say how common a sight they are here and frankly I don't care becase they werre just a wonderfull and stunning spectacle that was, due to the unexpected nature of their arrival, one of my best ever wildlife experiences.

 

So, like I said they landed in the Carpark and immediately walked in my direction seemingly either oblivious to me or attracted to me, either way they just kept comming and comming, nearer and nearer. I took photos from all angles and all sides but stayed motionless in case I spooked them.

 Why did I bother because they eventually were 5 inches from me and I asked the meale to go back a bit becaue I couldn't get a good shot of him.......................yes honestly

With aroud 100 photos taken they wandered away through the gate and on to the street where they proceeded too do a courtship dance and then get down to that thing that most birds are doind at this time of the year, copulation! I missed it on film due to a full memory card! Now with the Cranes wandering of down the street towards the nearby shoppin/business centre I freed some space on the memory card........... just in case good job I did because we were very quickly joined again in the carpark by a pair of Mottled Duck!