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Redstarts by Rich Steel

Posted by on June 11, 2009 7:46 PM | 

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There are times when I question my obsession for coastal birding, generally when Rich Steel sends me a portfolio of gorgeous shots from the woodlands of North Wales.
Look at these Redstarts - absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks Rich...link to the main man's website is on the right as always.

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"My mission to photograph the three summer oakwood visitors in now complete", explains Rich.
"I did not quite manage to get all three species photographed in May with the Pied Flycatchers done last week and I'm still going through those photos (I will fire some over when they are done).
Find attached some Redstart photographs which I hope to have another session with soon if the weather allows!"

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Superb.
Aspirational photographers would do well to remember that Rich spends many hours in a hide to get these shots...rumour has it that he covers himself with lichen and broken branches just to be on the safe side too!
Thanks again Rich.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...

Comments (3)

Gary wrote...

Just what the doctor ordered, I´ve been trying for weeks to locate a local Redstart with no joy, so Rich´s photos are the next best thing. So life like you can almost touch um , stunning pics as usual and much appreciated.

Posted by: Gary  | June 11, 2009 7:14 PM

jstannage wrote...

Lancs: Red-necked Phal still 6.00pm Martin Mere WWT on The Mere.

Posted by: jstannage  | June 13, 2009 8:13 PM

Alison Cook, RSPB wrote...

The RSPB’s Marshside reserve in Southport has been given a Biffaward grant to help manage the reserve’s coastal habitats for the benefit of some very special wildlife and to improve public access to the delights of the reserve.
Lapwings are one of the birds that will be helped by the grant. Formerly a widespread wading bird, their numbers have been declining nationally and they have recently been added to the “red list” for birds of conservation concern. However, there are still good populations in some parts of northern England, including Marshside. The grant will help the RSPB to ensure there is suitable habitat on the reserve for these birds to breed successfully.
Graham Clarkson, the RSPB’s warden at Marshside said, “Lapwings prefer to nest in short, closely cropped vegetation so we use grazing cattle to control vegetation height. However, we need to keep the cattle in the right place at the right time on the reserve during the breeding season for birds! The grant has allowed us to upgrade our cattle handling facilities and improve stock fencing. This year we have had 78 pairs of lapwings breeding on the site, highlighting the importance of the grazing.”
The reserve at Marshside also has a healthy population of brown hares and the endangered water vole has re-colonised the site in 2009. Both species have benefited from the Biffaward funding.
Gillian French, Biffaward Programme Manager commented, “Biffaward is keen to support projects which improve access to the countryside and encourage us to learn more about our natural environment. This project does both and the improvements will mean that more people will be able to enjoy the reserve throughout the year.”
Graham Clarkson, added “The funding from Biffaward has been a real boost for the reserve providing wide ranging benefits, from direct management of the reserve to support for new equipment for our fantastic team of reserve volunteers."
RSPB Marshside is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm every day.

Posted by: Alison Cook, RSPB  | June 19, 2009 2:34 PM

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