With the days melting into dark earlier all the time on scrub clearing detail in the dunes at Ainsdale, it was a pleasure to get these shots of "Mr Enigmatic" from Rich Steel, instantly evoking a summer's day out on the mosses.
Like many other birders, Rich seems to be under the inexplicable spell of the Corn Bunting - a song from hell (if you disagree, try listening to a few blasting away when you have a bad hangover), and let's face it, hardly the most dazzling plumage in the avian world, yet they still have a certain something.
Stunning shots as ever Rich.
Rich explains: "Hi John
One of my photographic goals for this year was to try and get some Corn Bunting in front of the camera for the first time. For some reason this species has always held a strange fascination for me, but don't ask me why.
Anyway it all went better than expected and a few photos attached from your 'backyard'.
Cheers
Rich"
Tearing myself away from the barely contained sexual charisma of the Corn Bunting for a moment, there seemed to be a few birds on the move early on along the coast today - several small parties of Mipits bleeping through over the dunes, about 250 Woodpigeons, in two tight flocks, and about 14 Curlews.
Few winter thrushes, but not large numbers by any means.
Still Bullfinches mooching about and calling plaintively in several areas as we worked today - certainly seems to be more about this year than previously in the Ainsdale/Birkdale slacks - a winter influx perhaps?
Okay, okay, here's one last shot of Mr Sexy.
Thanks again Rich.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
One Snow Bunting on the beach at Freshfield near the National Trust access to the shore (at the end of Victoria Road) this morning.
Hi John,
Following on from Bazzo's comments re raptors, had a Short Eared Owl on a post by the Coast Rd and 2 Marsh Harriers were out on the tideline today.
Short Eared Owl hunting over one of the scrub clearance areas in Ainsdale/Birkdale dunes this afternoon - when it wasn't getting serious Magpie hassle. Four Fieldfares, Bullfinch etc.
Hi John
Just thought I'd let you know that I saw seven Goldeneye battling the waves on the Marine Lake Southport yesterday.
I had also been watching the Peregrine roosting on Holy Trinity until a couple of weeks ago, when work started on the tower.
Also 37 Little Egrets plus the Great White roosting on N Marine lake island
Regards Neil