RSPB..Marshside..Dunlin Roost

I haven't been out much recently with the camera owing to mainly bad weather.July was a very wet month and August is proving to be very stormy with two named storms recently battering the Lancashire coastline.August is a month I look forward to as the waders are starting to return to our shores for the winter months.The hoped for waders hadn't returned as usual at the beginning of the month but last Saturday my luck changed with a visit to RSPB Marshside.I decided to walk out along the old sand road which can hold roosting waders at times.I reached the incoming tide but only saw a few ringed plover.The tide suddenly came in quickly pushed by a strong wind.As I turned to come back I saw that there was a considerable roost of waders in front of me on the stone and gravel of the old road.

I made my way back slowly taking many images on the way.The roost was probably 95 per cent dunlin with a few knot.There was also a decent roost of oystercatcher further back.A few people were now approaching along the track and began to disturb the birds.There was plenty of action for the camera as large groups of dunlin flew back and forth before settling.Most of the people stayed put to watch the performance but two young children ran in amongst the birds disturbing them even more.I am sure however that these children enjoyed the experience and may well be future birdwatchers.Another group were taking photos and again it was nice to see the youngsters taking an interest.

It was a memorable day out and  good to get amongst the waders again.Hope you enjoy my selection of images of the dunlin and oystercatchers below.I will be out again soon and hopefully the stormy weather of late will settle down and give us some late summer sunshine.Thanks for looking in and stay safe and well.

Bowland...Deer.

In my recent early morning trips into Bowland I have been fortunate in seeing Roe Deer and Sika Deer.I have found early morning to be the best time to see Deer as they vanish after seven am as the world wakes up.They are difficult photographic subjects as they hear and see you long before you see them and they disappear back into nearby woodland usually at speed.Now and again you may be lucky and quick reactions with the camera may allow you a shot or two.

I have seen roe deer on most early mornings and sika deer a couple of times.Roe Deer are the ones you will most likely see and sightings of Sika Deer are uncommon.I hope you enjoy my selection of images below.The Sika are the spotted ones and have become well established in certain parts of Bowland.Currently the weather is still very unsettled and I hope to return to the wilds of Bowland later this week when hopefully Summer returns.Meantime thanks for looking in and stay safe.

Bowland June 2020...Big Ears and Barnie

Over the last week or so there has been a dramatic change in the weather.The long hot and sunny days have made way for some very unsettled weather.It has been a relief with some much needed rain and much fresher conditions.In fact it has been very Autumnal with heavy rain and strong winds.I have welcomed the change as it has been more bearable for getting about.I have not been out much with the camera and this post refers to my last outing into Bowland a week or so ago.

It was a hot day in prospect but I was up and away by 4am.It was a slow start but was to improve.I was thinking of returning home as I was being attacked by clegs on the legs giving painful bites.However suddenly this barn owl appeared close by and presented some very nice opportunities for flight shots as it passed in front of me.I fired off a salvo of shots the best of which are shown below. On the way home I saw this brown hare having his breakfast in a sunny meadow filled with summer grasses.He posed nicely for me in the warm sunshine and I duly obliged with more nice images to add to the day's tally.Hope you enjoy my efforts with the camera and I hope to be out and about again soon.Thanks for looking in and stay safe and well.