As an extension to the ongoing "I saw my first kingfisher today" thread, I thought it might be interesting if people wanted to post and share any wildlife pics that they've taken. As I said on the other thread, that way instead of just talking about what birds and other wildlife we've seen, we can also show photos of them. 

 

Hope you think it's a good idea.

 

As the current topic in the "kingfisher" thread is herons, I thought I'd start with a couple of pics of them that I've taken...

 

Juvenile heron (looking very interested in a dragonfly)

 

Heron in sunset silhouette

 

Next up, a couple of pics of blackbird chicks, which I was lucky enough to get while looking out through a window at home.

 

 

 

Come on then, show us what you've got. The only condition is that the photos are ones you've taken yourself.

 

Seen at the Aalsmeer boat race today! Somewhat off topic, but, um, you know… 

 

 

 

 

 

Seen at the Aalsmeer boat race today! Somewhat off topic, but, um, you know… 

That's one for the "Show Us Your Bird" thread.

I went carp fishing on a lake yesterday and saw a kingfisher, heron, gorgeous dragonflies, swifts (or swallows) dive bombing and something I`d never seen before - lots of fish `tail walking` out of the water.  They were bronze coloured so probably carp, but I had no idea they did this and I`ve never seen anything like it before.

I went carp fishing on a lake yesterday and saw a kingfisher, heron, gorgeous dragonflies, swifts (or swallows) dive bombing and something I`d never seen before - lots of fish `tail walking` out of the water.  They were bronze coloured so probably carp, but I had no idea they did this and I`ve never seen anything like it before.

Pete. The birds would have been swallows or house Martin's. Swifts left for Africa about a month ago.regarding the carp tail walking its a common occurrence and can be seen at most lakes be they natural or commercials. Some people think they do it to rid themselves of parasites especially from the gills and other's say it's a part of spawning but given the time of year you saw it that's a bit unlikely but saying that when I was fishing last week their was a lot of activity in the marginal reed beds like what happens when they're spawning so maybe this warm weather has caused them to spawn again.

Steve

Pete. The birds would have been swallows or house Martin's. Swifts left for Africa about a month ago.regarding the carp tail walking its a common occurrence and can be seen at most lakes be they natural or commercials. Some people think they do it to rid themselves of parasites especially from the gills and other's say it's a part of spawning but given the time of year you saw it that's a bit unlikely but saying that when I was fishing last week their was a lot of activity in the marginal reed beds like what happens when they're spawning so maybe this warm weather has caused them to spawn again.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve - you`re a mine of information as ever.  I always get swallows and swifts mixed up.  I was fishing on a natural lake this time, and whilst I only took up carp fishing a couple of years ago I`ve never seen carp tail walking before so I was quite taken aback (no wonder I couldn`t get a bite on the lake bottom!!).  Cheers, Pete

2 lovely spiders standing guard in our garden.

 

 

Edited September 15, 201410 yr by Guest

2 lovely spiders standing guard in our garden.

 

spider_11.jpg

 

spider_21.jpg

Steve. they're common garden orb spiders. They seem to be everywhere at the moment. my garden is full of them

 

Steve

They look fantastic don`t they, i`ve always loved spiders, ever since I was about 12 when we had a fruit and veg shop. we found a big boy in a box of Bananas.

Had to call out the public health bods to take it away. 

They look fantastic don`t they, i`ve always loved spiders, ever since I was about 12 when we had a fruit and veg shop. we found a big boy in a box of Bananas.

Had to call out the public health bods to take it away. 

Steve. Have a look at post 1064 if you like spiders and click on the picture to enlarge

 

Steve

On my way to Leighton Moss reserve today hoping to return with some birds ticked off my list and some pictures to post on here. Black tailed Godwits, bearded tits and little stints among others

Steve

Saw a Kestrel today I thought all the Buzzards had eaten them all

Here we go Kev. Kestrel hovering

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

Long tailed tits are as cute as they come

Steve

Heard a rustling in the reed bed and just managed to pop my lens through to capture this Heron taking off.

I had obviously disturbed it but as you can see my camera was pointed directly at the sun hence the flare

Steve

Lovely selection of pics, Steve. I particularly like the light in some of them - very autumnal with deep greens, heavy blacks and strong hints of yellow. 

Lovely selection of pics, Steve. I particularly like the light in some of them - very autumnal with deep greens, heavy blacks and strong hints of yellow. 

Thanks Russell. Yeah the colours are starting to turn to there Autumn shades, which in sunlight makes for some amazing sights. Will have a look through to see what I have knocking about in my files

Steve

Thanks Russell. Yeah the colours are starting to turn to there Autumn shades, which in sunlight makes for some amazing sights. Will have a look through to see what I have knocking about in my files

Steve

I'm slowly coming to the realisation that Autumn and it warm, golden hues are my favourite - although until recently if someone asked I'd always have said Spring with it's sharp greens and fresh vibrancy. Maybe it's an age thing - I don't know.

 

And I've just realised something about your heron pic. Do you remember the TV series Tarzan - the one with Ron Ely? I'm positive that in the opening credits there's a white heron or egret in almost the same pose and situation - disturbed and caught mid-flight by a bank of reeds. Might have to check and see if it's on YouTube!

Ha! Found the opening credits to Tarzan, and at about 1:43 in is the Great Egret. It doesn't quite compare, but your photo was enough to trigger a deeply forgotten TV memory!

 

Ha! Found the opening credits to Tarzan, and at about 1:43 in is the Great Egret. It doesn't quite compare, but your photo was enough to trigger a deeply forgotten TV memory!

 

Russell. I,m so glad I could take you back to your childhood. for my next trick. ha ha

Steve

I'm slowly coming to the realisation that Autumn and it warm, golden hues are my favourite - although until recently if someone asked I'd always have said Spring with it's sharp greens and fresh vibrancy. Maybe it's an age thing - I don't know.

 

Russell. Spring is undoubtedly my favourite season followed closely by Autumn. All that newness in the tree,s, flowers and the arrival of lambs quickly followed by the spring migrants arriving. Hearing the first Chiffchaff or Cuckoo. When you see the first Swallow's. etc etc

Steve

Rescued a ferret today rum little critter

Still swallows and Martin's around today in the north west. Can't see them been here for much longer especially now we have lost that warm air from the southeast.

Steve

Edited September 20, 201410 yr by Winsford Soul

We had a Raven over today

We had a Raven over today

Ravens have gone from being a rare bird to a not quite rare bird in a few short years, it's amazing what nature can do if left to its own device without any interfering from mankind. They're true master's of flight, watching them ride the thermals over a cliff or quarry is a fabulous sight.

Steve

Ravens have gone from being a rare bird to a not quite rare bird in a few short years, it's amazing what nature can do if left to its own device without any interfering from mankind. They're true master's of flight, watching them ride the thermals over a cliff or quarry is a fabulous sight.

Steve

The trouble is they are very clever predators .

The trouble is they are very clever predators .

I thought their main diet was carrion.

 

Peter

The trouble is they are very clever predators .

Kev. As you said they're very clever as are all members of the corvid family.have you ever seen they guy on springwatch that brings the raven into the unsprung studio. It does all sorts of thing's to get food completely untrained just by looking at what ever the food is contained in then working out the solution. They're a top predator , they have even been known to take peregrine falcon eggs from the nest. Now that is something.

Steve

Ive heard how a pair stripped a moor of its birds,I don't know if I put up with that mate.

Ravens have gone from being a rare bird to a not quite rare bird in a few short years, it's amazing what nature can do if left to its own device without any interfering from mankind. They're true master's of flight, watching them ride the thermals over a cliff or quarry is a fabulous sight.

Steve

Think there are a few around the Rutland water area.

One was over our house.

Attenborough Nature Reserves new Sand Martin nesting site.

 

http://www.nottinghampost.com/Nesting-bank-instant-hit-nature-reserve/story-22955396-detail/story.html

Attenborough Nature Reserves new Sand Martin nesting site.

 

http://www.nottinghampost.com/Nesting-bank-instant-hit-nature-reserve/story-22955396-detail/story.html

We had a bugger after their eggs he got a bollocking..

We had a bugger after their eggs he got a bollocking..

A bugger? What's a bugger? Do you work down there?

 

A bugger? What's a bugger?

 

 A rascal, good-for-nothing, reprobate, unprincipled person, cheat, swindler, fraudster, trickster, charlatan, villain, bastard, beast, son of a bitch, s.o.b., rat, louse, swine, dog, hound, skunk, heel, snake, snake in the grass, wretch, scumbag, bad egg or stinker...

 

 

Edited September 21, 201410 yr by Russell Gilbert

 A rascal, good-for-nothing, reprobate, unprincipled person, cheat, swindler, fraudster, trickster, charlatan, villain, bastard, beast, son of a bitch, s.o.b., rat, louse, swine, dog, hound, skunk, heel, snake, snake in the grass, wretch, scumbag, bad egg or stinker...

 

 

   

   

No chutney ferrets here   

Saw two red kites today in Yorkshire while I was driving so couldn't take pictures.

First one on the way to Nidderdale but the second one was right on the outskirts of Leeds coming back from Harrogate near the Leeds Grammar School.

Saw two red kites today in Yorkshire while I was driving so couldn't take pictures.

First one on the way to Nidderdale but the second one was right on the outskirts of Leeds coming back from Harrogate near the Leeds Grammar School.

How do you know the Red Kite was coming back from Harrogate?   

 

I'll get me coat.

 

Nice

 

cus it had no money left

 

large white wine and a pint of lager = £9.80 

A juvenile Ringed Plover from this morning

 

 

 

Saw two red kites today in Yorkshire while I was driving so couldn't take pictures.

First one on the way to Nidderdale but the second one was right on the outskirts of Leeds coming back from Harrogate near the Leeds Grammar School.

That's fabulous news. Not seen any in Manchester/north west apart from one near Chester about two years ago, but I don't think it will be to many year's before their are regular sightings of them all over the north of England.

Steve

Was out and about locally today and I finally managed to get a dragonfly picture but when I looked at my camera settings I had turned off the image stabilization so the picture turned out a bit blurred. Gutted. Note to myself CHECK camera settings before I try to use it. Will post image when I get chance so Martyn can identify it for me (please). I think it's a hawker of some description

Steve

Was out and about locally today and I finally managed to get a dragonfly picture but when I looked at my camera settings I had turned off the image stabilization so the picture turned out a bit blurred. Gutted. Note to myself CHECK camera settings before I try to use it. Will post image when I get chance so Martyn can identify it for me (please). I think it's a hawker of some description

Steve

If it's got a lot of blue on it I would guess a Migrant Hawker at this time of the year.

 

There is a great Dragonfly ID book - Britains Dragonflies by Dave Smallshire & Andy Swash, Dave & Andy are experts on them, the book is well worth the money.

A few Lapwings from this morning, the sun really brings out the full range of colours of their feathers.

 

 

 

If it's got a lot of blue on it I would guess a Migrant Hawker at this time of the year.

There is a great Dragonfly ID book - Britains Dragonflies by Dave Smallshire & Andy Swash, Dave & Andy are experts on them, the book is well worth the money.

Thanks Martyn. It was mostly green with blue band's.about 3 1/2" maybe 4" long. And another I seen was red with orange bands but that was about 2" long

Steve

Edited September 21, 201410 yr by Winsford Soul

Thanks Martyn. It was mostly green with blue band's.about 3 1/2" maybe 4" long. And another I seen was red with orange bands but that was about 2" long

Steve

For the larger one it could be a Southern Hawker, the red / orange one probably a Common Darter.

 

Look these up on line and see which looks the closest to what you saw, just be aware that immature ones can vary slightly in colouring.

Morning all.

 

Your thoughts, please...

 

I'm thinking about wrapping up this thread as with nearly 1150 posts, it's starting to get unwieldy. I also think that being so long, it's unlikely that anyone who hasn't already joined the party is going to bother to sift through 23 pages.

 

In it's place, I was thinking about starting a more general photography thread, so that it might appeal to more members here and give scope for a greater variety of contributions. 

 

At the end of the day though, this thread has only gone on so long, and become so lengthy (and had so many great photos), because of the contributions from you guys, so it's only fair to ask for your thoughts.

 

Keep this one going or start a new, broader 'photography' thread where members can post decent pics they've taken and want to share?

 

What do you think?

keep it going Russell "with nearly 1150 posts" it's a popular thread.

I do not consider it unwieldy Russell ... just a case of clicking on the last page.

 

Why not open another thread for general photography, to run in tandem with it 

Russell. I'm with Martyn on this one. There's so much more than picture's shared on this thread. The informative comments. The questions that arise from the photographs etc etc.

Still a fantastic thread after all this time and posts.

Steve

martyn pitt, on 22 Sept 2014 - 11:46 AM, said:

I do not consider it unwieldy Russell ... just a case of clicking on the last page.

 

Why not open another thread for general photography, to run in tandem with it 

 

 

Winsford Soul, on 22 Sept 2014 - 12:28 PM, said:

Russell. I'm with Martyn on this one. There's so much more than picture's shared on this thread. The informative comments. The questions that arise from the photographs etc etc.

Still a fantastic thread after all this time and posts.

Steve

I agree. I haven't posted and photographs which I have taken personally but enjoy looking at other peoples pics and taking part in the discussion.

 

Peter