Winsford Soul Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Drove down the M40 this morning south from Cherwell services north of Oxford to the M4 saw loads of red kites at least 40 They haven't made it to Manchester yet. I've seen them in between Chester and helsby and just outside Llandudno. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Went to Formby today to hopefully get some pictures of the famous red squirrels. Seen the first one before I had even got the camera set up. Then the next and only other one I seen was camera shy and sat as high in a pine tree as it could possibly get without it been seen by any passing bird of prey or me from underneath. All I got was a slight view of its tail between a couple of branches. Still it's a first for me as I don't remember seeing them before. Am well happy. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 (edited) Heers one from Leighton Moss RSPB.. I'm heading over to Leighton moss next week. The bitterns are showing very well along with a Merlin and a few marsh harriers and even a fire crest wren which seems to be enjoying the visitors company on the footpaths. Steve Edited February 18, 2014 by Winsford Soul Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 There's some of my wildlife photos on my FlickR account which can be seen here.http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomhunt29/ I've recently sold my camera so I can upgrade. Just wasn't getting the quality I wanted. Was using a cannon EOS 350D. Don't no what to get next thought. Tom Tom. I've just seen your Flickr pictures there's some amazing one's. Did you upgrade your camera ? I,m upgrading this year to the Canon eos 7 d mk 2 when it finally makes its appearance. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest TomCaponeHunt Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Tom. I've just seen your Flickr pictures there's some amazing one's. Did you upgrade your camera ? I,m upgrading this year to the Canon eos 7 d mk 2 when it finally makes its appearance. Steve Thanks, Steve. Appreciate it Nah, I've still not upgraded yet. Been buying too many records haha. I'm hoping to be set back up before the summer. I've been looking at some cameras these last few weeks and got my eye on something. Tom Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Missing Link Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Went to Formby today to hopefully get some pictures of the famous red squirrels. Seen the first one before I had even got the camera set up. Then the next and only other one I seen was camera shy and sat as high in a pine tree as it could possibly get without it been seen by any passing bird of prey or me from underneath. All I got was a slight view of its tail between a couple of branches. Still it's a first for me as I don't remember seeing them before. Am well happy. Steve Here's a picture I took of one in 2007 at Formby. I remember seeing loads the first time I went there in 1983 but their numbers have diminished since then. 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 (edited) Here's a picture I took of one in 2007 at Formby. I remember seeing loads the first time I went there in 1983 but their numbers have diminished since then. . The first red squirrel I seen yesterday was on the ground before rapidly climbing a tree , it was almost black in colour but I've heard that there's a high percentage there that are like that. Steve Edited February 19, 2014 by Winsford Soul Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ernie Andrews Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 last year woke up looked out of the boat to see this Cormorant ! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Missing Link Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 . The first red squirrel I seen yesterday was on the ground before rapidly climbing a tree , it was almost black in colour but I've heard that there's a high percentage there that are like that. Steve I think they turn very dark during the Winter though I'm not 100% sure about that. A few years ago I was staying near Stevenage in a hotel that backed on to some woodlands and actually saw a Black Squirrel. When I returned home I looked it up and discovered that they are a variation of the Grey Squirrel and are prevalent in East Anglia and parts of Hertfordshire. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 I think they turn very dark during the Winter though I'm not 100% sure about that. A few years ago I was staying near Stevenage in a hotel that backed on to some woodlands and actually saw a Black Squirrel. When I returned home I looked it up and discovered that they are a variation of the Grey Squirrel and are prevalent in East Anglia and parts of Hertfordshire. This was definitely a red. There's no Grey's as far as I'm aware anywhere near this isolated nationally important site. I don't think natural England or any others body would allow them within a few miles. Bet you thought it was unique, I know I would have done. I know you can get a black variant of the red Fox. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Missing Link Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Formby is one of the, all too sadly, few remaining outposts of the Red so I wouldn't expect to see any Greys there at all. When I saw the Black one in Stevenage I thought it was a cat at first (it was a long way away). Then it moved and it definitely moved like a squirrel. Unfortunately I was too far away to get a picture and I'm not even sure whether I had my camera with me. Here's a link to a web site about it: http://www.blacksquirrelproject.org Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 Formby is one of the, all too sadly, few remaining outposts of the Red so I wouldn't expect to see any Greys there at all. When I saw the Black one in Stevenage I thought it was a cat at first (it was a long way away). Then it moved and it definitely moved like a squirrel. Unfortunately I was too far away to get a picture and I'm not even sure whether I had my camera with me. Here's a link to a web site about it: http://www.blacksquirrelproject.org Thanks mate. Steve 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 All systems go for. RSPB Leighton moss reserve tomorrow. First avocet of the spring has turned up. Can't wait. Hope to have some pictures to post. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest gfarrington Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Went to Formby today to hopefully get some pictures of the famous red squirrels. Seen the first one before I had even got the camera set up. Then the next and only other one I seen was camera shy and sat as high in a pine tree as it could possibly get without it been seen by any passing bird of prey or me from underneath. All I got was a slight view of its tail between a couple of branches. Still it's a first for me as I don't remember seeing them before. Am well happy. Steve thats where i work steve, see them most days, in the bins usually, i'll try & get some pictures on my phone, they are quick though, sometimes see them running round & round the trees Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 thats where i work steve, see them most days, in the bins usually, i'll try & get some pictures on my phone, they are quick though, sometimes see them running round & round the trees Gary do you work at St Joseph's ? And did it used to be a approved school ? Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest gfarrington Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 yes , but it wasnt approved, it was children with learning diss, way before my time , its now adults with learning diss, story goes it was a family home , they had a diabled daughter so they donated the land to francis taylor foundation , they have places all over the world, our location just happens to be called st joesph's(not to be confused with st joe's down the road) which is a hospice. & can only take young adults 18+ Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 yes , but it wasnt approved, it was children with learning diss, way before my time , its now adults with learning diss, story goes it was a family home , they had a diabled daughter so they donated the land to francis taylor foundation , they have places all over the world, our location just happens to be called st joesph's(not to be confused with st joe's down the road) which is a hospice. & can only take young adults 18+ Thanks Gary. you work in a very special place. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Well I finally joined the RSPB today when I got to Leighton Moss reserve near Carnforth. Had a wish list of 4 birds to see. Marsh harriers, bitterns, bearded tits and the just arrived avocets. Guess what didn't see any of those or the otters and red deer that frequent the reserve. Had a close encounter with a coal tit, it sat about 3 ft from me at eye level , guess who had his 400 ml lens on his camera so couldn't get a picture, Steve 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Winsford Soul, on 24 Feb 2014 - 7:39 PM, said: Well I finally joined the RSPB today when I got to Leighton Moss reserve near Carnforth. Had a wish list of 4 birds to see. Marsh harriers, bitterns, bearded tits and the just arrived avocets. Guess what didn't see any of those or the otters and red deer that frequent the reserve. Had a close encounter with a coal tit, it sat about 3 ft from me at eye level , guess who had his 400 ml lens on his camera so couldn't get a picture, Steve Ah well, early days yet Steve. Spring will bring an explosion of renewal and new life - and plenty of photo opportunities. This might be the year that I begin a photography hobby - I have lots of places to go here in Notts, including having the Grantham canal at the side of my house. All the best mate. Peter 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 Some more pics from me. These were taken through a window at home last winter (not had a winter over here in the Netherlands this year, I'm delighted to say! Result ) Blackbird Hedge Sparrow/Dunnock Robin 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) Russell Gilbert, on 24 Feb 2014 - 9:07 PM, said:Russell Gilbert, on 24 Feb 2014 - 9:07 PM, said: Some more pics from me. These were taken through a window at home last winter (not had a winter over here in the Netherlands this year, I'm delighted to say! Result ) Blackbird Blackbird.jpg Hedge Sparrow/Dunnock HedgeSparrow.jpg Robin Robin.jpg Lovely pictures Russell. Our winter has been very mild too - the birds and other wildlife have been very lucky. I can't remember a winter where the birds have taken so little food from the feeders. They've had insects and fruit throughout the period which has meant that what I've been putting out has been a bonus for them All the best. Peter Edited February 24, 2014 by Peter99 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Ah well, early days yet Steve. Spring will bring an explosion of renewal and new life - and plenty of photo opportunities. This might be the year that I begin a photography hobby - I have lots of places to go here in Notts, including having the Grantham canal at the side of my house. All the best mate. Peter Peter Spring has arrived, seen my first lambs of the year today and in my post the Avocets have arrived back from wintering in Africa. Go on you know you want to buy a new camera. I've done loads of things in my life, some good some not so clever but buying a dslr camera was a good move, I can't believe that it's taken me so long to jump in to proper photography just wish I had done it years ago. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Some more pics from me. These were taken through a window at home last winter (not had a winter over here in the Netherlands this year, I'm delighted to say! Result ) Blackbird Blackbird.jpg Hedge Sparrow/Dunnock HedgeSparrow.jpg Robin Robin.jpg Russel. Like the pictures. Peter beat me to the point about the mild winter. The nature reserve that I've been today had me in shirt sleeves at one stage it was that warm in the sunshine. Steve 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Peter Spring has arrived, seen my first lambs of the year today and in my post the Avocets have arrived back from wintering in Africa. Go on you know you want to buy a new camera. I've done loads of things in my life, some good some not so clever but buying a dslr camera was a good move, I can't believe that it's taken me so long to jump in to proper photography just wish I had done it years ago. Steve I'm not very good with gadgets Steve - and don't have a great deal of patience. I do fancy it though and I need a hobby and something to get me out of the house. I'll do a bit of research and see what I can come up with - I might even consider joining a local group or doing a night class. Peter Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 I'm not very good with gadgets Steve - and don't have a great deal of patience. I do fancy it though and I need a hobby and something to get me out of the house. I'll do a bit of research and see what I can come up with - I might even consider joining a local group or doing a night class. Peter Peter. You can have the camera on auto and just press the button , it will auto focus , set the shutter speed everything. Basically a point and shoot till you get the hang of things. I'm a complete dunce when it comes to technology and gadgets. But it so simple. Honestly Peter. If I can do it anyone can. Steve 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Peter. You already have the patience, if your walking down the towpath on the Grantham canal, that's all the patience you need . Steve 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 Investing in a dslr is well worth it. Mine's a 2nd hand Nikon D80, which is pretty antiquated now if you believe all the techno-gadget hype. However, it'll do me for a while yet. My first digital camera was a compact Canon that took 3mb photos - tiny by today's comparison - but it was enough to get me hooked, and I like to think that I took some cracking pics with that If you do buy a camera, I absolutely recommend that you buy one of the unofficial manuals. They go by the name of the "Digital Field Guides" and tell you all the things that the manufacturers manual either tells you in terrible English or doesn't tell you at all. I'd also recommend a practical 'how to' book or two so that you can start to get to grips with basic techniques. I particularly like a a guy called Bryan Peterson. His book "Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide" is a favourite. He also has loads of quick and easy photography tutorials on YouTube. he's well worth checking out. Buy a dslr and you'll be in for hours of fun! 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Martyn Pitt Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 I'm not very good with gadgets Steve - and don't have a great deal of patience. I do fancy it though and I need a hobby and something to get me out of the house. I'll do a bit of research and see what I can come up with - I might even consider joining a local group or doing a night class. Peter It is not that complicated, if Smiffy can use one anyone can A good simple to follow book, written in plain English is "Digital Exposure Handbook" by Ross Hoddinott ... LINK There are a few of us on here that could help out if you hit a brick wall, the beauty of digital is that you can see instantly if you have got it right or wrong. 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Quinvy Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I'm so disappointed. I could only read "show us your bird" on the main page and was hoping it was a "readers wives" type thread. 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Back Street Blue Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Trees full of finches and hedges full of sparrows on the dog walk last few days and the collared doves and starlings pairing up in the garden...not long for spring to arrive, assuming the weather gets back to normal 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) Another visit to leighton moss again today still no birds off the list . however got to see peregrine, little egret, curlew and snipe among others today. snipe are near impossible to see once they,re settled on the ground as you can see from the pictures Steve Edited February 25, 2014 by Winsford Soul 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Caught this wee beasty sneeking into our bed on Sunday morning. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Winsford Soul, on 25 Feb 2014 - 8:56 PM, said: IMG_6073.JPGIMG_6074.JPGAnother visit to leighon moss again today still no birds off the list . however got to see peregrine, little egret, curlew and snipe among others today. snipe are near impossible to see once they,re settled on the ground as you can see from the pictures Steve Nice stuff Steve . I like to think I know a bit about birds but there are loads of species I struggle with/get mixed up with. I have a fairly hefty reference book which I can use at home but isn't very practical to carry around outside. Do you use a reference book at all? Peter Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Little Egret. they used to be a very rare visitor to the UK but now they,re resident in most parts of the country Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Nice stuff Steve . I like to think I know a bit about birds but there are loads of species I struggle with/get mixed up with. I have a fairly hefty reference book which I can use at home but isn't very practical to carry around outside. Do you use a reference book at all? Peter Peter. the birds that I know are from hours spent reading and researching them many years ago. I really struggle with ducks and a few sea birds because I,ve never spent much time watching them until very recently. I learn something new every time I go out and about. the book I use for reference is a pocket guide called the rspb birds of Britain and Europe.by rob hume it also comes with a cd with bird songs and calls it replaces one I have misplaced or lost somewhere. its a great book well worth £16.99 Steve 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Peter. the birds that I know are from hours spent reading and researching them many years ago. I really struggle with ducks and a few sea birds because I,ve never spent much time watching them until very recently. I learn something new every time I go out and about. the book I use for reference is a pocket guide called the rspb birds of Britain and Europe.by rob hume it also comes with a cd with bird songs and calls it replaces one I have misplaced or lost somewhere. its a great book well worth £16.99 Steve I'm pretty sure mines an RSPB publication - it's pretty hefty. I'll check it out later. Peter Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) Male Mallard. Steve Edited February 25, 2014 by Winsford Soul Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I'm pretty sure mines an RSPB publication - it's pretty hefty. I'll check it out later. Peter Peter. This is actually a pocket guide, a big pocket none the less it measures about 9 " x 4 1/2 " Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Winsford Soul, on 25 Feb 2014 - 9:32 PM, said: Peter. This is actually a pocket guide, a big pocket none the less it measures about 9 " x 4 1/2 " Steve Mine is the RSPB Wildlife of Britain - The Definitive Visual Guide and it's no pocket book! Bloody hell I've just had to wrestle the bugger from the other room. It's a cracking book but it's no pocket guide. I'll check out the one you have and see what else is around. Peter Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 (edited) Mine is the RSPB Wildlife of Britain - The Definitive Visual Guide and it's no pocket book! Bloody hell I've just had to wrestle the bugger from the other room. It's a cracking book but it's no pocket guide. I'll check out the one you have and see what else is around. Peter Peter. just noticed at the back of rspb where to discover nature handbook ( freebie when you join ) there,s loads of books obviously rspb ones at shopping.rspb.org.uk. Steve Edited February 25, 2014 by Winsford Soul 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Winsford Soul, on 25 Feb 2014 - 9:48 PM, said: Peter. just noticed at the back of rspb where to discover nature handbook ( freebie when you join ) there,s loads of books obviously rspb ones at shopping.rspb.org.uk. Steve Thanks Steve I'll check it out. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Thanks Steve I'll check it out. Steve 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave Callard Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Thanks Steve I'll check it out. Hi Peter I have a " pocket guide" which is my bible and keep it handy all the time.This is a RSPB publication but covers trees, wild flowers, fungi & lichen,mammals,birds,reptiles & amphibians, fish and invertebrates. It is printed by DK Publications. IS BN 978-1-405-35657-2. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hi Peter I have a " pocket guide" which is my bible and keep it handy all the time.This is a RSPB publication but covers trees, wild flowers, fungi & lichen,mammals,birds,reptiles & amphibians, fish and invertebrates. It is printed by DK Publications. IS BN 978-1-405-35657-2. Dave. It's sounds like a interesting book to have around. Got a tree Identification book that I don't read . Should do really. Don't seem to get time but whilst I'm off work I should make the effort. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Peter99 Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Hi Peter I have a " pocket guide" which is my bible and keep it handy all the time.This is a RSPB publication but covers trees, wild flowers, fungi & lichen,mammals,birds,reptiles & amphibians, fish and invertebrates. It is printed by DK Publications. IS BN 978-1-405-35657-2. Thanks Dave I'll check it out. Peter Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 attachment=184028:leighton moss 25 feb snipe.jpg] heres a cropped image of the snipe, bit easier to see them Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 (edited) Heres a first for me. Willow tit ( corrected to Marsh Tit ) Steve Edited February 26, 2014 by Winsford Soul 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Martyn Pitt Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Peter, Collins Gem do a good series of ID books for Birds about the size of a fag packet, not as in depth as some others but is certainly pocket size, they also do others in the series for Butterflies, Trees and Insects, they are around £5 I think Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Martyn Pitt Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 leighton moss 25 feb willow tit.jpg Heres a first for me. Willow tit Steve That is a Marsh Tit Steve, pale spot at the base of the upper mandible (never on a Willow Tit) 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 That is a Marsh Tit Steve, pale spot at the base of the upper mandible (never on a Willow Tit) Thanks Martyn. wasn't sure which one it was. So hard to tell them apart. Steve Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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