Wychwood Moths: Birds

Monday, 19 September 2011

Outside the Exclusion Zone

Like many other local birders, I took the opportunity to go outside the rare bird exclusion zone of Bedfordshire last week to sample the delights just over the border at Grafham. This large reservoir seems to act like an autumn shield, catching and deflecting any decent seabirds that are blown our way in a storm or potentially coming cross-country on favourable NE winds from the Wash.

My lack of bird pictures on this blog is mainly equipment related as I am usually only achieving record shots digiscoped with a compact camera but the millpond conditions and close encounters at Grafham when I visited enabled some reasonable images to be captured for a change. (Kodak DX7630 ad Opticron ES80 with 27xWW)

Sabines Gull, Grafham Water 15th Sept

Grey Phalarope, Grafham Water 15th Sept

Monday, 29 August 2011

Wychwood Moths - missed August

Been away in Florida for over three weeks so nothing to report from Wychwood Moths in August although my first night back trapping on 27th produced some year ticks as expected, one of which was a nice fresh Red Underwing. Did not note any significant moths during my time away but had 80+ bird species including 4 world ticks and some superb views of many impressive varieties. Also a selection of large butties including Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Monarch, Queen, Giant Swallowtail and White Peacock. Just a few images to whet the appetite or provide a reminder for anybody that has been to this area themselves.

Limpkin with apple snail, Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, FL. Plenty of these about early mornings. An adult Snail Kite was also present in this area on most visits.

Sandhill Crane with juvenile, Kissimmee, FL. A yard bird, and Wal-Mart car park etc... Small family groups all over the area and some good roosts near the lake.