Thursday, May 20, 2010

Bleary Eyes

No matter at what time I set my alarm clock the internal one always seems to go off about 15 minutes before hand. So it was bleary eyes that I pulled myself out of bed at 4:45am to head off in search of yellow wagtails. The reason for the very early start is that I wanted to be on site for first light as the photo situation means the light quickly swings round and makes for some difficult lighting.

An hour later and I was in position but had already had an encounter en route with a Whinchat despite the light at that stage being a bit limited. They really are such attractive little birds but this one proved typically tricky to get close to.
Photobucket

Th yellow wagtails at this site are a game of patience. They inhabit a large agricultural field and the only chance of photographs is when they land on the field fence line or an adjacent track. I could hear the birds calling and see the occasion one flitting up in to the air out of the crop to catch a passing fly. So the wait began. Eventually a male bird flew across and landed on a fence post. The first encounter with a male yellow wagtail each year is always a moment of pause just to admire their vivid yellow.
Photobucket

The bird disappeared back to its field and I was forced to wait once more. However, it was an enjoyable wait in the still early morning as the sun rose and with a mixed dawn chorus of song for company. Another male appeared or maybe the same one.
Photobucket

There are many different races of yellow wagtail which are mainly distinguished by the different coloured heads with the UK version being unique with its yellow and green. After some more waiting another bird appeared and this time landed on the barbed wire between the posts.
Photobucket

This bird stayed for a while and hopped up on to a post and started their distinctive high pitch call.
Photobucket

His efforts had the desired effect and a female quickly appeared nearby before they flew off together across the field at which point I decided it was time to make a move.
Photobucket

Before heading home I had a quick look around to see what else I could find but this only produced a Meadow Pipit.
Photobucket

and a hovering male kestrel on the look out for a rodent breakfast.
Photobucket

This was a good reminder that it probably time for me to head home for some cornflakes and cup of tea after a very enjoyable session. After breakfast It was then back to bed for an hour to rest those bleary eyes and ensure some functionality later in the day after the early start.

9 comments:

Birding is Fun! said...

I need to book a trip to the UK so you can teach me to take photos like these! My goodness, they are wonderful!

MaineBirder said...

Exquisite captures! Very nice blog too!

ANRAFERA said...

Preciosas y expectaculares fotografías. Enhorabuena. Saludos

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

I enjoyed todays trail of yellow

Unknown said...

Simply stunning series of images, the last image of the Kestrel took my breath away...Thomas

Matt Latham said...

very nice Rich

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Glorious, all of them, and yet, I must simply compliment your efforts even further by saying those images of Mr. and Mrs. Pied Flycather are awesome, the detail of colour, the feathers so precise, their personalities just shine. Thanks for the share, and have a great weekend~

Rich Steel said...

Thanks for the replies. When you have a beautiful bird at close range in front of the lens if makes that early alarm call worthwhile :)

Cheers

Rich

Lisapetlamb said...

Every one of your bird photos have given me many hours of pleasure, I just think they are so beautiful! Only got through half your site but can't wait to look at the rest, Thank you so much. The cutest picture Ive seen in my life is of a Long tailed tit that you have taken, I am telling all my friends about it, we all want to own that photo.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails