Went down to one of my local areas today - Coombe Hill Nature Reserve in Gloucestershire - and surprise, surprise the meadows and canal were flooded again! wellies were definitely needed to access the hide and several areas along the canal towpath. Surprisingly there was not a great deal on view from the hide though I did manage to get one picture of a Great Crested Grebe with his lunch.
Next thing two Oystercatchers flew in. I had previously been impressed by Lapwing synchronised flying but it seems Oystercatchers are just as good at it.
Decided to have a walk along the canal banks to see whether or not I could see any of the local inhabitants, rather than just listen to them.
I found the Reed Bunting family at home.
Baby.
Mum popped up
as did dad.
Just to make sure I got a good picture, junior popped out into the open
Very obliging.
Not so the Blackcaps - is this a juvenile female or is it an adult?
Apologies for the quality of this next one.
Further on and I found the Sedge Warblers. Adult too busy singing to notice me creeping up.
and junior I believe.
Just like Oliver Twist, asking for more.
Try as I might, I could only see one juvenile in both the Reed Bunting and Sedge Warbler family, would that be regarded as unusual? Obviously I may have missed them, but I was certainly with the Reed Buntings for abot 20 minutes.
Lastly I got a couple of Dragonflies which I have attempted to identify but hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong.
Brown Hawker Male?
Brown Hawker Female?
Cheers,
Bob
Bob, happily retired(-:)
My Local Patch here
See my photos here.
Just love these Bob and even if the weather is a little sad your pictures really do brighten up the day.
Wow Bob looks like you've had a cracking day out, a great selection of photos,love the Oystercatcher flypast.
Regards Alan
My photos are on Flickr and Website
Bob, Excellent photos again. You obviously didn't have the thunder and lightening that was over North Wiltshire most of the day today
Visiting the Cotswold Water Park. Have a look at http://cotswoldwaterpark.wordpress.com/
Bob, no thunder and lightning but there was a very heavy downpour 5 minutes before I got back to the carpark - fortunately I had foreseen the possibility and took a cycle cape with me, something that I have recently found to be an invaluable piece of kit - it folds up really small and so easily goes over everything I might be carrying - camera, bins, scope, tripod etc. Its easy to take off too. So I'm now on the lookout for a better quality one for the rest of the summer(-:)
Wonderful photos Bob and a smashing account of your day.
The truth is I'm mad. We are all mad and many are too mad to know the truth.
bob's_retired_nowcycle cape.. I'm now on the lookout for a better quality one for the rest of the summer(-:)
Go Outdoors have some ponchos on sale in black (could be used as a portable hide). I have had one I bought on line a few years and it has proved useful in all sorts of places from Borneo to local walks. You can get them in black, green and camouflage. You just have to put up with people looking at you as though you have gone mad.
ooohh Bob piccie for the ladies please