Stourhead and Andover

There was one of last year's Mute Swan remaining on the lake at Stourhead.  I was there early one rather dark morning last month when she clambered out of the water and joined me on the bank.  I'm guessing at 'she' because the adult male was still tolerating her presence on the same lake even though the adults had started breeding again.  Anyway, we enjoyed a little flash-photo session together.  Here are some of the results.

Also in April I returned to the Hawk Conservancy, Weyhill, Hampshire.  My visit was primarily to practise some in-flight shots, but there are a few others that I couldn't resist capturing.

Milky Eagle Owl

White-backed Vulture

He's behind you!  (Barn Owl)

Black Kite

Eurasian Eagle Owl

These next images were taken consecutively at 12fps.  The bird is scurrying along on foot.

[The first one reminds me of a Clint Eastwood character calling, "Make my day!"]

Back to Blashford

The beginning of April saw my return to Blashford Lakes, Hampshire.  It was my first visit this year.  Although parts of the reserve had had to be closed only occasionally because of flooding, some of the access had been tricky.  I had kept away.  My day had started with fog and you may notice its gradual clearance in the images.  These are not presented in strict chronological order, but have been separated into species.

Mute Swan

Tufted Duck

Black-head Gull

Mallard

Great Crested Grebe

Shoveler

Gadwall

Little Grebe