Cool Kestrel

Hopefully you saw the pictures I posted a couple of weeks ago of this beautiful kestrel at Brockholes reserve. Today I have chosen to post a few more shots of the same bird, firstly perched on top of a post that he had visited for food and the other two as he sat at the top of a wicker arch surveying the landscape. He was acutely aware of my presence but as long as I didn't approach too close or too quickly he was quite content to sit and pose for me.

Reed Bunting

The first of today's pictures is of a cute little male Reed Bunting with a beak full of seed, he really is a handsome chap but I think the female in the next two images is actually a much prettier bird.

They are so delicate and light and I love the way they cling to the reeds. I like the way they use their long tails to keep their balance and love the expression on the face, particularly in the third picture as the bird is looking directly at the camera.

Little Hunters

Another change of theme today, but in case you missed yesterday's post it's well worth taking a look because I think it is one of the best pictures I have shared for a long time.

Today though I have selected these beautiful portraits of two small but very powerful hunters.

The first is an American Barn Owl. It differs from the European Barn Owl by having much darker plumage down its back. I love its sweetheart face and its peaceful expression.

The second image, my favourite, is of a White Faced Scops Owl, in this shot he is sitting on a fence post about to fly to its handler. It really is a delightful little bird with a huge personality.

Here's Looking At You

Today I have gone back to the pictures of deer at Dunham Massey rather than the buildings and reflections that I shared over the past two days.

These three deer are all Fallow Deer but these shots perfectly show some of the different colourings that are quite common from the fairly even brown tones of the stag in the first picture to the almost black backed doe in the second shot and then at the most extreme end the white in the third shot. This is not an albino deer but a genuine white variety. A fourth variety is almost totally black but I haven't got a shot of one to share today.

It didn't matter how quietly I approached the deer they were always on the alert and while they didn't all run off they kept a watchful eye on me. 

It is always a privilege to be able to get close to animals in the wild and I love to share the pictures I capture.

Great Tit!

Continuing the theme from the other day of colourful British birds here is a Great Tit and I think he is absolutely stunning.

I am really pleased with this shot. Looking at it I remember a time earlier this year when I visited Boilton Woods and I held out some seeds in my hand and fed some Great Tits as they perched on my thumb, it was quite a thrill and a happy memory.

Young and Beautiful

I was going to share some pictures of some of the stags today but looking through my pictures I couldn't resist posting some more of the new generation, they're so flipping cute.

It was such a treat to get up close and get these images I am so lucky.

Watching and Waiting

I was supposed to be down in the New Forest this evening starting a short camping holiday and so I was expecting to post some shots of the forest using my phone but sadly my plans have changed and my holiday has had to be cancelled so I am sharing another shot taken on Saturday of this beautiful fledgling kestrel that was hiding in the foliage watching everything in the garden very intently.

To be honest I feel pretty rotten today but looking at this gorgeous bird my spirits have lifted somewhat. I hope that it will give you a lift too.

We Are Family...

Yesterday I said I had wanted to share something cute and cuddly and I think I have delivered. Every time I visit Chester Zoo I walk past Lemur island looking for these fantastic creatures but I obviously have never timed it right as they always seem to be hidden away. Until yesterday that is, when for just a few minutes this family group was sat huddled together while a few others were playing around in the trees. 

It wasn't too long however before they scattered and disappeared from view. I'm so glad I got to see them and glad also to share thsi shot with you. 

It's A Hoot

I have always loved owls and these two specimens at Chester Zoo are quite stunning. I love the serene pose of the Ural Owl in the first image but my favourite of the two is the Northern Hawk Owl with its piercing gaze. While the Ural Owl sat serenely watching the world go by the Hawk Owl was always alert, keeping its eyes on me at all times.

Chilling with my homies

I went to Williamson Park to visit the butterfly house (more of that tomorrow) and I wasn't expecting to find a selection of small mammals as well. There were a number of rabbits and guinea pigs but by far the most fun creatures were the meerkats.

I think they are really cute and the only thing that would make these pictures better would be a soundtrack of meerkat chatter.