Something Creepy

 Isn't this little chap adorable? 

This is one of my favourite woodland species, a Treecreeper. Although they are quite widespread (214,000 pairs in the UK) they are really difficult to spot. They are very small, and they are constantly on the move as they almost scurry up and down tree trunks and along branches in search of food. They cling tight to the bark, often using their tails to give additional support, their brown plumage is perfect camouflage and that curved beak is just right for probing the cracks in the bark for the insects that make up its diet.

When I spotted this one I was also pleased to see a second treecreeper further up on a neighbouring tree which is unusual as they are normally solitary birds; although as we are at the start of spring it is possible this was a breeding pair out foraging together. Anyway whatever their story I think this is a little woodland gem and I am definitely very pleased to have captured these images which I can share with you.

A Rarity

 

I spent a couple of hours at Burton Mere RSPB reserve today and I was thrilled to get my first ever sighting of an incredibly rare bird. In 1997 there were just 11 male birds in the UK and the species was on the verge of extinction but due to significant conservation efforts they are back from the brink; last year 198 male birds were recorded across 89 sites in the UK. Despite the growing numbers they are still very rare and understandably news of its sighting at Burton Mere had drawn something of a crowd. 

I really struggled to see it and needed a fellow photographer to point me in the right direction. Looking at the top image can you see what it is? Can you even see it?

To make things easier I have cropped the image, so take a closer look below...

Even cropped it is hard to spot the beautifully camouflaged Bittern. I know its not the best shot but it really was a long way off and it it is so well hidden it was the best I could do and I have to say I was totally chuffed to see such a rare bird, for the very first time.

Camouflage

Ok so I know grasshoppers are not the most attractive creatures but they are pretty incredible, especially up close. They also have really effective camouflage. 

Take the first image, this chat was sat on some pebbles, basking in the sun. I imagine it was able to absorb a lot of heat because the stones it was on were quite hot but it is the camouflage that is most impressive. I don't know whether this is its normal colouring or whether it possesses some chameleon like colour change bio-technology.

I prefer the colours of the second hopper as it is a little easier for me to see. What I like about this second image however is the detail. Sadly because converting the image for the blog affects the resolution it isn't as sharp but it is still pretty good.

Hidden Beauty

Ok, so there is nothing hidden about the beauty in the first shot, it is quite simply a stunningly beautiful butterfly and he is putting it all out proudly on display.

In the second image however the butterfly is of a much different kind, preferring to hide its light so to speak. Yesterday's image of the Chameleon was all about body language and camouflage and so it seemed right to show two different, contrasting creatures today with the bold colours to attract attention for one and the full on camouflage for the other.

There is so much to love about the world we live in.

Body Language

Apparently Chameleons can change colour according to their mood as well as for the purpose of camouflage, and also it is thought to attract a mate. Unfortunately I am unable to determine what mood this little fella is in, is he happy, sad or indifferent?

We all know that we can communicate through body language, sometimes it is intentional and easily understood, other times it is extremely subtle and hard to read and sometimes it is completely subconscious and often it is misunderstood. Sometimes we can even mislead people by controlling our body language to confuse or mislead people. Oh what complex beings we are!

Painted Lady

When you saw the title for today's post did you expect to see pictures of butterflies? 

Well although the pictures don't show butterflies I hope you are not disappointed by these shots of African Painted Dogs.

You can see from the picture above and from the two below that the name is well deserved

Cute and cuddly they're not but they are quite stunning creatures. They are also known as the Cape Hunting Dog but I think Painted Dog suits them better. They are an endangered species with less than 5,500 still in the wild. This is why the conservation breeding program at places like Chester Zoo is so important

Meet Athena

I have had an extra special visitor in my home overnight, not everyone was as excited as me to welcome Athena the 3 year old Boa constrictor but she is such a beauty and I enjoyed making friends with her albeit very briefly.

I took a number of shots last night but the lighting was really not good enough and although one or two images were not too bad I was keen to get some better pictures to share, so just after lunch we went out into the sunshine and as Athena warmed up her beautiful colours came to life. 

She proved quite an attraction as passers-by stopped to observe and say hello and Athena patiently took all this in her stride (if you can say that about a snake, perhaps "in her slide" would be better).

In the first of today's images you can see the range of exquisite colours, from the shades of brown and black that you might expect to the salmon, pink and shimmering blue that are probably more of a surprise. 

Although she is young and quite slender Athena is all muscle and very strong and you can feel this as she moves with such precision and control and as she holds her head forward to survey her surroundings.

In the second image you can see clearly her eye and the way the pattern on the side of her head continues into her eye completing the effective camouflage. You can also see her "moustache" which is a nice feature.

The final shot today took some patience. I was really keen to get a shot of her deep blue tongue but as she was almost constantly moving getting the focus right and hitting the shutter at just the right time. I think with this one I got it spot on.

Spot The Difference

Not long after my visit to the zoo I did some food shopping and saw a woman at the checkout who was wearing a fur coat/jacket and whether it was real or faux fur I couldn't say but looking at it I felt sad, it didn't look right, it did nothing fr the person wearing it and it would have been much better on the cat. I love the patterns in fur and so I decided to post this crop of one of my shots from the zoo. 

Can you guess which big cat this beautiful coat belongs to.

If someone guesses correctly (and I hope people will have a go) I will post a really great shot of the cat in question tomorrow.

Beach Life

I started off today's blog thinking about how well camouflaged the shells in the first picture are, how well they blend with the colour of the rock. I also thought what good protection these shells have provided for the inhabitants as you can see they are chipped and worn but the creatures inside were clearly alive and clinging onto the rock for dear life.

Then I have ended the selection with the bright yellow shell in the final picture. This one was empty and its' occupant had left it behind or perhaps even been eaten by some predator or other, I love the colour and on a beach where everything else seemed to be shades of grey it really stood out. I wonder what purpose this bright colour has.

Where's Wally

These three pictures were taken yesterday at the RSPB reserve at Burton Mere where I met some helpful and enthusiastic wardens. It was a very windy morning and the reserve was busy with visitors come to see the Long Eared Owl which has recently taken up residence.

The first of today's pictures shows a pair of Canada Geese which very noisily took to the air near me, I was lucky enough top get this shot as they flew past.

Picture two is of the owl, its the full shot as taken in camera and although you can just make out the owl you can also see how effective its camouflage is.  The third image is a crop taken from the main image and is slightly enhanced.  It was a little difficult to focus but it is possible to see the beautiful owl asleep in the morning sun. There were a number of serious twitchers absorbed with watching the owl and a number of other photographers with some serious gear, I experienced just a little "lens envy".

The final image is of a Robin (yes I have shared a few recently but they are such lovely little birds and always willing to pose) and a very fine specimen too.