Thirsty Bird

Tamron 150 - 600 mm f/5 - 6.3

ISO 500    600mm   f/6.3    1/200 sec

This solitary Carrion Crow looks very regal standing proud on the path through the woods. He had been watching me from a perch high up in a tree but as I passed beneath him he flew down to take a drink. I approached cautiously not wanting to scare him away and was pleased that he didn't feel threatened by me and allowed me to get fairly close.

Doesn't he look smart with his little white bib? Also look closely at those beautiful feathers across his shoulders.

Small and Chunky

According to the RSPB pocket guide to birds of Britain and Europe "Small and chunky" are the words used to describe the Stonechat, seen here perched at the top of a Hawthorn bush on the open heath land of the New Forest.

This is a male as you can tell from his black head and throat, his white neck and his rust red chest. 

This perch is typical for the species that like to sit high up on bushes  surveying the land round about and calling out Tsak, tsak-tsak before flying off in search of spiders and insects to feast on.

He really is quite a handsome bird and it was great to spot him while out walking with my son.

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.

Fill your boots

This male Chaffinch was certainly filling his boots at the bird feeding station in Royden Parks' walled garden. He didn't actually stop for very long and so getting these shots was very satisfying. I love the striking colours on this beautiful bird, from the blue grey on its head and beak to the pinks in his cheeks and his brown back and then the bold pattern on his wings.

He really is a beautiful little bird.