Boys and Girls

 These little cuties are Reed Buntings, the first is a male and I know its not that great of a shot but I have included it just to show the comparison between the male and female in terms of their plumage. He was moving about so quickly among the reeds it was really very hard to get a clear shot. 

The female on the other hand was a little closer but hopping around in the grass and shrubs and blending in so well so she was also quite difficult to photograph, although I think they're not too bad.

Hoppers

 

A few more macro images from my walk on the heath in the New Forest.

It was a hot, sunny day and the air was filled with the buzzing sound of bees gathering nectar or pollen from the heather and gorse so I paused from time to time to try and capture some images of the industrious bees. But while I was trying to follow the bees at work I was also drawn to the sound of the grasshoppers all around. 

It was quite frustrating trying to spot them though, they were pretty small, and with their clever colouring I found it almost impossible to spot them, in fact I needed the assistance of my son who was on the trip with me.

If you zoom in you will see that they have really interesting eyes, you can also see the incredibly powerful legs they use to get out of the way of predators. I think they are pretty cool.

Little Birdies

 A little break from flowers for today (and maybe for tomorrow too) 

On May 1st I made the most of the sunny weather and visited Sizergh castle in Cumbria. The castle itself was closed to visitors but the gardens were open and I spent a few very pleasant hours there.

For a little while I sat in a quiet spot watching birds feeding, I had thought I had taken a lot more pictures of birds than I actually did so here are a few of the better ones.

First off we have a nuthatch. There were a few of them that were feeding on some seeds that had been scattered on the ground. They would fly in grab a beak full and then just as quickly fly off. This one took to perching in the tree waiting for its turn.

The Robin perched on the willow arch and then searched among the wood chippings for some tasty treats.

Snow Bunting

It has been a dull old day and so I didn't think I would get chance to get out with my camera, but then shortly before sunset there was a brief sunny spell so I grabbed my camera and headed down to the beach in the hope of getting a few shots to start the year as I mean to go on.

I had seen a small flock of Snow Buntings at Red Rocks a few days ago so I was hopeful there would be some on the shore. 

The tide was on its way out and so the newly exposed sand offered fresh feeding opportunities and there was a small group of about 8 birds searching for sandhoppers. They are very skittish and were easily spooked by the many dogs and dog walkers out making the most of the late afternoon sun so I had to be patient as they flew up and down the beach.

These are truly beautiful little birds, used to living in harsh conditions so well suited to the exposed beach and salt marsh around the local coastline. 

Little Beauties

First impressions can be deceiving, in the poor light and from a distance I initially believed the bird in the first picture to be a robin but as I got closer I realised that it was in fact a female Stonechat. She didn't sit around for long so I was pleased to be able to get this shot , it is not the sharpest image but it is a really cute pose.

Nearby was the more brightly coloured male, perhaps they were a breeding pair who can say, they did fly off together...

These lovely birds were spotted at Lunt Meadows nature reserve, it was my first visit there and although it was very dull and grey it was still a worthwhile visit and no doubt I will be back.