I'll Be Back!!

Went up to Fowlmere to try and photograph the ring-tail Hen Harrier that has been coming into roost every evening since the 23rd January 2013. Very overcast so not an ideal day, but the purpose of the visit was more for a recce eg what time did the bird arrive, what did it do, where did it go and where was the best place to view it from.

It flew in at about 5pm by which time, with a combination of dusk and a dull evening was EXTREMELY poor light and I had to wind the ISO up to 5000 to stand any chance. The bird flew around for a few minutes, a couple of times coming reasonably close, but the poor light made focussing very difficult. Anyway, I did get a couple or record shots, and I will be back on a clearer evening for another attempt.

Ashley Goosanders

Goosanders are regular winter visitors to the Lea Valley, particularly the area around the Nazeing and Cheshunt gravel pits. They are occasionally seen at the north end of the valley around Amwell and Rye Meads, but mostly just flying through. I therefore set off on my annual pilgrimage to see them and hopefully photograph them at Cheshunt.

I parked in the Turnford Brook car park, walked over the railway bridge and turned left to walk north up the western edge of the park. Eventually I came to the Ashley Fishery, previously pre-gravel extraction days known as Turnford Marsh. I followed the footpath around the eastern edge of the lake as this is more wooded and allows a more stealthy approach.

There were seven Goosanders present, four males and three females and, although in fairly loose formation, were mainly towards the northern end of the lake. I edged my way along the footpath and although fairly hidden from the birds, I was unable to get any shots through the branches of the trees. Fortunately there were some clearing with fishing stages which allowed uninterrupted views.

In previous years the birds were fairly settled and, whilst keeping a wary eye on you, were not disturbed by your presence. This year, however, a couple of the males were far more jumpy.

The Subtle Jumbo Jet

Some birds we just take for granted, either because they are common or dull. The birds that we lavish our attention on are either rare like the Bittern or stunningly colourful like the Kingfisher. But sadly other birds are largely ignored, unless of course you take time out to examine them in more detail. One such example is that jumbo jet, the Wood Pigeon. These large birds are numerous, are shot in large numbers and cursed in many gardens for eating all the bird food, but if you ever get a chance, have a closer look.

The colouring of the Wood Pigeon is a master class in blending pastel colours from the silver grey on the mantle to the blue-grey head, which sandwich the white, green and pink mauve of the neck. Not to mention the red feet. Notice that when they drink the whole bill is submerged right up to the cere.

Focus on the Grey Squirrel

It soon became apparent that both Robins and Grey Squirrels were regular visitors to the pile of logs in front of the Wren Hide, looking for an easy meal. There were always 3-4 Grey Squirrels around and would frequently leave the ground and hop on to the pile of logs. Here they were so close that it was only possible to get head and shoulder shots. I know that Grey Squirrels are responsible for the disappearance of the Red Squirrel over most of England and prey on young birds during the breeding season, but I still find them rather endearing and very photogenic.

Study of a Robin

I visited the Wren Hide at Fishers Green with the hope of photographing a Muntjac. However, as I arrived and opened the flap the Muntjac was just disappearing round the corner. Anyway I settled down just in case it went on a circuit  and would return later. Right in front of the hide there is a pile of logs on which someone had obviously spread some fat, because before long a Robin appeared and started to extract the fat from the crevices in the bark and pose for some photos.

Preparing for the Breeding Season

All birds are now starting to acquire their breeding plumage and ducks in particular are looking resplendent. Just look at this Tufted Duck at Fishers Green.

But lets not be complacent. Looking your best takes a lot of exercising, particularly neck-stretching.......

                            ..........smoothing the feathers on your back..........

                            ..............and a touch of gel.....................

Bitterns are like Buses Too!!

Following my success at photographing Bitterns at Amwell I tried my luck at Fishers Green, again hoping for a close-up. However, unlike previous visits, I walked in to the hide and there was a Bittern just 15 yards away. Well, at least you could see its bill, eye and black cap and its amazing camouflage in the reeds.

It sat there motionless for half an hour and then eventually decided to emerge from the reeds and walk up the narrow ride to the waters edge, never to be seen again.