Ruffled Feathers

After a tough spell of fishing it was time for this Little Egret to attend to the feathers.

Fishing Trip

This Little Egret was having a successful fishing session at Alkborough Flats, catching several small flat fish in a few minutes.

Bearded Tit Bonanza

Have to say Wayne's new photography setup of Swarovski scope and Canon S120 is turning out to be pretty fantastic at least in my eyes.  The only trouble is that with the ability to shoot at 9frames a sec today he took over a thousand images which does take some sorting but for a camera costing £200 I don't think it can be beat.

Grey Wagtail bathtime

A nice juvenile…

Clifden Nonpareil

Just had to share this post - I have stolen it from my brothers blog, don't get excited Lincolnshire moth lovers he lives in Kent! http://theshadoxhurstgarden.blogspot.co.uk

The Clifden nonpariel is possibly the most beautiful moth I've seen in the UK. By luck and by Sian's initative (she put the Moth trap on) we managed to catch one on Saturday night in our garden moth trap. When we checked the trap at midnight, there was little indication of the surprise to come, as there was very little other Moths activity that night.  Once the Moth was found, there was little surprise to my local 'mothing' friends who believe, that despite its extreme rareness, Clifden nonpariel may be breeding in Orlestone Forest.

Seeing a Clifden nonpariel for the first time is as memorable as any other great first wildlife encounter, be it a stunning Peregrine falcon or a Stag Red Deer laden in antlers; they all share a magnificent presence. When you see this moth, you'll be impressed, firstly, by is its great size- nearly as big as the palm of your hand. Its wings are marbled beautifully, camouflaging cryptically against tree bark. Its patterning contrasts strikingly underneath with its silky white satin body and black and white boldly marked wing undersides. Its most memorable feature is still to come as its unique appearance is not fully revealed until the moth stretches its wings to reveal a striped black and azure blue underwing that beguiles every time you see it. 

Local moth experts believing it has started to recolonise Victorian breeding site at Orlestone Forest. It could be that this moth may have been a immigrant, as its appearance coincides with easterly winds and many rare birds arriving on the east coast.

It's so rare that I can't guarantee I'll ever see a second one, even with the aid of a moth trap.  Luckily my memory of the first one caught in the garden will never be forgotten. Our Moth was released back to Orlestone Forest at Moat farm.

Clifden nonpariel (Blue Underwing), Shadoxhurst September 25th 2014

Pictures taken with Moth settled on glass

Return visit to Spurn Point for Masked Shrike

Couldn’t resist another visit to Spurn Point to have another look at the Masked Shrike as well as the chance of seeing a selection of other migrants.

The changing light conditions and gusty wind made it a little difficult for digi-scoping the Masked Shrike but the bird performed well again.
Eventually this Barred Warbler gave itself up and showed well.

Pied Flycatcher
Red-breasted Flycatcher





And Spotted Flycatcher, rounding off a trio of flycatcher species seen.

Masked Shrike, Kilnsea, Spurn

Mostly seen at a distance but managed to be in the right place at the right time for these shots.

Also seen was this Redstart along with a fly over Honey Buzzard, several Wheatear, Whinchat and a Great Grey Shrike that for a short time was in the same bush as the Masked Shrike.

Close encounters with a Spoonbill!

Appeared in front of the hide at Alkborough this evening almost too close to fit in the view finder….

Feeding Spoonbill Alkborough Flats

Weekend review…

Another weekend at Alkborough with a new patchwork challenge tick – a Hawfinch, only second site record!
One of many Curlew!



Meadow Pipit large numbers currently arriving

One of two Redstarts at the weekend

Video of  Grey Heron devouring Eel at Alkborough, click link below

http://youtu.be/NFEvZwI74VA

Digi-videoing through Canon S120

Two videos here both taken at Alkborough under different conditions, firstly this Grey Heron was filmed late yesterday evening with only half an hour of day light left so result seems very good particularly when not compressed for the blog!

The second is of the Great White Egret on Saturday, result not so good but getting correct exposure from a white bird against white sky and contrasting background is difficult for any camera.

The beautiful Lincolnshire Landscape

Yes come to Alkborough for beautiful stunning scenery - power stations, the national grid and at least 60 wind turbines!