Red Kite surveillance
This Red Kite clearly knows I’m here. Its threat-awareness and predator-avoidance systems are working overtime. I suspect I’m a distraction from hunting for carrion or live food. Beautiful, aren’t they?
Warble, warble
I never realised that the inside of a Sedge Warbler’s mouth is so intensely red. What a glorious punch of colour in …
Greater Whitethroat
One of the most distinctive features of the Greater Whitethroat, or Common Whitethroat, or just Whitethroat, is, well, yes, its white throat, …
South of the Sahara to here
I’m in Oxfordshire, and a photograph of a Greater Whitethroat in deep pink cherry blossom is my aim. Especially if I can …
260,000 territories
There are 260,000 territories of Sedge Warblers in the UK. They manage to fly non-stop from sub-Saharan Africa to the exact spot …
Water droplets on a Great Crested Grebe
I love how waterproof all this Grebe’s preening has made its plumage. It has a headdress of raindrops.
Hobby talons
Hobby look like giant Swifts or tiny Kestrels as they cruise above Otmoor. There are five high on the thermals. A dragonfly …
Subbuteo
This Hobby, Falco subbuteo, has just arrived after migrating from Africa. It has caught a tiny fly in its talons and is …
Red Kite flying
The Red Kites over the garden here in Oxfordshire are a constant delight. The light hit this one and illuminated its name …
Incoming Whimbrel
At first I think there’s a Curlew flying into view. As I watch it approaching it looks smaller, more delicate, somehow. When …
Talons bared
The smaller male Marsh Harrier is chasing the larger female, which is calling loudly. The female turns upside-down in the air and …
Marsh Harrier courtship dance
The church of St Mary the Virgin in Charlton-on-Otmoor, features a tall tower that acts as a beacon in the landscape. In …
Eye contact with a Marsh Harrier
This looks like an adult female Marsh Harrier. With Marsh Harriers, however, you can never be quite sure. Some adult males have …
Blue Tits
Blue Tits in blossom are a constant delight at this time of year. They may appear decorative, but the trees hide a …
Marsh Harrier overhead
I love a close Marsh Harrier. Here at RSPB Otmoor they are busy, but distant, and a pleasant hour or so in …
The beauty of a Whimbrel
This light at RSPB Otmoor is wonderful. It’s improved by a beautiful Whimbrel flying past.
Huge Heron chicks
I’ve enjoyed going to RSPB Otmoor to see the Grey Herons in the past few years.
Bright light – harsh light
Bright light for bird photography is a wonderful thing. Harsh light is terrible. Deep shadows, blown highlights, and excessive contrast are all …
The Nettle-Creeper
Last year, when I was in Oxfordshire, chicken-sitting for my friends, a Greater Whitethroat was in the garden scratching its beautiful/ugly song …
Tinkling Goldfinch
I’m surrounded by Teasel. It’s the ideal perch for Goldfinches and I’m ready to take their photograph any time they decide to …
Dunnock
This Dunnock was singing beautifully on top of the bursting Hawthorn this morning. What a joy to be up early in glorious …
Red Kite clutching
The Red Kites over my friends’ garden here in Oxfordshire all appear to be clutching something. There’s usually a feather or a …
Song Thrush
I’ve just spent an hour trying to get a good photograph of a Song Thrush and failing miserably. It was deep in …
Red Kite, mobbed
I’m in the garden in Oxfordshire while on chicken-sitting duties for my friends My local Red Kite here has half of its …
Blue Tit in blossom
The planting in Foxburrow Wood in Oxfordshire is relatively new. It started in 2010 and ended in 2014. It’s 20 acres and …
Linnet / Ninnet
There’s a pair of birds twittering overhead. I can hear one say “Ninnet”. It must be a Linnet. Their song has far …
Buzzard over the garden
I’m currently chicken-sitting for my friends in Oxfordshire and enjoying an egg or two. Their enclosure is larger than my garden and …
Chicken-sitting
I’m currently back chicken-sitting for my friends in Oxfordshire. Last time I was here there were eleven chickens. This time there are …
The moment before it slapped me
There’s a younger Dalmatian Pelican on the prow of our small boat. I’m in prime position to photograph it. It’s beautiful light, …
Pelican comedy breakfast
The early light is hitting the mountains on the other side of Lake Kerkini and bathing them in a warm orange glow. …