FABirding

Daytime Snooze.

2012-01-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

A Fallow Deer buck taking a midday snooze in Richmond Park. FAB.

Brown Hairstreak.

2011-07-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

During a brief afternoon visit to Bookham Common I was fortunate to add another species to this years list ... a Brown Hairstreak ( Thecla betulae).
Although this individual didn't open its wings I'm guessing that it was a female feeding inbetween egg-laying. Click here for more images of this species. FAB.

Fallow Buck.

2011-07-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

A young Fallow Buck showing of his new velvet. You will be able to view some more images on my main blog in a few days time. FAB.

Fluffy Bundle.

2011-07-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

One of a number of fluffy visitors to the garden today.

For more images of the Long-tailed Tit please visit my main blog post. FAB.

Speckled Wood and a Fly.

2011-07-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

A Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) is being watched by a Fly! FAB.

Please check out this link for more of our Winged Friends hosted by NatureFootstep.

White Admiral.

2011-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

White Admiral (Limentis camilla), a species that graces sunlit woodland glades. FAB.

Please check out this link for more of our Winged Friends hosted by NatureFootstep.

For more Critters of all kinds visit our friend Misty at Camera Critters.

Large Skipper

2011-06-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

A female Large Skipper (Ochlodes venata) captured using the Canon Powershot S95. FAB.

Silver-washed Fritillary.

2011-06-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

Photo taken during a very recent visit to my favorite woodland glade within Hill House Wood at Bookham Common. For more images please check out this link to my main blog. FAB.

Resting Chaser.

2011-06-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

After the long journey home from a very wet and windy Cumbria I am resting just like this female Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) that conveniently placed herself in front of the lens during a short walk around a local woodland glade today without the need for any waterproof clothing! FAB.

[ 1/200; f/10; ISO 400 @ 300mm and cropped]

Bird Food?

2011-06-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

You never know what might find lurking at ground level .......

... including this Cranefly, otherwise know as Daddy-long-legs, which could easily become someones quick snack if it sits here for too long.

This pair were doing what comes naturally amongst the lush green grasses.

All these shots were taken with the compact Canon Powershot S95.

N.B. This is a scheduled post and I will respond to comments when we return from Cumbria. FAB.

Adulthood in two years.

2011-06-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Just one of the numerous recently fledged Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) that is starting out on its two year quest to reach maturity.

The juvenile plumage initially develops with the head and upper parts becoming more ginger-brown. Its first moult (post-juvenile moult) usually starts after the bird first flies [check out this link] when just the head and body feathers will be renewed.

This is a 1st winter bird still showing the retention of some of its juvenile feathers including the dark tail but with the distinctive black tipped yellow bill. Through its first summer it will hold onto some of the faded juvenile plumage but may acquire a partial dark hood, often heavily spotted white, plus the legs and bill base will change to a more orange-red.

Above is an adult in its winter plumage sporting the bold dark ear spot and black tipped red bill. Its spring moult is also a partial moult when only the head and body feathers are renewed.

At the end of the its two year moult cycle this years juvenile (image 1) will look much the same as its adult parent showing that distinctive dark chocolate-brown cap plus the red bill and legs. FAB.

Great Crested Grebe.

2011-05-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) showing off its adult breeding plumage. FAB.
[ISO 320; 1/400; f/13 @ 300mm and cropped]

Common Tern.

2011-05-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

A bit of pointing skywards for this weeks WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY entry.

During a recent visit to Stodmarsh, Kent I failed miserably at getting any decent flight shots of a Hobby or a Marsh Harrier but an overflying Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) just managed to get into the frame.

You have to marvel at the distances this species travels from West and South Africa just to find a lake with a floating raft here in the UK so it can breed before its return ticket southwards expires in October. FAB.

Banded Demoiselle.

2011-05-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

Another sign of Spring is the emergence of the Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens). The metallic sheen of the blue-green body and the formation of its distinctive blue-black wing band glistened as this male soaked up the filtered sunshine. Taken during a visit to Stodmarsh, Kent today. FAB.

Flying Godwit.

2011-04-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) captured from below as it noisily displayed over a coastal pool last week. In the winter they are just a drab plain grey but as the breeding season progresses the adults aquire a rich rusty orange-red to the head, neck and upper breast with the barred flanks. The black tail band is far more distinctive in flight than when they are feeding or sleeping on the ground plus the much long legs than the Bar-tailed version projecting beyond the tail .... all good visual aids when you are trying to compare the two species we regularly see in the UK. FAB.

[ f/6.3; 1/2000; ISO 320 @ 300mm and cropped]

Absolute Concentration.

2011-04-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

A little bit of treading softly, softly (otherwise known as FAB in stealth mode) enabled the watcher to creep up on a Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) earlier this week probably helped by the fact that it was totally immersed in hunting for its dinner. FAB.

Shoveler and Tufted Up Close.

2011-04-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Male Shoveler (Anas clypeata).

[ F/18; 1/80; ISO 400 @ 95mm ]

Female Tufted (Anthya fuligula).

[ F/13; 1/200; ISO 400 @ 190mm ]

Common Snipe.

2011-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) photographed at Barnes WWT in January.

For more images and information on this species please check out the post entitled 'Cryptic Plumage' for World Bird Wednesday on my main blog. [F10; 1/125; ISO 800 @ 300mm and cropped] FAB.

Mossy Mouthful.

2011-03-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) bringing more bedding material to the nest box. For more nesting updates please check out the recent posts on my main blog. FAB.

Ducks in Breeding Plumage.

2011-03-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Many of our resident and over-wintering migrant ducks are now sporting their full breeding plumages.

Northern Pintail (Anus acuta)

I intend to share a series on this elegant species on my main blog very soon.

Pochard (Common) (Aythya ferina)

Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)

For more images of this species click this link to my main blog.

Northern Shoveler (Anus clypeata)

All photographed within Surrey in the last few weeks ..... FAB.

Listening.

2011-03-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

A study in concentration as this Red Deer doe pricked her ears to monitor any possible danger. FAB.

Branta bernicla.

2011-02-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

Dark-bellied Brent Geese - Farlington Marshes - 24 Feb 2011.

Far Eastern Exotic.

2011-02-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

The colourful and exotic male Mandarin (Aix galericlata). [ISO 800; F/9; 1/250 @ 300mm].

A species that breeds in East Asia and was initially introduced into the UK in the 18th century with the first feral breeding probably occurring in the 1930's but also found in a number of other European countries. It prefers ponds, lakes and rivers with fairly dense overhanging vegetation and can often be seen perched high in trees nearby.

His partner is much drabber in colour but still very distinctive with the 'spectacle' eye stripe ( not unlike their cousin, the American Wood Duck). [ISO 800; F/7.1; 1/400 @ 300mm].

For a previous post on this species on my main blog check this link ..... Magnificent Mandarin.
I am hoping that at least one pair will return to a pond on my local patch and successfully rear another brood this year although predation of the young tends to be rather high. FAB.

Please click here for more WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY images hosted by Springman.

Pintail Portrait.

2011-02-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

(Northern) Pintail (Anus acuta).

Splash n Dash.

2011-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

A male Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) in a racing hurry across the water. Taken during a photo session at a local pond today. ISO 400; F8: 1/1000; @ 140mm and cropped. FAB.

For more WATERY WEDNESDAY images, please follow this link.

Play Fighting.

2011-01-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

Two young Red Deer bucks enjoying a bit of friendly play fighting. Taken during a recent visit to Richmond Park. FAB.

Green Interloper.

2011-01-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is now a regular visitor to our garden. FAB.

Double Trouble.

2011-01-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Coot (Fulica atra) in a reflective pose for once! FAB.

Looking in the mirror.

2010-12-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

So who's a pretty boy!

A Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) testing the quality of the ice as a mirror.

Preening Dunlin

2010-11-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

Dunlin (Calidris alpina) in its drabber winter plumage captured preening during a recent trip to the north Norfolk coast. Taken with 70-300 lens at 300mm; F11: 1/320; ISO 400. FAB

Common Darter.

2010-10-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) sunning itself on a wooden bridge. FAB.
Shot using 70 - 300 lens @ 300mm; f10: 1/250.

The Evil Eye.

2010-10-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) giving the 'watcher' the evil eye!

Sideways Glance

2010-09-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

A Fallow Buck keeping a wary eye on the 'watcher'. FAB.

Dabchick.

2010-09-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) also known as the 'Dabchick'. Our smallest grebe with a very dumpy body, short neck, a tiny straight bill and in breeding plumage the yellow gape spot is usually visible at some distance. In all plumages they ususally display a distinctive 'powder-puff' rear end but this adult decided to show me more than I bargained for! FAB.

Taken at Barnes WWT - ISO 200; F/10; 1/400 @ 260mm and cropped.

Peek-a-Boo!

2010-09-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

A Fallow Deer keeping a beady eye open for intruders whilst trying to remain inconspicuous amongst the lush fern foliage. I will post some more images of my recent encounters with a number of Fallow Deer on my Early Birder blog in the next few days. FAB.

Study in Concentration.

2010-09-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). The ultimate patient fisherman. FAB.

Common Darter.

2010-09-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) taken with 70-300mm lens, F/10; 1/400 and cropped. FAB

Meadow Brown.

2010-08-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) is probably the most common and widespread of our butterflies with the largest populations frequenting the chalk downlands of southern England but found in a wide range of habitats. A single brood flies from late May up until October. One of a few flutters that can be seen on overcast days but it does of course prefer the warmth of the sun that shone today. Females, like the one above, have more orange on the upper fore wing than the drab males but the amount of colour is very variable with races in the north and west being brighter and with bolder eye-spots.

Captured with 70-300 lens @ 300mm; ISO 200; F/8; 1/500; Exp Comp -0.67 and cropped. FAB.

Keeled Skimmer.

2010-08-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens) a small darter-like dragonfly which prefers acidic, boggy locations such as Thursley Common. FAB.

Large Skipper.

2010-08-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Large Skipper (Ochlodes venata) is our most widespread 'orange' skipper and the males are easily identified when at rest by the conspicuous dark sex band on the forewing.

Single-brooded, they first appear in late May or early June, reach peak numbers in mid-July and virtually disappear by the end of August.

Above for comparison purposes is a Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) often seen in the company of the Large Skipper but the basic differences are that on the male the sex bands are slightly curved and more obvious is the much thinner dark edges to the wings. FAB.

Holly Blue.

2010-07-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

A Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) captured above the ground at long last using the 17-85 lens [F/10: 1/250: 83mm and cropped] during a brief local patch walk earlier this week just as it was starting to drizzle with rain but not enough to unsettle this flutter. FAB.

Just a Fly.

2010-07-27T15:33:00.000-07:00

A fly visiting one of the lily flowers. Taken with a 17-85 lens; F/7.1: 1/160: 85mm and cropped. FAB.

Silent Sparrow.

2010-07-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

A young House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) staying silent while perched in the hawthorn.
Image captured yesterday in the garden. F5.6: 1/250 at 220mm......FAB.

The Gatekeeper.

2010-07-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

The Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) also known as the Hedge Brown is in my book one of the most attractive little flutters that can be seen dancing unhurriedly along sunlit lanes and hedgerows edged with Brambles and long grasses. Adult males are very distinctive with their much darker colouring and the strong sex bands on the forewings. Likes to feed on Ragworts and visits other flowers with an open nectar source later in the summer. Usually appear in late June as a single brood flying until late August but sometimes into early September. Captured at F13; 1/100; ISO 800 using 70-300 lens at 300mm. FAB.

Brimstone.

2010-07-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

A Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) feeding on a thistle, its favourite wild flower. FAB.

Preening Egret.

2010-07-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

Something from the archives as I haven't done any coastal birding recently.

Little Egret ( Egretta garzetta) digiscoped at Cley Marshes in Nov 2008 using my pocket Samsung S1030 (which died recently...probably through misuse and will apparently cost more to repair than it is worth!) and Swarovski 80HD.....FAB.

A resting Chaser.

2010-07-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata).

This resting individual was seen at Thursley Common on 1st July. Shot at F/9; 1/250; 250mm...FAB.

Silver-washed Fritillary.

2010-06-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

A male Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) in Hill House Wood on Bookham Common today.

The male feeding on a Bramble, its favourite nectar supply, is distinguished by the four bold sex bands along the veins of the forewing. A single brood flies from mid-June to early September. Peak numbers usually appear towards the end of July. Males patrol large areas and are far more conspicuous, swooping, gliding and twisting in the sunlight in pursuit of the females who tend to flutter at low level in more shady areas.

For more information on how this female suffered damage to its antenna and loss of its abdomen please go to the post on my Early Birder blog....FAB.

Synchronised Feeding.

2010-06-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

Two young Mallard practising their feeding method together......marks 8.5. FAB

Black-tailed Skimmer.

2010-06-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) a fast, low flying and highly active species seen perching on open bare ground or muddy banks, stones, dead trees and roads. Both the female (yellow) and the male were located in an open grassy glade resting from their frantic flying escapades.

I may be off line for a while but I will catch up with any readers in the not too distant future.....FAB.

Northern Wheatear.

2010-05-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

An unexpected find during a very recent visit to Thursley Common was this female Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) happily perched on a pile of logs. FAB.

Sitting on the fence!

2010-05-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

I guess Mrs Mallard just didn't know which way to go! FAB.

Getting bigger by the day.

2010-05-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

Five days on and the goslings are slowly putting on more weight. FAB.

New Beginnings.

2010-05-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Young Canada goslings getting a good start in life. For more images see my 'Early Birder' blog. FAB.

Feeding the Youngsters.

2010-05-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Activity at the Blue Tit nest box is now a full time occupation for the two adults. For more images please check out my 'Early Birder' blog. FAB.

Ruffled Redshank.

2010-05-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Redshank (Tringa totanus) taken during a very cold and windy visit to Rye Harbour on 11th May. FAB.

Green on Green.

2010-05-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), now a regular garden visitor, perches in the hawthorn. FAB.

Speckled Wood.

2010-04-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

As I don't own a macro lens this was shot using the EF70-300 set at 170m. FAB.

Splashing About.

2010-04-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Mallard enjoying a 'wash and splash'! FAB.

Cormorant.

2010-04-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Taken at Barnes WWT on 4th April 2010. Shot at F/10, 1/400, 300m and cropped. FAB.

Grey Heron.

2010-04-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

Taken during a stroll in a local park. I will share some more images on my main blog very soon. FAB.

Preening Mallard.

2010-04-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Have a great Easter Weekend everyone........FAB.

Amphibian Activity.

2010-03-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

During a stroll around Bookham Common last week I came across some amphibian activity in one corner of the pond.

Initially I thought they were all Common Frogs (Rana temperaria) which have a pointed snout, brown patch behind the eye and a light coloured lateral fold like on this individual (below) that was resting at the waters edge.

But closer inspection showed that the majority were Common Toads (Bufo bufo) that have a very warty skin, the pupils are horizontally split behind which you can see the distinctive bulges called parotiod glands.

When I stood still eyes popped up everywhere, but any slight movement and they all quickly disappeared!

One or two were just floating on the surface.

When I returned today there was no sign of any of these creatures. FAB.

The Nest Builder.

2010-03-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

Activity captured during the last two days of nest construction in the garden. FAB

Red-crested Pochard. (Netta rufina)

2010-03-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Taken on 3rd March at Penn Pond in Richmond Park. For more pics check out my main blog. FAB.

Humid and Exotic.

2010-03-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

On a recent visit to RHS Wisley various exotic butterflies were still enthralling the visitors to the tropical zone inside the Bi-Centenary Glasshouse. It was very humid and I had to be very patient while the camera and lens adapted to this alien environment.

Owl (Caligo memnom).

Tree Nymph (Idea leuconoe).

I will post some more images on my Early Birder blog in due course. FAB.

Brent Goose

2010-02-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

A very confiding Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla bernicla) taking a rest from feeding. Taken during a recent visit to Farlington Marshes where thousands overwinter on the estuary grazing marshes. FAB.

Female Blackcap

2010-02-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

Birds are much more more tolerant of inclement weather than us mere humans! The pair of Blackcaps continue to visit our feeders so here are two recent shots of Mrs. Blackcap.

Both shots were taken 'through the window'. FAB

Accipitor pays us a visit.

2010-02-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

A male Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) paid a rare visit to the garden yesterday and in view of the inclement weather I had to shoot through the double glazed window while trying to control my excitement. I will be posting some more pictures on my Early Birder blog very soon. FAB.

Day Dreaming.

2010-02-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

From my December outing I found a few unposted shots of Red Deer. So here is one of the bigger boys... 'Remembering what has been or perhaps dreaming of what is to come'. FAB

Eyes Left.

2010-02-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

Female Tufted Duck gave me the eye during a stroll alongside the River Thames today. For a few more images click here. FAB.

Inquisitive Looks.

2010-01-23T03:13:00.000-08:00

This Robin is a regular daily visitor and I never get bored watching its facial expressions when it comes close to the window. Shot through several layers of glass during the January cold snap. FAB

Silent Swan.

2010-01-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Drifting slowly and silently on very still waters. FAB.

Goosander (Mergus merganser)

2010-01-14T16:34:00.000-08:00

Goosander finally captured during a damp wet walk alongside the River Mole. FAB

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

2010-01-08T04:01:00.000-08:00

An unexpected garden visitor yesterday was this male Blackcap. It's been about 12 months since the previous visit...could it be the same individual? FAB.

Red Deer.

2010-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

During a late December visit to Richmond Park I was fortunate to be able to get reasonably close to a small group of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) stags who were not disturbed by the 'watchers' presence.

This individual was not the oldest in this pack as he only has 8 tines.

Finally, he gave me a sign to say 'that's enough'!

Not Dancing on Ice.

2009-12-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

During a recent local park visit there was very little unfrozen water so the hardy wildlife was to be found walking on the water. So a few shots of Mrs Mallard showing me her dainty steps across the rink.

For more pictures of 'Ice Walkers' check out my "Early Birder" blog.

Christmas Greetings from him and me.

2009-12-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

With just a few days to go I would like to wish all the 'followers' of my new FABirding photo-blog and all other passers-by a very Happy Christmas and a wildlife full 2010.

Special thanks to a friend and talented artist Kelly for producing this delightful watercolour of Robin Readbreast from my original photo....you are a 'star'. FAB

Its Snowing!

2009-12-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

The forecated snow arrived during a walk in Richmond Park today but these fellows were totally unfazed by the change in conditions or the attention of a 'watcher'.

More images have been posted on my Early Birder blog soon. FAB

Dribbling Swan.

2009-12-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

For more images of this individual please visit my "Early Birder" blog.

Deep in thought?

2009-12-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Black-headed Gull

Sweet Face?

2009-12-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

One of the many 'sweet' faced Fallow Deer seen during my recent trip to Norfolk.

Curlew in flight.

2009-12-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Curlew (Numenius arquata) captured in poor light at Stiffkey Marsh on 20 November 2009.

F/7.1 1/500 225mm (Original cropped)

SkyWatch - The Evening Flight.

2009-12-03T15:42:00.000-08:00

The majic of 'The Evening Flight' of thousands of Pink-footed Geese in North Norfolk.

For more fabulous Skywatch Friday images please click the link here or in the sidebar. FAB.

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

2009-11-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

I was very fortunate to get a brief chance to capture some shots of these two Snow Buntings as they flitted along the beach at Horsey Gap right beneath the dune embankment. It was a chance sighting by a friend (thanks Keith) as we were watching Grey Seals hauled out on the beach so I rushed ahead of their flight direction and waited using the 70-300m at full stretch.

Horsey Gap - 18.11.09

Grey Seals at Horsey Gap

2009-11-25T04:30:00.000-08:00

Access to the beach at Horsey Gap is restricted from November to January as this is an important breeding area for Grey Seals with pups being born from December through to January. I took these shots from the high natural sandy dune embankment whilst trying to keep still in the constant high winds.

Horsey Gap - 18.11.09

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

2009-11-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

Salthouse Beach, Norfolk - 17.11.09

Test 1

2009-05-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is a test post to check html settings that have been changed. I have widened the Outer Wrapper to 950px, Main Wrapper to 700px and the Footer to 950px but kept sidebar at 220px and retaining a margin of 30px.