One Good Tern...

Cringe! Trying to catch up, these were taken a week ago. Now pay attention and make notes, I'll be asking questions later! Not really, but later blogs will allow to compare growth rate I hope. We mark able! The local roach population must be beginning to suffer!

Just to get this out of the way, I'd mentioned Hilda Ogden's flying ducks in an ealier
post and shiver me timbers nearly got these three mallards in the right pose
over Preston Docks! Nearly!

The main family – he's such a good fisherman

Feeding junior

'sleek' or wot?

Doesn't matter how big you are.... these Common Terns take no prisoners!

Note the 'nest' and three eggs to the right of the wing

A good old sqwabble (note the change in light and background!)

Just missed the bottom wing tip off the photo... nearly!

One of my better photos methinks

Bad Day but interesting Pegs

I had to attend nearby and it seemed a shame not to call at you know where. As soon as I parked the car I heard the calling 'of the wild'. Only problem, as you can see, the light was awful. Nevertheless I hope these images tell a story and provide some interest... learning to fly and land! Once again the unnatural effect is entirely due to the natural light at the time... untouched.

Female

Juvenile, much biigger than Dad

Dad off on a sortie, watched by Mum

Juvenile on approach to landing

'... it looked easy enough!'

the smooth side of the steeple not the obvious or best choice!

another landing attempt

and another... note Dad is already on the ledge, on his back, talons gaping

Dad gives in and is displaced

Junior attempts another landing, watched from above

and finally finds a perch

You'll be pleased to know, I thinnk I have some better images to follow, but not quite as good a story.

Still trying to catch up...

These photos were taken on 17 June (so I don't forget!)

Trying to catch up...

Here' we go... some older reference I haven't had time to post yet. I'm not sure it needs too many words, other than the later images are taken in poor light, as you can see!

Garden Blue Tits

Waiting to be fed

Knott End juvenile Starling

Knott End juvenile Starling

Male Linnet

Female Linnet

Whitethroat

Snipe with Redshank, Newton Marsh

Snipe with Redshank, Newton Marsh

European Eagle Owl – Newton Marsh

Now that's got your attention and not something you hear every day. I nearly crashed the car!

Before you rush off for your pager and Bird Alert (I've had to add this due to the way these blogs are abbreviated across the web etc), obviously the last two images give the game away, if you hadn't already guessed before but it still came as a shock, I mean it isn't every day you visit Newton Marsh and see such a magnificent creature. I am sure everyone has their own views on this but local conservationist Shane had his ward, 'Oscar' out for the very first time and purely by chance I was there to record the moment. Of course these birds are highly controversial and raise the blood pressure of many. I'm afraid, today I am happy to admire these magnificent birds and leave the politics to everyone else.

Shane was a delight and allowed me close to take these photographs and we spent some time discussing the ins and outs and his educational and conservation work. Nice work if you can get it! Obviously these birds are bred in captivity require licence and full documentation etc. 

Anyway, I thought it might brighten your mid summer slumbers.

I have a number of posts to catch up on... 'but I may be gone for some time'. I've been catching up with the local Peregrines and Terns of late, so more to follow I'm afraid.

Common as muck

It was grey, miserable and overcast, but I can't drive past and ignore them...

More aerobatics from the Common Terns. A number of juveniles, about 7, I made it, another 6 nests with eggs and pairs still mating... this may go on a bit longer this year than previous years. Dad had been out fishing, but so big was his catch, he ate it himself! Once out of the tryes, the artificial nests, the youngsters can't get back in! However the parents are taking great care of them, harassing the gulls and any dogs (on the 'promenade') that come anywhere near, so opportunity for some more photos. Only issue was the light, but once again terrific fun watching the antics of these Terns.