Vole time

This bank vole was one of a pair feeding under Rhododendron bushes. He was very friendly and became addicted to sunflower seeds, often taking 4 into his mouth at a time and scuttling off to hide them. Hard to get good photos of them as the light was very poor.

Crazy Canadas

The sculpture park lakes are alive with Canada Geese arguing, fighting, chasing and getting generally upset. They expend huge amounts of energy setting up and defending a territory.

Happy Herons

The Grey Herons are well into their breeding season with both island nests occupied. The males are getting very excited.

Elusive Treecreeper

Getting a good photo of these little beauties has been a winter project of mine. Many hours have been spent in the park tracking down these birds. Worth it in the end.

Just look at the length of that hind claw!!

Signs of Spring

The sculptures have been scrubbed clean with a man with a bucket and brush and the Lower lake is looking well after being frozen for so many weeks. White Butterbur is flowering and the Snowdrops are making a fine show.

At last the signs are here for all to see. The blue tits are really laying into one another as they set up terrritories.

Flying Free

Really cold days now. Down to -4C last night. Everything covered in snow. Nice to keep the food going for the birds. They really seem to appreciate it.

My winter project of bird flight shots is coming together at last. Anticipation and quick reflexes are needed, as well as copious supplies of peanut butter.

Some of the birds are getting very agressive, especially the Robins and Nuthatches.

Let There be Flight

Had a little time experimenting with flight shots down at the Sculpture Park now the sun has decided to honour us with its presence. The speed at which the birds fly makes it very difficult to freeze the motion of their wings but I tried.

For the photographers amongst you I had to use 1/3200th of a second exposure at f6.3 with a Nikon D3 and 600mm f4 lens to capture the movement of this Nuthatch and Coal Tit. The ISO was also at 3200 in order to get these high shutter speeds . I'm looking forward to the sun rising higher in the sky as spring heads our way, giving me higher light levels to play with.

I have a passion for flight shots as they are so hard to acheive and show the bird in its true element. Static poses are OK but do not capture the true nature of the bird.