You might think that to get a close up like this that I must have needed some fancy photographic kit- but no, I was able to get right up close to them. A combination of stealth and luck I suppose...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The 'Famous' Grouse
With a distinctive reddish plumage the colour of whisky the grouse is a striking bird. I was lucky enough to spot these handsome fellows on a recent birding expedition to north Carmarthenshire. Come August these birds will probably be blasted out of the sky by a bunch of toffs, upholding another of our great countryside traditions.
You might think that to get a close up like this that I must have needed some fancy photographic kit- but no, I was able to get right up close to them. A combination of stealth and luck I suppose...
You might think that to get a close up like this that I must have needed some fancy photographic kit- but no, I was able to get right up close to them. A combination of stealth and luck I suppose...
Friday, June 5, 2009
Boat
When I decided that I wanted some shots of waterfowl ( a technical term for birds that live on water) Eddie helped me to rig up this camouflage boat. That's me on Carmarthen reservoir.
Without the boat there's no way that I would have been able to get close enough to take shots like this!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Pine Martins
Following these unfounded accusations of voyuerism let's get back to the serious business of ornithology.
Today's bird is something of a pest. A member of the swallow family the pine martin gets its name from the fact that it builds its nest on the pine end of buildings. In the days when buildings were predominately wooden their droppings would cause untold damage, and they are still considered a bird of ill omen.
With our reputation as experts on birds Eddie and I get numerous requests to remove these unsightly nests from peoples houses every spring.
Today's bird is something of a pest. A member of the swallow family the pine martin gets its name from the fact that it builds its nest on the pine end of buildings. In the days when buildings were predominately wooden their droppings would cause untold damage, and they are still considered a bird of ill omen.
With our reputation as experts on birds Eddie and I get numerous requests to remove these unsightly nests from peoples houses every spring.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Cygnets
Looking at these cute cygnets it's hard to believe that they will soon grow into the menacing swans that are so fond of launching unprovoked attacks on innocent members of the public.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Ornithology for the Blind
Diversity and inclusivity!
Meet Mr Cooper and his dog Snowy.
Mr Cooper is a member of our new scheme- Ornithology for the Blind- funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. We are hoping to think of a snappier name for the group and would welcome any suggestions.
Once a month me and Eddie take Mr Cooper out with us. We provide him with a commentary regarding what birds we have seen and Eddie writes the details down in a book for him. Mr Cooper has pointed out to us that he can’t actually read this book but nothing is perfect…Actually on the days when Mr Cooper is with us we don’t spot too many birds because of Snowy’s barking. I don’t think that he’s a proper guide dog at all…
Whilst the benefits of these outings might not be immediately obvious to an outsider, Mr Cooper assures us that it’s cheaper than spending all day in Wetherspoons.
For me and Eddie it provides the feeling that we are opening up the pleasures of the outdoors to somebody who would not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy them, plus ten grand a year out of the public purse...
Meet Mr Cooper and his dog Snowy.
Mr Cooper is a member of our new scheme- Ornithology for the Blind- funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. We are hoping to think of a snappier name for the group and would welcome any suggestions.
Once a month me and Eddie take Mr Cooper out with us. We provide him with a commentary regarding what birds we have seen and Eddie writes the details down in a book for him. Mr Cooper has pointed out to us that he can’t actually read this book but nothing is perfect…Actually on the days when Mr Cooper is with us we don’t spot too many birds because of Snowy’s barking. I don’t think that he’s a proper guide dog at all…
Whilst the benefits of these outings might not be immediately obvious to an outsider, Mr Cooper assures us that it’s cheaper than spending all day in Wetherspoons.
For me and Eddie it provides the feeling that we are opening up the pleasures of the outdoors to somebody who would not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy them, plus ten grand a year out of the public purse...
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