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Right. Let's get on with 2012!

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Hello to all you folks who have consistently checked for months to see if I've actually blogged, on my blog. As you know I haven't posted anything for a considerable time. Various reasons...all a bit lame, really. It's not that nothing significant has happened in my life, but rather I haven't been out much and when I have it's been a bit rubbish.

However, let's get this party started with a triumphant Spring welcoming fanfare! Pah papa pom pom! Praise be for longer days, warmer weather and common birds that save you from not getting any shots of 'the good uns!'.

Seriously, I have been far more conscious of our more common species since the turn of the year because it became suddenly apparent that they are some of the most photogenic and beautiful creatures in this part of the world. So I make no excuses for posting the following images....Most have been taken whilst waiting for rarities to show, or not show as has often been the case!

The 'lowly' Dunnock is a bird that leads the way in mating season antics. With the males pitch perfect bursts of song still ringing sweet in the ear they soon descend into orgies of sex and violence, rivalled only by the local Mallards dubious stance on romance and consent!

Anyway, their beauty and charm is captured here on a typical vantage point...perfect for a verse of that, oh so seductive, melody.

Meanwhile, in a tree not a million miles away, a rather different bird has partnered up and is checking out real estate that might suit first time buyers, looking to start a family. I think they may have just found the perfect place.

This rather splendid Blue Tit almost makes you want to sing a verse or two of 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. If you do it whilst giving a crazy sideways look at other 'hide users' I guarantee that you'll have that hide to yourself in about two minutes flat! Another helpful tip from the 'old master'....Barry Wells.

Next up, again, a very common bird but alot of peoples favourite. The Robin Red Breast. This rosey fronted bird popped up recently whilst I was waiting for a much rarer bird with a rouge behind! The Red-Rumped Swallow. However, I couldn't resist this little fella and his passionate sonnet.

What a beauty!

Now one of my all time favourites. The Stonechat.....another poser that sits up in all his glory to be admired. It's impossible to ignore one, it may well be that Canon have installed a feature in their cameras that detects and shoots images of these birds automatically, 'cause even when you don't remember even seeing one during a day, sure enough when you load up your days attempts during the evening, there is always at least one shot of a Stonechat and a Kestrel. Fact!

It is becoming increasingly obvious that Springtime is a great time to capture the colours and spectacular plumages displayed by even our most frequently seen and neglected avian friends. The following image is one that sums it all up really. Could there be a more magnificent creature on your local patch? I very much doubt it. The male pheasant is flambouyant, proud and a real show off. This is a great example!

Although, I was unable to get the whole bird and tail feather in shot, this 'crop' shows off perfectly how smart and varied these birds are. Stunning!

As too are the local Mallards....Whilst they may well appear immoral (at best) at this time of year it does not mean they are not handsome. Whilst being a female duck is possibly the most unenviable thing in the known universe, the males do have a certain penache about them. I captured this one as it flew low and fast past the hide at The Claire Mare NR.

And last but by no means least the most recognisable and beautifully coloured bird. The Common Kingfisher. This little gem popped up unexpectedly when I was waiting on our local Marsh Harriers to show up.

I had heard her calling previously but not caught a glimpse. I assumed if she did come my way then she'd almost certainly land on this sign, and she did, which was nice. She was only there for a matter of 10-15 seconds before flying off again. This was the best I could do. The sign used to say 'No Fishing' and the Kingfishers depicted on it used to have beaks...Anyway any encounter, no matter how brief, with any of the birds captured here is a real priviledge and joy. So keep your eyes open and your shutters clicking.

Take care for now. Basil Fishcakes.

A year of rarities......and Barn Owls!

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:45:00 +0000

From my last blog entry it is clear that, photographically speaking, I have had little time. On reflection of 'my year of birds' it becomes apparent that I have concentrated, therefore on rarer birds, lifers and owls. It is often the case with the more scarce visitors that your first intention is to see them, then get a reasonable record shot and then if you're lucky enough, have the time and the bird obliges get something a little better.

My year, from this perspective, got off to a flyer, as they say! 1st of Jan....Waxwing! A lifer, a rarity and a beautiful one to boot. You really couldn't wish for more. This also worked in the sequence described in my opening paragraph. Having seen them first and recorded them photographically, high up on a TV aerial it was then down to maximising an opportunity to get the best shot I could. Eventually there was one bird feeding on fallen apples in a garden. I got the permission of the owners and laid in wait.

This was my pick of the bunch.....What a bird and what a start to the year. Click here for more waxwing images.

In February I found myself on several evenings gravitating towards an area where Barn Owls often show well. With or without camera didn't seem to matter....I just love watching them go about there beautiful but deadly business. Because the window of opportunity to photograph these birds is so short it became the ideal, if not frustrating target, as time was of the essence in my increasingly busy life.

One of the images I captured during that time was born of said frustration and relied heavily on luck as well as foresight. I had spent the usual hour sat in wait, many other photographers had also 'set up shop' in the same area. It had been an evening of perfect light and conditions but the owl had not come within range once. To be honest I was a little disappointed, not least by the constant movement and chattering of my fellow birders. I know camo and being discreet isn't for everyone but with a camera that takes 9 shots a second....if it buys you an extra second then you might just get the shot! Who knows.

Anyway, the side of the hill had fallen into shadow so I made my way upwards and feeling a little dejected when I was greeted by the most spectacular of sunsets. I stopped and set up imediately thinking about only one thing....What if? What if the owl drifts across this skyline now? What if it hovers right there infront of the big red sun? It was only going to be five more minutes so why not wait...just in case?

I called it 'Spirit of Evening'. Birdguides picked it as their Photo of The Week, which was an honour. They said.....

"With so many stunningly detailed owl photos being uploaded to BirdGuides, it's hard to take one that stands out from the crowd. In fact, some of the world's leading wildlife photographers now take the view that there are so many good photos of so many creatures that the only option is to go for photos that are 'different', rather than 'better'. Chris Bale's beautifully atmospheric image of a Barn Owl hunting at sunset shows how productive this approach can be. Firstly, including the sun in the image instantly sets it apart from 99.99% of bird images. Doing so isn't usually possible or advisable but, when the sun is dimmed as it sets, there is a very brief window of opportunity to use it as a compositional element. Obviously, you then need a co-operative subject in the same general direction, which is where the combination of luck and skill really comes into play. With a well-thought-out composition, Chris placed the sun off-centre at the very bottom of the frame, making the most of the owl flying into the frame in front of a backdrop of warm tones graduating down to the natural vegetation. The result is a magical and memorable image."

For more barn owl shots click here.

I have two highlights for March. Firstly, a rarity and one of the most identifiable birds in Europe and secondly the results of one of my only 'projects' of the year.

The Hoopoe is a great bird. As stunning as it is perculiar it makes a fantastic target for photography. When I got the call about this one, from a friend, I couldn't wait to get there at first light and have a go. When my nightshift had finished I headed down there with a head full of possibilities.

It had taken up 'residence' in the back garden of a 94 year old lady. Spritely is not the word...straight talking and wonderful, she granted me permission to enter her garden. The ground was sodden and cold but I set up and laid there for quite some time before I gave up! The bird had not been seen since first light and I was cold, dis-heartened, hungry and tired....as you can probably guess, this is not me at my chirpy best! So I went for a walk about for half an hour, gathered my thoughts.....And talked myself into returning. Afterall, I had first dibs on this bird and if I didn't get the shot....someone else would. That was all the motivation I needed. I got back down and waited.

Worth the wait? You bet Ya! See more Hoopoe shots here.

The second March moment came over a three day project which only lasted three days because of the combination of incompetence, stuborness and the very tricky antics of the subject. One of my favourite birds, the Firecrest, winters in Guernsey. I had spotted a couple that seemed to be hanging on a bit longer than the rest and I decided that, as they were in one of the quieter locations on the island, I might get a decent shot or two.

Silbe NR is a beautiful and tranquil place. I often visit just to sit and be quiet. Anyway, after much persistence I got the shots I was after of this tiny thing of beauty...possibly my favourite shots of the year!

To see more firecrest shots click here.

April saw the beginning of Spring and all the anticipation that comes with it. The weather was simply stunning with day after day of glorious sunshine and warmth. Unfortunately that seemed to give migratory birds absolutely no reason to stop on our shores and bar one or two exceptions everything just flew straight over! That would be my explaination. There was a Woodchat Shrike that stuck around for a few days or so and that was a fantastic little bird...I'm not altogether thrilled with the images I got, but they're there to be improved upon. Click here for more images of this bird.

The start of May was spent in France on a family holiday.....A beautiful time of relaxation and fun with the occassional photo opportunity. Some great views of Montagu's harrier, Hen Harrier, Little Owl, Cuckoo, Hoopoe and Turtle Dove....not to mention the Cirl and Corn Buntings, Buzzards, Jays, Deer and plethora of other wonderous

occurances.

However, on return to Guernsey there was a Black-Winged Stilt at Pulias Pond. This is a bird I have missed on at least two previous occassions......I was determined to get it this time. It was a lengthy process but I did it right and I got the shot I really wanted in the end.

I have already described this in great detail on my blog and you can read it (and see a bonus Little Egret image) by clicking here.

June and July were non events, for me from a birding perspective. My daughter, Gwendoline, was growing fast and my focus was really on family, home and getting married. What a beautiful and memorable summer it was. Our wedding day was perfect and to celebrate our love with friends and family was so special. Click here to see my favourite image of Gwendoline.

August brought with it a return to birding and photography......My first opportunity, in what seemed like an age, was an absolute cracker. A barn owl (again) but with a rainbow looming large in the background was irresistable.

It's not the shot I anticipated but after a little longer and some very slow approach work I got this image.....I think it's probably my best to date. What a bird and what an encounter. My enthusiasm and passion flooded back as I returned to my car with a smile from ear to ear.

Another rarity and lifer marked September's highlight. A small American wader whose unfortunate demise, at the paws of a domestic cat, bought it more fame than it's understated appearance and low key existence! The weather was fairly inclement at the time and the limited opportunities that I had to try to get shots probably coincided with the worst of it. Never-the-less, given the conditions, the fact that it is rare and the sudden nature of it's departing, I don't believe I could have done much better. The Pectoral Sandpiper.

September also saw the only pelagic trip that I went on this year. You can read my account and see my shots here. Sabine's Gull was the pick of the bunch!

For someone who is always 'on the lookout' and keen, I have a woeful record of finding rarities. However, in October I turned up a Rose-Coloured Starling in amongst a local flock. It is a bird of eastern Origin and a long way from home, here in Guernsey. Naturally I was delighted to have found something of interest to other local birders. The photos aren't anything to shout about as the bird spent most of it's time on roof tops and chimneys. Still....pretty cool!

And so to November and at the time of writing I am keenly anticipating a winter full of Lapwing, Redwing, Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, Golden Plover...maybe even more Waxwing opportunities, who knows? But this month has bought with it, so far, very mild conditions with the weather being driven by South Easterly winds. This brought my most recent subject, rarity and lifer....A Desert Wheatear to our shores.....photographed in what became tricky conditions (as regaled in my blog) this little gem was worth every second of my time.

And there you have it....2011 in photos. Ofcourse there are more than these and those who have followed my stop/start year will have seen many other shots. One of them I will leave with you and is something a bit different. It was taken way back at the start of April and captured one of those moments when you realise just how lucky you are to be alive. I have attached the words it inspired in me, also.

As the first sleepy rays of sunlight pierced the heavy, hanging mist to liberate the sodden world below from the crude, cold shackles of night, a Marsh Harrier drifted purposefully across the glistening dew laden meadows. It's silent silhouette serving as a shadowy reminder, to all, of his prowess and majesty.

I shuddered in awe as I watched it deliberately and effortlessly manoeuvre; magnificent and masterful, subtle and stealthy. The warmth of the car heater, now a distant memory, had been replaced by a dank chill, hazy but tangible with anticipation.

From the haunting call of a single curlew, vague and distant, came a gradual crescendo of sound building to a cacophony of noise. A thousand voices each celebrating every conquering shard of light that warmed my face and lungs. The Chiffchaff’s descant melody the Cetti’s explosive staccato bursts, my ears were ringing to nature’s orchestra. Were they performing this overture just for me? I shuddered a second time.

The world seemed at peace and in good order, but I knew that would only last until I read the headlines on the news paper display at the garage. So I just pretended, whilst I could, that I was the last man alive and if I wanted to contribute to this dawn chorus, then I should….I hummed Alcoholiday by Teenage Fanclub but at a rather reverent level.

My heart was filled with the joy that the robin and the wren expressed so colourfully against such a foggy monochrome backdrop. I was driven by the absolute thrill of being alive and I wanted to share it. I’d made it through the night and I wanted everyone to know that I would live that new day to the full…and not just because it could have been my last. No, no, no…but because I could and I should, as an example to those who can never see beyond their doom-saying tabloids, the rising price of petrol and their own consumer driven misery.

The marsh harrier had long since disappeared from sight but in that brief yet glorious encounter I felt both humbled and empowered. Humbled by realising my place in the world, empowered by realising I had one.

Scrambling!

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

It's been a while, again.....but this time I have a valid excuse. I've not been out very much, by choice. Instead I have chosen to work, work, work. I made a conscious decision that as I didn't really have the time to go out and photograph birds 'properly' I should stop until I do have the time to do it 'properly'. The time I do have at my disposal, which is not enough for photography but plenty long enough for a session at the gym, has therefore been spent at the gym or thinking about being at the gym. So there.

However, after my nightshift finished this morning at 07:00, I fancied a quick search for a 'lifer' that had been spotted on one of our reserves. A Desert Wheatear. A couple of record shots had been posted but the only give away to it's exact location was a post with blue rope tied around it. It was on the area of the scramble track....so shouldn't be too hard to find, right?

Anyway the plan was to leave work quick sharp, get there before anyone else and the sun, find the spot, set up in the desired and precise location and wait. Just to make it even easier a facebook friend happened to post a video recording of their nephew winning a motorcross race on that very track! 8 minutes I watched...and there were only two areas visible that were cordoned off with blue rope. And only one of them looked likely.

So I knew exactly where I was heading, what I was looking for and what to do when I arrived....Perfect.

Everything went to plan and arrived to see the bird from afar...it really stood out brightly against the dark dirt and grass and that was in the light before the sun came up. I got down there and set up as quickly as was sensible and as discreetly as was possible. I knew the challenge was going to be finding a suitable spot where there would be some depth to the shot...enough distance behind the bird to create a blurred background. I found it, a raised area of dirt where I was sure, that if this Wheatear was anything like it's more common cousins, it would stand upon to survey the surrounding area for food. I got in position, covered up and the wait began.

The bird was 'busy' feeding. It would stand still, then hop, hop, hop to the next insect, then again and so on. It was working it's way towards me when we both became simultaneously aware of a black cat prowling through the adjacent longer grass to my left. The bird didn't hang about. It flew about 30 yards further away...I cursed my luck but felt confident it would be back this way, in time.

As it happens, it found itself in the territory of a rather protective and aggressive robin which soon chased it over to my right and well away from the cat. The cat was now looking towards the bolshy and brash robin and the Wheatear was again working it's way towards me.....the light was improving by the minute and I could feel the shot was getting ever closer and I'd only just got there in nature photography terms.

By now the bird was within about 25 ft and coming ever closer to it's raised mound destination. It then stopped in it's tracked and bobbed it's tail before stretching upwards, as if it had seen danger or felt threatened. I looked to my left and there it was.....the second person of the day, striding purposefully towards me and it. It was duly chased back up the field towards the robin....'birder' in persuit. I'm not gonna lie...I was livid as I lay there watching this seemingly confiding bird get stalked....They got their shot and left, but I was a bit disappointed with my friend's field craft.

By now, blood boiling, I decided that I'd have to move....not least because vans had started to turn up, vans and trailers and motor bikes and people and children and there was swearing and people walking the course and more swearing and bright clothes and flags. It was gravely apparent that the scramble track was going to be scrambled upon.....worst nightmare.

There was now a sense of desperation and urgency about a previously inevitable photographic encounter.....I got some record shots...just in case it 'did one'. I began to move about, I had no real plan 'B'. No sooner would it land somewhere before it was moved on by another pedestrian motor cyclist inspecting the course whilst loudly regaling stories of spillages and carnage here, clearing table tops there...sounded more like working in a fast food emporium than an extreme sport!!

Joking aside, there was still a rare bird that needed photographing.....amidst the throngs of enthusiasts I spotted another birder looking for our little visitor. I beckoned him over as I knew roughly where the bird was. We had a scout about and eventually it popped up again. The shots I got were just the wrong side of the momentarily perfect light but not for the other photographer. He got a couple of nice shots and with a 'That'll do me' walked off in search of a short-eared owl.

Naturally I was delighted for him! But I began to feel that this was not going to be my day. I decided that if I was going to achieve anything like a decent shot I would have to set up and wait...roll the dice of fate, put all my eggs in one basket and so on and so on. There was only one thing to do set up where I had started! The bird obviously likes the patch...she'd return at some point...I'd just have to wait and hope.

Despite my anger levels being raised further by some foul mouthed teenagers who taunted me, made loud noises to scare any birds away, and eventually actually climbed over the rope cordon and walked infront of me whilst chasing the Wheatear back out of the field. I did get my shot in the end. (One of said boys I believe had an accident later, I hope he is not too badly hurt and recovers fairly quickly).

I took alot more shots than I normally would, due to the circumstances of not knowing when the session would be curtailed.

So what an eventful morning. Sleep deprived, in a rage at times all in order to spend a brief few minutes in the close proximity of a small bird. Worth it....Definitely! Especially when they had to delay the motor bike practice runs whilst I found my way, 'quickly' from the track......