Adorable Juvenile Pied Wagtail

Sometimes a Bird is just too easy to photograph but just too adorable to ignore - a very young and very tired Pied Wagtail dozing on our fence in the sun today

The Pied Flycatcher

'Red Status' - High Priority Conservation, Globally threatened and breeding populations are in more than 50% decline in both the UK and other European countries over > 25 years.

Another first for me and what an exiting first! Whilst checking out a stunning new walk along the River Bovey on Dartmoor, I was watching the Grey Wagtails stone hopping in the river and I noticed a faint squeaking noise coming from the tree next to me. Then a louder squeak came from behind me - it was a female Pied Flycatcher!!!

I rushed a few photos before realising she was actually getting quite frantic. Then a male appeared nearby with a mouthful of flies. I soon became aware they were both getting upset with me standing there - it turned out I was standing under a nest box belonging to a family of Pied Flycatchers!

This all took place in about 2-3 minutes, but of course I needed to move away to allow these very special birds to get on and care for their precious family. Despite being on the main footpath, I was too close for comfort, so I moved a fair distance away - enough that they would tolerate a few more photos before leaving them in peace. What a wonderful afternoon.

Guillemots, Fulmars and much more at Berry Head, Brixham, Devon

Berry Head is as dramatic and fascinating as the wildlife that chooses to hang out here. It is as perfect as it is rugged and wild.

It was a gorgeous day in early June when I made my first visit and I have been back several times since because it's like a drug.  Once is not enough, twice and you still want more.  Even if it did rain heavily on my second visit, it still captivated me.

I was totally blown away with the views; the colour and clarity of the water; the awesome birds; the Dolphins; the historic fortifications and Britain's shortest light house.  Not to mention the superb cafe serving good quality food.

By chance I happened to visit at a time when the main cliff face was covered in Guillemots clinging precariously to the slithers of rock protruding horizantally from the cliff face.  It is said this is the largest colony of Guillemots on the South coast and when I visited I had absolutely no idea about this fact. I'd only ever seen a Guillemot in a bird book.  But as I sat down on one of the many cliff edge benches to enjoy the view I was intrigued by the huge noise of sea birds calling to each other on the cliffs.  The binoculars told me I'd stumbled on Guillemots; and lots of them!

Many of the Guillemots were in the clear waters below the cliff and could be seen disappearing down below the surface to catch fish. Others were flying to and fro to feed young who were constantly demanding of their parents.

I also spotted Fulmars, some gliding, some nesting - again, a first for me.  There were other birds too - White Throats, Cirl Buntings, Linnets, Bullfinches, Rock Pipits and many more.  

But here I will just share a taster and leave a little for you to discover for yourself if you feel inclined. A few of the highlights - the Guillemots, Fulmars and the view.

Colmar - Jewellery on a Grey Day

Many times we've travelled through France en-route to Italy and often by-passed the town of Colmar in the Alsace. This year, a chance glance at a postcard in a nearby Campsite had me doing a double-take.

The Alsace is known for it's beers, sparkling Cremant wine and Storks.  And yes, I spent a bit too much time in the area photographing Storks.  But this year we pressed 'pause' to explore some of the stunning medieval towns and villages, woven together by a vibrant tapestry of vineyards.  

Colmar - like jewellery on a grey day. 

The Black Winged Stilt - Love is in the air on Camacchio Lagoon, Italy

I was very disappointed by the absence of the Black Winged Stilt at Lago Trasimeno and Lago Chuisi in Italy this year. If they were there, I couldn't find them.  So when we read they breed on the Comacchio Lagoon, we set out on our bikes across the Salt Marshes to find them.

But I didn't quite expect to catch them in the act!!! At least he took the time to give her a cuddle afterwards

Patience is having an adventure today

'Patience', our campervan is having her own little adventure on the Comacchio Lagoon today

Bee Eater - I never gave up!

There are many birds in Italy which I hoped to photograph, but the excitement of the day when I saw my first Bee Eater was a mix of highs and lows.  Bird Photography is not just about capturing the image. To me it's about savoring the moment.  When you have a good zoom lens it's much like watching them through the Binoculars.  I had such an adrenaline rush I froze. For a few moments I ceased to function as a Photographer and reverted to pure bird watching pleasure.

That's what happened when I saw my first Bee Eater.  The moment was all too quick and as I looked through the viewfinder I froze. But I pledged that I wouldn't give up on the Bee Eater. 

I'm soooo thrilled to tell you that today, with a lot of patience (from Deric!) and alot of perseverance (from me!) I think I've kind of cracked it.

And these are their natural, stunning colours. No Photoshopping!

EDIT: I have finally earned enough Brownie Points for my new camera now - my little Canon 100D has worked so hard in the last 18 months I've nearly killed it and it's really struggled on this trip, especially today.  Roll on the Canon 7D Mark II ... watch this space