tdgraves 8th big year 2021

[Tdgraves]

And another to add to the garganey count, although the most EBC of the year so far, I suspect. However, I cannot remember when I last saw one, so I am adding it now. I'm sure I'll be back to this site many times this year, but I don't know whether the water is permanent or not.

 

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 19/4/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 500, f7.1, 1/1250

 

7T4A8946 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 640, f7.1, 1/1250

 

7T4A9013 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

73) Garganey

[Tdgraves]

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 19/4/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 500, f7.1, 1/2000

 

7T4A9022 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

74) Eurasian wigeon

[Tdgraves]

And a couple of duplicates

 

7T4A8964 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

7T4A9008 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

7T4A8942 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

there were a few nesting birds, including this coot

 

7T4A8963 by tdgraves, on Flickr

[Galana]

Definitely 2021 is year of the Garganey. I must sharpen my searching.

Not sure how many species you are proposing for that "Mallard" mongrel at 8942?

His Family Tree would qualify for TVs "Who do you think you are?"

[xelas]

1 hour ago, Galana said:

Not sure how many species you are proposing for that "Mallard" mongrel at 8942?

Three at minimum 

[Kitsafari]

29 species in two hours?? that's quite a fruitful visit!

[Tdgraves]

Went to Grafham water yesterday, a bit more fruitful than my last visit, but nothing new to add, unless anyone can positively ID this juvenile gull for me....

 

J19A9603 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

a few duplicates

 

J19A9403 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

J19A9413 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

J19A9460 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

J19A9534 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

J19A9594 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

and this guy was hanging around the cafe...

 

J19A9610 by tdgraves, on Flickr

[Galana]

Remind me to give that Cafe a miss!

2 hours ago, Tdgraves said:

unless anyone can positively ID this juvenile gull for me....

Looks quite large and 'fierce' so if you are really desperate I would support a claim for juv. Greater Black Back 2nd Year.

[michael-ibk]

Your Yellow Wagtail had me all excited until I realized this is your regular subspecies. Flavissima would draw a lot of birders here.

[Tdgraves]

Thought I'd go for a walk after work tonight as I finished a bit early and it appeared that the cloud was breaking. I was wrong. By the time I got to Fen Drayton, it was quite dark with a few rain clouds. I got out of the car to see if it was likely to blow over (no) and so just had a quick look at the two lakes next to the car park before coming home, where it rained properly. Managed a tick though and my first sighting of them this year....

 

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes, Cambridgeshire, 29/4/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 2500, f5.6, 1/1250

 

7T4A9260 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

75) Garden warbler

[Tdgraves]

I finally managed to get out for a walk again this week, having been previously prevented by the stormy weather. I made the mistake of ignoring the forecast first though and got absolutely drenched. No sooner had I arrived then the storm hit. I took shelter under some trees and the rain just kept on coming. Eventually, after about 45 minutes I had to give up as I had an online meeting to get to, for which I was extremely soggy and cold. However, by late afternoon the storm had blown through and I braved going back and was greeted by glorious sunshine and a few ticks, including this one, which I have not knowingly seen before!

 

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 11/5/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 800, f7.1, 1/4000

 

7T4A9507 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 800, f7.1, 1/1600

 

7T4A9506 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

76) Sand martin

[Tdgraves]

And a first photographic opportunity of these, although I have heard them several times already this year...

 

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 11/5/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 1000, f7.1, 1/2000

 

7T4A9561 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

77) Eurasian reed warbler

[Tdgraves]

Also a first sighting of these this year....

 

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 11/5/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 640, f7.1, 1/3200

 

7T4A9324 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

78) Willow warbler

[Tdgraves]

And lots of these singing....

 

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 11/5/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 800, f7.1, 1/500, EV +1 1/3 (before the storm)

 

7T4A9291 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 800, f6.3, 1/1600

 

7T4A9631 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

79) Sedge warbler

[Tdgraves]

And then I started channeling my inner @Peter Connan as there were so many small fast flying birds over the water...

 

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 11/5/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 640, f7.1, 1/1600

 

7T4A9615 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

80) Common swift

[Tdgraves]

Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire, 11/5/21

 

Canon 5D mark iv, 100-400 mark ii, ISO 1000, f7.1, 1/1600

 

7T4A9650 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

81) European greenfinch

[Tdgraves]

And a couple of duplicates

 

7T4A9424 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

7T4A9447 by tdgraves, on Flickr

 

7T4A9541 by tdgraves, on Flickr

[Kitsafari]

lovely sand martin shots!

[Tdgraves]

thanks @Kitsafari i do not usually attempt to get swifts and swallows in flight, but there were lots around with good light, so it was good practice for my small fast BIF skills!

[xelas]

@Tdgraves, your inner "Peter Connan" did a great job!

[Galana]

3 hours ago, Tdgraves said:

so it was good practice for my small fast BIF skills!

Which you used to excellent effect.

[Soukous]

Nice additions. Your recent outings have been much more fruitful than mine 

[shazdwn]

Looks like it was definitely worth the second trip

[Tdgraves]

Thanks @xelas @Galana @Soukous and @shazdwn

[PeterHG]

Good additions and excellent bif shots !