Scozmo's Photery

I do hope no-one minds that I split my walk into two parts? This is the big part, to me anyway, where the Red Kites started cruising around me, allowing me to photograph them in quite close proximity. I see them at Backwater reservoir quite often now.

I’d made my way to the second gate, standing scanning around, looking for …….. anything really.

Last time I was up here, I was so busy watching the sky, I stumbled on a pothole and went on my ass, damaged my long lens but hopefully, not fatally, however I’m constantly scanning all around, near and far, high and low.

The Red Kite that had landed on the mud at the water’s edge took its time clearing away, having a good look at me, I think.

I was pretty pleased to get any of these shots against the background but, the camera did its magic I guess.

It lifted up into the sky….

… flew by, turned across the water and started circling, looking.

I mentioned earlier that there was originally two of them, the next set of shots may have been a different bird…

It seemed to have something either in its claws or caught in its claws, it kept pecking at it as it flew.

It didn’t look like a catch, maybe the remains of something? Or some foliage, twigs?

I was sitting on a pile of rocks, feeling like I was well blended in, forgetting that these birds have eyes like a ……… well, Hawk!

It was gliding by me pretty close and a decent speed making it hard to track with the camera, hence the one-sided shots 🙂

It did yet another loop around and then headed my way, pretty much right at me!

I’ve watched them flying near the house, when there are a few or a pair together, they really show off their flying skills, magnificent control.

Then it flew by me. …… close!

I don’t remember breathing!

Those eyes mean business, I don’t think they EVER attack anyone but they certainly ,let you know, they know you’re there!

Now, not all of those shots are perfect, by any means but, it was such a great experience to just sit there and watch that bird do it’s thing, instead of flying away into the distance.

I had to put that last one back in, beautiful.

It turned out over the water and over the slight rise out of my line of sight, time to head home I think. More than happy with my walk and my photos so far, I actually walked back pretty quickly, still looking of course, still grabbing a few more shots.

This is also a great area for Butterflies, not quite yet but there were a few around, this Peacock is around in good numbers right now.

I was watching a couple of big birds wheeling way out over the hills, hoping but, just Buzzards.

The Meadow Pipits were around in good numbers again on my return leg, glad to see them, there didn’t seem to be so many last year.

I stopped for a chat with a lady I see up there quite often, discussing walks, the weather etc. when I spotted an Osprey in the distance.

It was way up over the tree line, made me wonder if it is one of the “extra” birds we seem to have this year? Our local nest had four birds on it the other day but our regular couple won out so I’m guessing some young birds have returned and are looking for nest sites, possibly mates as well?

Harry and Flora are our local birds,

I spotted a pair of Mallards out on the water as I was scanning for the Divers but I never saw a feather of them!

A pair of Siskins had dropped onto the picnic bench where I’d dropped off some food.

Both shots of the female with a glimpse of male in the second shot.

I was into my last mile when a Dunnock popped up on a Gorse bush right beside the track.

I managed to get the right side of the light without it clearing off.

I think they’re beautiful wee birds with a gorgeous song, not unlike our Robin and they’re very overlooked because of their dull colouring but, see them in good light? 😉

So that was it. I’d scored on the Red Kites, I’d seen a few Redpoll flitting around, no shots but, No Divers and no Crossbills…..

Next time. 🙂