Archive Trip Reports
My latest trip reports.
New Forest 2nd April to 4th April 2010
After a pretty hectic time at work I thought I would brave the crowds and weather and have an Easter weekend camping in the New Forest.
I left home at 5.00am on Friday and by 7.30am was at an old favourite location Eyeworth Pond. Despite driving through some light rain the weather when I arrived was quite good, I set up a few perches and laid down some seed, within minutes the usual Coal, Blue, Great and occasion Marsh Tit’s were tucking in along with at least one pair of Nuthatch and a single Robin.
There was a brief spell of fantastic almost golden light and the 20 or so Mandarin and single Wood duck showed really well on the lake.
After a few hours I decided to drive on Ocknell Camp Site and set up my tent with this done I moved on to another Forestry Commission car park Cadnams Pool where more common woodland birds were showing well.
After a few more hours here I returned to the camp site and had a walk around the woodland here apart from a few Fallow Deer it was pretty quiet so I cooked my dinner and turned in for the night.
After a night of heavy showers and falling temperatures I was ready to scrape the ice from my windscreen and set out again on the drive to Boulderwood.
I saw a dozen Common Buzzards on the way most were searching for worms on the sodden grassland but were far to wary to be photographed. Boulderwood proved quiet also with a few Fallow Deer present but not much else so on the Blashford Lakes.
I headed straight for the Woodland hide for a chance of Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll none of which disappointed. Greater Spotted Woodpeckers were going mad chasing each other all the time and only stopping on a branch close enough briefly. I had heard a pair of Little Ringed Plover had been see from a hide on the other part of the reserve across the road so as Woodland hide was getting busy I headed over there to my amazement one of the Plovers soon showed within 5 feet of the hide allowing me to get by far me best shots of this species to date.
After a refuelling stop a Fordingbridge I spent a while visiting some of the other F C areas I hadn’t been to before just to check them out for future visits.
After a wetter but milder night Sunday proved to be the most settled weather wise but after a few hours the crowds appeared so after one last stop at Cadnams Pool I set off for home.
As I was earlier than expected I stopped off at Rainham Marshes for a coffee break but was soon out on the trails looking for a Hoopoe that had been seen.
I only managed a brief view and a couple of terrible record shots but it capped off a great weekend.
R.S.P.B Bempton Cliffs 5th to 7th June 2009
The usual early start today leaving at 3.00am due to the fact it would be a 5 hour drive and that we wanted to get a full day in at Bempton. We arrived in good time and by 9.00 am were in the car park and after taking a few shots of the Tree Sparrows that were nesting around the centre we walked out to the cliff top path. The sight, sound and smell that greeted us was amazing thousands of Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars and Kittiwakes whizzing along the cliff faces and clinging to the smallest ledges. Puffins were a bit more elusive with a few diving off the cliff face but so fast and well out of range. After a few hours and full memory cards later we left to find Wold Farm our campsite for the trip. Set between Flambough and Bempton and with easy access to the cliffs Wold Farm proved an ideal base.
With better light on Saturday 6th we arrived at the R.S.P.B centre at 6.00am to concentrate on the Auks and left just as it was getting busy with visitors at 10.00.
After a tip off on a good area for Puffins just a 15 minute walk from our tent we tried our luck there and was rewarded with fantastic opportunities and views with up to 12 Puffins just 20 meters away.
With our boat trip from Bridlington Harbour cancelled due to strong winds we decided to pay a last visit back to the R.S.P.B site as in those conditions the birds were tending to hang in the air for longer giving a better chance of close flight shots.
We were packed and ready to leave at 6.00am on Sunday and decided to make for home but include a stop at the Lodge the R.S.P.B H/Q Sandy Bedford where we had a lucky break in the rain that had set in.
From the meadow hide we saw quite a lot of activity including fledgling Greater Spotted Woodpeckers being fed by their parents.
All in all even with the disappointment of the cancelled boat trip a great weekend trip
And well worth another visit
The Brecks Thetford 21st March 2009
Another early start as we left at 5.00 am the first venue was Mayday Farm near Brandon
We arrived just after 6.30 am and set up by the drinking pool at the cross roads.
The day’s weather was still developing at that time but soon the sun was out and quite
warm for March.
Siskins were the first down to drink and soon joined by Redpoll and the odd Coal Tit
It took around half an hour for the real stars to show up, a Pair of Crossbill once they had drunk they wouldn’t visit again for around 45 minutes also around the pool and drinking occasionally were Chaffinch and a single male Brambling at around 11.00 am a Sparrow hawk flew through and we decided to move, on the walk back the car we saw two Adders and a Common Lizard who were making the most of the sun.
From here we drove the RSPB Lakenheath and were given great views of a hunting Great Grey Shrike in the hour or so we watched him he caught and impaled several Bee’s and a Lizard, the rest of the reserve was fairly quite with no sign of any Common Cranes and time getting on we decided to check out Cavenham Heath.
After a bit of trouble finding this location we walked the track expecting a few Wheatear
but it was again very quite just before turning back we saw two Stone Curlew at distance
but with this and the haze didn’t attempt any photos.
Apart from seeming quite quiet I came away with some nice shot’s of my target bird, the Crossbills, record shots of the Shrike and a few of the Adder’s.
Definatly planning to visit again soon.
Fingeringhoe Wick. Essex Wildlife Trust 9th May 2009
As the reserve opens at 9.00am this was a relatively late start for me but as my main targets were insects and reptiles this was fine.
The many Nightingales were still in full song together with Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps and could be heard all over the reserve.
A few Dragonflies’ were warming themselves in the sun which allowed some very close encounters but as the day got on they became increasingly active
There were a huge number of bugs and mini beasties all around with Weevils, Bee Flies Ichneumon Flies
Two of the highlights were a single Green-Hairstreak butterfly that posed well and a superb female Adder basking in the sun, she moved back into the undergrowth as we approached but soon returned to her patch.
For most of the time the view was very obscured but the Sigma 150mm Macro did allow some close head shots.
This reserve has lots of summer potential so I look forward to spending some more time here.
My Garden update
Not really a trip report but just a few words to give you an idea of my “back yard patch”.
Badgers, Foxes and Wood mice are a regular sight in my garden and provide me with the opportunity to photograph these wonderful mammals; they have visited ever since we moved here in 1999.
This year we have seen the greatest number of Badgers so far with 2 adult males 4 adult females and 4 new cubs.
Although I do put food out for them I have not tried to “tame” them at all and take all my photos from a hide.
I do set various logs and props up to give interest to the shots.
On the bird front we have a regular flow of different species visit the feeding station and bird table and have included Brambling, Siskin, Redwing, Goldfinch and even a Woodcock but by far the more usual visitors are Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Jay Woodpigeon and of course Collard Doves.
New Forest 29th September to 4th October 2008
I booked a last minute deal with Sandy Balls Holiday Park for a caravan from Monday to Friday and this provided a good base to explore the New Forest.
First stop was Eyeworth Pond but with no sign of any Mandarin on the pond itself I turned my attention to the woodland birds that are very abundant and obliging around the car park these include Nuthatch, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Great Tit.
Another early morning visit afforded me very good views of a Roe Deer stag but it was too distant for photos.
The second location I concentrated on was Cadman Pool again here the car park is alive with
small birds and 3 Woodlark were the main highlight although these were very flighty, several late Swallows and Martins were also around.
Although Deer were supposed to be the main interest on this trip the best veiw was of a herd of around 50 Fallow Deer on Dead Mans Hill,three Sika Deer were also seen at High Corner Inn.
In hindsight I should have done a bit more homework as to locations and timing.
A great break none the less.
Minsmere 10th and 11th October 2008
I left home at 4.45am Friday and arrived at Westleton Heath at around 6.30am it was still dark but was clear of fog, I found a large group of Doe’s feeding in a field alongside the road
and managed a few shots but the light was very poor. I then spent the next 3 hours or so exploring the back roads and paths looking for any Stags close by but most were out of range.
I turned my attention to the Minsmere reserve but due to the time of year this was very quiet however there were many interesting Fungi on the reserve including Amethysts Deceiver and Fly Agaric. The evening proved just as frustrating regarding the Deer as most were just too distant but still a joy to watch and experience the atmosphere.
With an overnight stay in the White Horse pub (which I can highly recommend) I was up again before light, being Saturday the area was quite busy and again the Deer were mainly too distant with the exception of one Stag and a small group of Doe’s on Westleton Heath and my shots of these proved to be my best of the trip.
As the area was proving very quiet I decided to head home at lunchtime and stop off at Abberton Reservoir were to my surprise a Spoonbill, 2 Black Necked Grebe, 2 Marsh Harrier and the escapee pair of Red Breasted Geese were all showing well.
To top off the trip I was told of a Lesser Grey Shrike that was showing well at Rettengdon
and although I only managed record shots it was great to see.
Lackford Lakes 5th September 2009
Run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust Lackford Lakes are a series of former gravel pits.
With various hides and a small centre you can easily spend a day there.
However with Kingfishers in my sights I arrived at 7.00am and headed straight for Charlton-Webster Hide a small hide that looks out over a small reeded pond.
The sun rises in front of you here so the first couple of hours are not ideal for photography but allow plenty of time to get comfortable.
Unlike my previous visit on 28th August the action came thick and fast with at least one Kingfisher appearing every 20 minutes or so.
This time they seemed to favour the group of 3 upright sticks over the T-perch but would also sit in trees on the right for several minutes at a time.
As far as fishing went an adult male caught several insect larvae but no fish.
The action seemed to last until around 11.00am when their visits dried up somewhat.
I decided to visit Mayday Farm but the drinking pool had dried up so scarcely a bird was seen.
Dragonflies and Butterflies were plentiful and were someone had dumped a large amount of apples
over 40 individuals were either perched on the bracken or feeding on the rotting fruit.
In hindsight I think I should have stayed at Lackford in the hope that the activity picked up and the afternoon sun highlighted the subjects better but there is always another day.
Lee Valley 17th October 2009
Lee Valley Nature Photographers Group have placed several small hides around the Lee Valley area
they provide the opportunely to photograph common woodland birds at close range.
I arrived at dawn and set up a few choice perches, laid down some seed and acorns as bait and retreated to the hide.
Within minutes Great and Blue Tit’s, a pair of Robin’s and several Dunnocks were showing well but it took a while for the Jay’s to turn up.
My target for the day was a close up of a Jay with an acorn in its bill! The Jays’ were performing but refused to take the acorns from the nearest perch and once the resident Grey Squirrels found the supply I had to settle for a longer shot.
The Squirrels did provide some good portrait subjects to add to my collection though.
With all the avian activity it was only a matter of time before the local Sparrowhawk made an appearance and at about 11.00 am he did exactly that, he missed his Great Tit target and hit the ground, immediately took banked right and made an attempt to land on one of the perches but in a split second changed his mind and disappeared into the woods!
No points for guessing what my target will be on my next visit!
All in all a very enjoyable 9 hours.
New Forest 2nd April to 4th April 2010
After a pretty hectic time at work I thought I would brave the crowds and weather and have an Easter weekend camping in the New Forest.
I left home at 5.00am on Friday and by 7.30am was at an old favourite location Eyeworth Pond. Despite driving through some light rain the weather when I arrived was quite good, I set up a few perches and laid down some seed, within minutes the usual Coal, Blue, Great and occasion Marsh Tit’s were tucking in along with at least one pair of Nuthatch and a single Robin.
There was a brief spell of fantastic almost golden light and the 20 or so Mandarin and single Wood duck showed really well on the lake.
After a few hours I decided to drive on Ocknell Camp Site and set up my tent with this done I moved on to another Forestry Commission car park Cadnams Pool where more common woodland birds were showing well.
After a few more hours here I returned to the camp site and had a walk around the woodland here apart from a few Fallow Deer it was pretty quiet so I cooked my dinner and turned in for the night.
After a night of heavy showers and falling temperatures I was ready to scrape the ice from my windscreen and set out again on the drive to Boulderwood.
I saw a dozen Common Buzzards on the way most were searching for worms on the sodden grassland but were far to wary to be photographed. Boulderwood proved quiet also with a few Fallow Deer present but not much else so on the Blashford Lakes.
I headed straight for the Woodland hide for a chance of Brambling, Siskin and Redpoll none of which disappointed. Greater Spotted Woodpeckers were going mad chasing each other all the time and only stopping on a branch close enough briefly. I had heard a pair of Little Ringed Plover had been see from a hide on the other part of the reserve across the road so as Woodland hide was getting busy I headed over there to my amazement one of the Plovers soon showed within 5 feet of the hide allowing me to get by far me best shots of this species to date.
After a refuelling stop a Fordingbridge I spent a while visiting some of the other F C areas I hadn’t been to before just to check them out for future visits.
After a wetter but milder night Sunday proved to be the most settled weather wise but after a few hours the crowds appeared so after one last stop at Cadnams Pool I set off for home.
As I was earlier than expected I stopped off at Rainham Marshes for a coffee break but was soon out on the trails looking for a Hoopoe that had been seen.
I only managed a brief view and a couple of terrible record shots but it capped off a great weekend.
R.S.P.B Bempton Cliffs 5th to 7th June 2009
The usual early start today leaving at 3.00am due to the fact it would be a 5 hour drive and that we wanted to get a full day in at Bempton. We arrived in good time and by 9.00 am were in the car park and after taking a few shots of the Tree Sparrows that were nesting around the centre we walked out to the cliff top path. The sight, sound and smell that greeted us was amazing thousands of Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars and Kittiwakes whizzing along the cliff faces and clinging to the smallest ledges. Puffins were a bit more elusive with a few diving off the cliff face but so fast and well out of range. After a few hours and full memory cards later we left to find Wold Farm our campsite for the trip. Set between Flambough and Bempton and with easy access to the cliffs Wold Farm proved an ideal base.
With better light on Saturday 6th we arrived at the R.S.P.B centre at 6.00am to concentrate on the Auks and left just as it was getting busy with visitors at 10.00.
After a tip off on a good area for Puffins just a 15 minute walk from our tent we tried our luck there and was rewarded with fantastic opportunities and views with up to 12 Puffins just 20 meters away.
With our boat trip from Bridlington Harbour cancelled due to strong winds we decided to pay a last visit back to the R.S.P.B site as in those conditions the birds were tending to hang in the air for longer giving a better chance of close flight shots.
We were packed and ready to leave at 6.00am on Sunday and decided to make for home but include a stop at the Lodge the R.S.P.B H/Q Sandy Bedford where we had a lucky break in the rain that had set in.
From the meadow hide we saw quite a lot of activity including fledgling Greater Spotted Woodpeckers being fed by their parents.
All in all even with the disappointment of the cancelled boat trip a great weekend trip
And well worth another visit
The Brecks Thetford 21st March 2009
Another early start as we left at 5.00 am the first venue was Mayday Farm near Brandon
We arrived just after 6.30 am and set up by the drinking pool at the cross roads.
The day’s weather was still developing at that time but soon the sun was out and quite
warm for March.
Siskins were the first down to drink and soon joined by Redpoll and the odd Coal Tit
It took around half an hour for the real stars to show up, a Pair of Crossbill once they had drunk they wouldn’t visit again for around 45 minutes also around the pool and drinking occasionally were Chaffinch and a single male Brambling at around 11.00 am a Sparrow hawk flew through and we decided to move, on the walk back the car we saw two Adders and a Common Lizard who were making the most of the sun.
From here we drove the RSPB Lakenheath and were given great views of a hunting Great Grey Shrike in the hour or so we watched him he caught and impaled several Bee’s and a Lizard, the rest of the reserve was fairly quite with no sign of any Common Cranes and time getting on we decided to check out Cavenham Heath.
After a bit of trouble finding this location we walked the track expecting a few Wheatear
but it was again very quite just before turning back we saw two Stone Curlew at distance
but with this and the haze didn’t attempt any photos.
Apart from seeming quite quiet I came away with some nice shot’s of my target bird, the Crossbills, record shots of the Shrike and a few of the Adder’s.
Definatly planning to visit again soon.
Fingeringhoe Wick. Essex Wildlife Trust 9th May 2009
As the reserve opens at 9.00am this was a relatively late start for me but as my main targets were insects and reptiles this was fine.
The many Nightingales were still in full song together with Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps and could be heard all over the reserve.
A few Dragonflies’ were warming themselves in the sun which allowed some very close encounters but as the day got on they became increasingly active
There were a huge number of bugs and mini beasties all around with Weevils, Bee Flies Ichneumon Flies
Two of the highlights were a single Green-Hairstreak butterfly that posed well and a superb female Adder basking in the sun, she moved back into the undergrowth as we approached but soon returned to her patch.
For most of the time the view was very obscured but the Sigma 150mm Macro did allow some close head shots.
This reserve has lots of summer potential so I look forward to spending some more time here.
My Garden update
Not really a trip report but just a few words to give you an idea of my “back yard patch”.
Badgers, Foxes and Wood mice are a regular sight in my garden and provide me with the opportunity to photograph these wonderful mammals; they have visited ever since we moved here in 1999.
This year we have seen the greatest number of Badgers so far with 2 adult males 4 adult females and 4 new cubs.
Although I do put food out for them I have not tried to “tame” them at all and take all my photos from a hide.
I do set various logs and props up to give interest to the shots.
On the bird front we have a regular flow of different species visit the feeding station and bird table and have included Brambling, Siskin, Redwing, Goldfinch and even a Woodcock but by far the more usual visitors are Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Jay Woodpigeon and of course Collard Doves.
New Forest 29th September to 4th October 2008
I booked a last minute deal with Sandy Balls Holiday Park for a caravan from Monday to Friday and this provided a good base to explore the New Forest.
First stop was Eyeworth Pond but with no sign of any Mandarin on the pond itself I turned my attention to the woodland birds that are very abundant and obliging around the car park these include Nuthatch, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Great Tit.
Another early morning visit afforded me very good views of a Roe Deer stag but it was too distant for photos.
The second location I concentrated on was Cadman Pool again here the car park is alive with
small birds and 3 Woodlark were the main highlight although these were very flighty, several late Swallows and Martins were also around.
Although Deer were supposed to be the main interest on this trip the best veiw was of a herd of around 50 Fallow Deer on Dead Mans Hill,three Sika Deer were also seen at High Corner Inn.
In hindsight I should have done a bit more homework as to locations and timing.
A great break none the less.
Minsmere 10th and 11th October 2008
I left home at 4.45am Friday and arrived at Westleton Heath at around 6.30am it was still dark but was clear of fog, I found a large group of Doe’s feeding in a field alongside the road
and managed a few shots but the light was very poor. I then spent the next 3 hours or so exploring the back roads and paths looking for any Stags close by but most were out of range.
I turned my attention to the Minsmere reserve but due to the time of year this was very quiet however there were many interesting Fungi on the reserve including Amethysts Deceiver and Fly Agaric. The evening proved just as frustrating regarding the Deer as most were just too distant but still a joy to watch and experience the atmosphere.
With an overnight stay in the White Horse pub (which I can highly recommend) I was up again before light, being Saturday the area was quite busy and again the Deer were mainly too distant with the exception of one Stag and a small group of Doe’s on Westleton Heath and my shots of these proved to be my best of the trip.
As the area was proving very quiet I decided to head home at lunchtime and stop off at Abberton Reservoir were to my surprise a Spoonbill, 2 Black Necked Grebe, 2 Marsh Harrier and the escapee pair of Red Breasted Geese were all showing well.
To top off the trip I was told of a Lesser Grey Shrike that was showing well at Rettengdon
and although I only managed record shots it was great to see.
Lackford Lakes 5th September 2009
Run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust Lackford Lakes are a series of former gravel pits.
With various hides and a small centre you can easily spend a day there.
However with Kingfishers in my sights I arrived at 7.00am and headed straight for Charlton-Webster Hide a small hide that looks out over a small reeded pond.
The sun rises in front of you here so the first couple of hours are not ideal for photography but allow plenty of time to get comfortable.
Unlike my previous visit on 28th August the action came thick and fast with at least one Kingfisher appearing every 20 minutes or so.
This time they seemed to favour the group of 3 upright sticks over the T-perch but would also sit in trees on the right for several minutes at a time.
As far as fishing went an adult male caught several insect larvae but no fish.
The action seemed to last until around 11.00am when their visits dried up somewhat.
I decided to visit Mayday Farm but the drinking pool had dried up so scarcely a bird was seen.
Dragonflies and Butterflies were plentiful and were someone had dumped a large amount of apples
over 40 individuals were either perched on the bracken or feeding on the rotting fruit.
In hindsight I think I should have stayed at Lackford in the hope that the activity picked up and the afternoon sun highlighted the subjects better but there is always another day.
Lee Valley 17th October 2009
Lee Valley Nature Photographers Group have placed several small hides around the Lee Valley area
they provide the opportunely to photograph common woodland birds at close range.
I arrived at dawn and set up a few choice perches, laid down some seed and acorns as bait and retreated to the hide.
Within minutes Great and Blue Tit’s, a pair of Robin’s and several Dunnocks were showing well but it took a while for the Jay’s to turn up.
My target for the day was a close up of a Jay with an acorn in its bill! The Jays’ were performing but refused to take the acorns from the nearest perch and once the resident Grey Squirrels found the supply I had to settle for a longer shot.
The Squirrels did provide some good portrait subjects to add to my collection though.
With all the avian activity it was only a matter of time before the local Sparrowhawk made an appearance and at about 11.00 am he did exactly that, he missed his Great Tit target and hit the ground, immediately took banked right and made an attempt to land on one of the perches but in a split second changed his mind and disappeared into the woods!
No points for guessing what my target will be on my next visit!
All in all a very enjoyable 9 hours.
