Posts

Raptor Foundation Photography day, Sept 2025

Image
The Raptor Foundation near Huntingdon is a dedicated wildlife charity committed to rescuing, treating, and returning injured birds of prey to their natural habitats. It also provides lifelong sanctuary to those that can’t be released, supports breeding and conservation initiatives, and has educational programs.  There experience days, including the Photography events generates income that goes to support the treatment of injured birds. At least 70% are released back into the wild.  Income for the kept birds is generated by day visitors and their B&B cottages. They have quite an extensive range of birds available for photography sessions. Ashy faced Owl Ashy‑faced owls ( Tyto glaucops ) are native to Hispaniola and nearby Caribbean islands. Although their exact global population is not known it is estimated to be around 2,000 birds. It is considered “uncommon” but stable, and the species is classified as Least Concern. American Kestrel This small  falcon, found across ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Exmoor zoo, August 2035

Image
Exmoor Zoo is home to a diverse array of bird species, including rare and endangered birds, tropical parrots, and ground-dwelling foragers. Several species are part of international breeding programs aimed at their conservation.  In particular, the zoo runs a rewilding project featuring white storks. They also had a large group of Spoonbills. Black crowned Night Heron Grey crowned Crane Lesser Rhea Inca Tern Red billed Chough Southern bald Ibis Tawny Frogmouth Chestnut backed Thrush Hooded Vulture Black headed Weaver Black winged Red Bishop Grey headed Swamphen Grey capped Emerald Dove Pink backed Pelican MeerKat!
Post a Comment
Read more

Osprey CJ7 and White tailed Eagle G463, Friday 15th August 2025

Image
The 'mugging' of Osprey CJ7 over Poole Harbour by the resident male White-tailed Eagle G463 in pictures - as seen from the always excellent Birds of Poole Harbour Osprey Cruise.   The tide was low and CJ7 caught a fish close to where G463 was sitting on a small island, watching and waiting... He immediately launched himself into the air and went after CJ7, forcing her to drop the catch.  He tried to catch the fish when it was falling but failed.  However, he caught a bigger fish on his own immediately afterwards and CJ7 also caught another fish within a few minutes.  Poole Harbour is an amazingly bountiful environment, and it is a privilege to see these birds at such close quarters.   
Post a Comment
Read more

Purple Heron, Black Stork and White Stork, July 2025

Image
Purple Heron A juvenile bird was reported on the River Cam near Kingfisher Bridge NR.  This species is slightly smaller and slenderer than the grey heron, they have chestnut-brown plumage with dark streaks and a long, sinuous neck. These secretive birds prefer reedbeds and wetlands and are more often heard than seen. While traditionally passage migrants or occasional breeders, recent conservation efforts have seen small numbers attempting to nest in southern England. I had no expectations of actually finding the bird, especially as I seemed to be the only one looking. Amazingly I spotted the bird on the opposite bank after a short walk and the timing was perfect, as a passing boat flushed 60 seconds later.    The bird was lost to view but reported the following day in the Mere at Kingsfisher Bridge NR.   Black Stork A juvenile bird was reported repeatedly for about a week at Boyton Marsh, Suffolk. This species is typically found in continental Europe and Asia, ne...
Post a Comment
Read more