Wildlife Photography across the Water: Two firsts today in Stratford

Friday 24 December 2010

Two firsts today in Stratford

The first first was a this years first. We had the first Brambling of all of this year in the garden today - a female popped in with the many Chaffinches to take some of the large amount of seed that is out in the garden. It was great to see one of these back with us. The first time in three years.

The second first was an all time first for me here in Stratford. Walking back over the bridge in town half an hour ago, I saw two female Goosanders on the river. Their distinctive sawbills with the little downturn hook on them showing very well. To think I had to fly out to Switzerland three years ago to photograph these with Dave too.

One of them came up with a fish and promptly got hassled by a dozen screaming Black Headed Gulls, but it managed to swallow its prey and avoid the mugging.

As I have said on a couple of previous blogs, the extreme weather throws up some interesting wildlife anomalies. Let us know what you are seeing in your area that is different from the norm.

A Christmas message from me will be posted tomorrow.

Cheers
Martin

1 comment:

Julian26 December 2010 at 20:00
Strangely coincidental but we spotted a single Brambling among the chaffinches we see here in s Wales. Numbers and spread of species are similar to Feb'10 but fewer (4 v 8) Songies, and yet to see LTT's, Wren & Goldcrest. Plusses are single Goldfinch visiting sunflower heart feeder, pair of Reed Buntings and male Bullfinch with two females - lucky chap!
Seasons Greetings to you & Dave.
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Bio's

David Courtenay, a self taught wildlife and nature photographer, has been capturing images for over 30 years. He has had a passion for wildlife since early childhood and remembers being glued to the television whenever Survival, Wildlife on One and other natural history documentaries were shown. In the 2006 he swapped his established career for the life of a wildlife photographer, such a move demands a measure of uncompromising passion and commitment.

David has travelled extensively throughout Europe as well as spending more than 7 months in India working with local guides and trackers in search of Bengal Tiger, Asian One horned Rhino and Asian Elephant. He has also photographed Wildlife in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra, Africa, Canada and America. Working closely with Conservation companies he tries to raise funds to help Wildlife that has been put on the endangered list by poaching and habitation loss

Martin Dyer has had a passion for avian wildlife since childhood, particularly raptors. Photography was also another keen interest and it was with the specific availability and control of the whole process that digital offers that Martin was then able to combine the two in 2003. Based in the UK, Martin is a regular visitor to Scotland, specifically the Isle of Mull to watch the Eagles resident there. Other trips to Europe and around the UK are usually part of Martin’s agenda in a typical year.

However, as a firm believer on making the most of the local patch, Martin has spent a lot of time and hard work creating a wildlife garden which is reaping the rewards with many new species and varieties of wildlife. A keen member of a number of wildlife photographic groups, Martin is keen to expand his portfolio into other areas of wildlife, and has already established a wide portfolio of images of fungi.