More Owls and Buntings

A few more photos of Snow Buntings and Short-eared Owls from last weekend's trip to Kinmel Bay in Wales. The sun shone for most of the day but it was quite windy. You can see the grains of sand being blown around in the Snow Bunting photos. The owls didn't show as well as in December, but I did manage one or two photos of these fabulous birds flying in the sunshine. The Great Northern Diver was still on the marine lake in Rhyl but was still too distant for any shots.

LBJ's

LBJ's, or little brown jobs, is birdwatching slang for those boring little birds that usually are brown or beige such as House Sparrows and don't warrant a second glance once they are on your list. But these birds deserve a closer look as they often have a subtle beauty that repays close scrutiny. I came across two such species on a recent trip to photograph the Snow Buntings at Kinmel bay again. I hope the following photos do justice to the often overlooked Linnet and Meadow Pipit.

Marathon Training

It is exactly 16 weeks until the London Marathon so now is the time to plan my training and start doing a few more miles each week. I never take my training seriously enough, but as long as I can run under 3 hours and 15 minutes in April I will be happy. The main aim of my training, apart from the obvious of being able to run 26 miles, is to try and stay free from injury and illness. Here's hoping!
Ran 12 miles along the coast this morning, torrential rain early on, but soon dried off in the strong wind!
Managed 7 minute/mile pace which was okay.
Started my British bird year list at the same time. I keep a list of all the birds I see in Britain during the year. I don't go chasing big totals but it's a nice record of what I've seen each year. Saw usual gulls and shorebirds on my run including some flocks of Redshank and Lapwing. Avian highlight of the day was a good view of a Short-eared Owl flushing a Snipe on Burton Marsh.

Redshank (photographed in Southport a few years ago)

Happy New Year

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and wildlife-filled New Year.

Reflecting back on 2011 there were so many highlights, here are just a few.

This was one of a number of Bottlenosed Dolphins that I saw in New Quay,

Wales in the summer. Sitting on the harbour wall watching them throw fish

 around was simply stunning.

This superb male Citrine Wagtail was in Norfolk for just a day in April. I

just happend to be staying a few miles away when this bird was found. It's

only the second one I've ever seen but the first one I've photographed.

This is the awesome Crib Goch ridge in Snowdonia.

I only walked to the summit of Snowdon for the first

time this year. I returned in September to walk the

classic Snowdon Horseshoe. What a beautiful place.

Not the most exciting photo in the world, but hey, it's a Blue Whale, the

largest animal ever to have existed! This was the overwhelming

highlight of a ferry trip across the Bay of Biscay in August. I'm still buzzing now!

Leighton Moss

A few more photos from my trip to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve. The main purpose was to see the Glossy Ibis (see older post), but there are always great birds to see at this magical reserve. Below are a few photos of Eurasian Teal a fabulous little duck and also a drake Goldeneye.

North Wales Afternoon

A short trip to North Wales for an afternoon's birding. Found the Great Northern Diver on the marina in Rhyl but it was too distant for photography. Got a few shots of the Snow Buntings at Kinmel Bay but the light was already fading. Finished off with cracking views of Short-eared Owls nearby.

Glossy Ibis

Two record shots of the first winter Glossy Ibis at Leighton Moss, taken on 17th December. A distant bird in with a horrible fence in the background. Had to give it a try though. Rare birds are often difficult subjects.

Ran hills early this morning, and an easy run with my running partner this afternoon, still very warm for the time of year.

Christmas Run

A very merry Christmas to everyone.
Managed to get out for an early 10 mile run along the North Wirral coast. Very windy but mild for the time of year. Managed an overall pace of 6.55 minutes per mile.
Saw some nice flocks of lapwing and oystercatcher on the incoming tide.

First Post

Season's Greetings on this Christmas Eve.
Thought I'd start my blog with a festive snowy photo of a walk I did in Snowdon on 10th December.