Lakenheath Fen

Our first visit to this reserve in 2013.  The sun did not last and the wind was getting up by midday.  We saw two hobbies and a female whinchat (top) but the marsh harriers were the most active birds.

Paxton PIts

At the Pits for the first time this year; nightingales just in on time for Ann's RPS Nightingale Walk, and the first cuckoo we've heard this year.  Used the 400 DO with 1.4x TC and stopped-down one stop, so shutter speeds 1/1600th or 1/2000th, no stabilisation engaged. 

Meredith's First Birthday Party

Meredith loved walking (with human stabilisers!) and scattered cake all over Granny.  Sadie ran round and round the garden with Fraser and Isla.

Peter and Holly's Wedding

It was at least dry for the Register Office part of the wedding yesterday, but by the time we got to Emmanuel College, it was raining.  Bridesmaids Harriet (left) and Abigail (right and lower pic) took Sadie and Meredith under their wings and they had a great time.  I photographed Peter and Holly in the Fellows' Parlour.

Water Rail

The usually secretive rail popped out of the reeds at Slimbridge and crossed the pond.  Ann was only 25 yards away in another hide, but I did not dare to call her.  We found another rail later, but not so close.  

Raptors of the Gorge

Three of the peregrine (male only top pic) a sparrowhawk (middle) and a female kestrel.

Sadie's Hands

Sadie was watching her favourite DVD.  

Moorhen

It was so cold and windy yesterday at both Wicken and Fowlmere that walking was the best option for the birds.  Not that moorhens trouble air traffic much anyway.  (Taken at f/4 using Miles Whitworth's 500mm lens.)

Dusk and Dawn

A Hare at Barton yesterday evening and a Kingfisher at RSPB Rye Meads this morning.

(Canon 7D and 400mm + 1.4x TC)

Sadie at Chippenham Hall

Still very cold and it's the first day of April.  Sadie found the red, blue and yellow rabbits (in her right pocket) and earned an Easter egg.