And again today . . . 

Siskins at the Suffolk Feeding Station . . . . 

Waxwing Wednesday - 25th Feb

There were still 20+ Waxwings in Rendlesham today. Yesterday morning numbers reached a notable 50+. Also of note - we managed to catch & ring another 10 Waxwing in Rendlesham yesterday, taking our 2009 total to 21! We actually caught 12 birds, but 2 were already ringed. One had been ringed by us in Rendlesham and the other by us in Kesgrave in January. . . . 

More Suffolk Waxwings - in Sunshine . . . 

Sunday Sortie . . . 

A quick visit to Rendlesham for the Waxwings was unsuccessful as they were not present this afternoon. Drove about local rural Suffolk lanes looking for photographic potential and ended up a Shingle Street where I saw a Little Egret, 4 Stonechat and 1 Barn Owl before dusk. As I drove back into Woodbridge  at around 4pm I spotted a flock of 25 Waxwings at the roadside at the Melton/Wilford Bridge road junction. I managed a couple of grab shots from the car before the lights changed. Later I saw 40+ Waxwings high up being spooked by a Sparrowhawk over Woodbridge. Still not on the garden list though! 

At the feeding station . . .

A few Suffolk garden bird shots taken this morning before the darkness and rain set in again and the temperature plummeted!  A Tawny Owl was very vocal around 13.00, a female Blackcap which has been present in our Woodbridge garden for several days now continues to eat apples and attack any other birds who try to feed and a Peregrine flew over my car and headed off down the river at Melton.

British Birds Cover - February 2009 . . .

One of my recent images of a Purple Sandpiper, taken on Fair Isle during Autumn 2008, has been chosen as the cover shot for the February issue of British Birds 2009. I was delighted to have another BB front cover image and for the proceeds to be donated straight to the Fair Isle Bird Observatory 'New Obs Appeal'

www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk

FAIR ISLE BIRD OBSERVATORY APPEAL 

CONTINUES . . . . 

It is still hoped that a new & exciting Bird Observatory & Guesthouse will be built during 2009 on Fair Isle to replace the old one. This much needed building will be a comfortable, eco-friendly & better place  to stay for birders and researchers alike & will be enjoyed for generations to come. Thank you to all who have donated so far, if  you have not done so yet please do help make this a success story by donating whatever you can to the Observatory Appeal via the official website: www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk or via Hollie & Deryk at the Obs. The website also gives the latest appeal updates and news.  I would also like to thank over 100 people who turned out to see my slideshow & talk on 'A Fair Isle Season' at the Cambridge Bird Club in November, a superb turn out! All funds raised were donated to the appeal and were much appreciated . . .

Melton Moments . . . .

It was a rare treat to have such a heavy dose of snow today in Suffolk & I enjoyed spending time in Melton photographing Gulls and Lapwing in the blizzard conditions. . . .

'Islands' by R.J.Berry

Collins 'New Naturalist' Title Out Now!

I was delighted to be a contributing photographer for the superb Collins 'New Naturalist ' title 'Islands' by R.J.Berry which has just been published.

'The genetic isolation of Islands often leads to the development of unique elements in the flora, fauna and wildlife. In is fourth 'New Naturalist' volume, Professor R.J.Berry takes a broad look at the Islands that lie off the shore of Britain and Ireland, exploring their biology, geography, geology and climate, and examining changes that have occurred in the past and how these become relevant for future developments.'

'Laced throughout with Professor Berry's expertise and enthusiasm, this all-encompassing, engrossing volume is a lyrical journey and engaging exploration of the islands that shape our imagination and our awareness' . . . .