Monday 22 February 2010

Curlew

Curlew (female)
Curlew (male)
Heard amazing reports of the wildlife in the South Holderness area yesterday: Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, 40+ Yellowhammers, 50+ Roe Deer etc. I didn't fancy getting bone-chillingly cold on a rare day off, so went to see if I could photograph anything interesting from the car. I didn't see any exciting raptors, but the Yellowhammers were there, though flighty, and the deer were around, but distant. There were nearly 100 Wigeon in Fisherman's Channel, but again too far for decent pics. The only birds close enough for photography were the above Curlews. Not the most dynamic subject, but pleased to get close to these quite wary birds, and also to point out the differences between the genders. There was also one Lapwing right by the side of the road, but a cyclist was approaching, so there was no point getting ready to snap, as she was bound to spook the bird.

2 comments:

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Nice pictures Michael. I think they are intriguing birds and if you imagine the sound they make when you are viewing the pictures they are magical.

Michael Flowers said...

Thanks Mike. You can get close to them in the car around Stone Creek. Just wish the Male Hen Harrier had put in an appearance - maybe tomorrow!