Migrant Osprey, RW, 31 3 09

A passing female suddenly appeared in front of the hide before climbing 2000ft and heading north. A male Pied Wagtail gave chase briefly.

First Rutland Osprey of 2009

Hunting Stoat, Rutland

A brief encounter with a hunting Stoat. The classic dull British light was an added bonus......

A few days in Extremadura, Spain, March 09

The summer visitors were just beginning to arrive whilst winter visitors such has Hen Harriers, Merlin and Golden Plovers were still present in small numbers on the steppe. Great and Little Bustards were still in winter flocks although a few individuals were beginning to display as were the Sandgrouse. The spring flowers increased day by day and by the time we left carpets of yellow, white and pink were appearing. A very special place. Click on photos for a slightly bigger image.

Lesser Kestrels

A few photos of the late afternoon activity at a colony of Lesser Kestrels. The birds feed over the surrounding steppe and farmland during the day before returning to their chosen roofs late afternoon/early evening to fight, display and pair bond.

Azure-winged Magpies

A major brawl broke out on the track between a small group of passing Magpies. A very common but often very shy bird and not easy to photograph out in the open. The brawl was over in a matter of seconds and the group moved on.