Warble, warble
I never realised that the inside of a Sedge Warbler’s mouth is so intensely red. What a glorious punch of colour in amongst the subtle warm colours of the reeds.
Greater Whitethroat
One of the most distinctive features of the Greater Whitethroat, or Common Whitethroat, or just Whitethroat, is, well, yes, its white throat, …
South of the Sahara to here
I’m in Oxfordshire, and a photograph of a Greater Whitethroat in deep pink cherry blossom is my aim. Especially if I can …
260,000 territories
There are 260,000 territories of Sedge Warblers in the UK. They manage to fly non-stop from sub-Saharan Africa to the exact spot …
Water droplets on a Great Crested Grebe
I love how waterproof all this Grebe’s preening has made its plumage. It has a headdress of raindrops.
Hobby talons
Hobby look like giant Swifts or tiny Kestrels as they cruise above Otmoor. There are five high on the thermals. A dragonfly …
Subbuteo
This Hobby, Falco subbuteo, has just arrived after migrating from Africa. It has caught a tiny fly in its talons and is …
Red Kite flying
The Red Kites over the garden here in Oxfordshire are a constant delight. The light hit this one and illuminated its name …
Incoming Whimbrel
At first I think there’s a Curlew flying into view. As I watch it approaching it looks smaller, more delicate, somehow. When …
Talons bared
The smaller male Marsh Harrier is chasing the larger female, which is calling loudly. The female turns upside-down in the air and …
Marsh Harrier courtship dance
The church of St Mary the Virgin in Charlton-on-Otmoor, features a tall tower that acts as a beacon in the landscape. In …
Eye contact with a Marsh Harrier
This looks like an adult female Marsh Harrier. With Marsh Harriers, however, you can never be quite sure. Some adult males have …
Blue Tits
Blue Tits in blossom are a constant delight at this time of year. They may appear decorative, but the trees hide a …
Marsh Harrier overhead
I love a close Marsh Harrier. Here at RSPB Otmoor they are busy, but distant, and a pleasant hour or so in …
The beauty of a Whimbrel
This light at RSPB Otmoor is wonderful. It’s improved by a beautiful Whimbrel flying past.
Huge Heron chicks
I’ve enjoyed going to RSPB Otmoor to see the Grey Herons in the past few years.
Bright light – harsh light
Bright light for bird photography is a wonderful thing. Harsh light is terrible. Deep shadows, blown highlights, and excessive contrast are all …
The Nettle-Creeper
Last year, when I was in Oxfordshire, chicken-sitting for my friends, a Greater Whitethroat was in the garden scratching its beautiful/ugly song …
Tinkling Goldfinch
I’m surrounded by Teasel. It’s the ideal perch for Goldfinches and I’m ready to take their photograph any time they decide to …
Dunnock
This Dunnock was singing beautifully on top of the bursting Hawthorn this morning. What a joy to be up early in glorious …
Red Kite clutching
The Red Kites over my friends’ garden here in Oxfordshire all appear to be clutching something. There’s usually a feather or a …
Song Thrush
I’ve just spent an hour trying to get a good photograph of a Song Thrush and failing miserably. It was deep in …
Red Kite, mobbed
I’m in the garden in Oxfordshire while on chicken-sitting duties for my friends My local Red Kite here has half of its …
Blue Tit in blossom
The planting in Foxburrow Wood in Oxfordshire is relatively new. It started in 2010 and ended in 2014. It’s 20 acres and …
Linnet / Ninnet
There’s a pair of birds twittering overhead. I can hear one say “Ninnet”. It must be a Linnet. Their song has far …
Buzzard over the garden
I’m currently chicken-sitting for my friends in Oxfordshire and enjoying an egg or two. Their enclosure is larger than my garden and …
Chicken-sitting
I’m currently back chicken-sitting for my friends in Oxfordshire. Last time I was here there were eleven chickens. This time there are …
The moment before it slapped me
There’s a younger Dalmatian Pelican on the prow of our small boat. I’m in prime position to photograph it. It’s beautiful light, …
Pelican comedy breakfast
The early light is hitting the mountains on the other side of Lake Kerkini and bathing them in a warm orange glow. …
Heron over the snow-capped mountains
There’s something enchanting about birds being able to project their own shadow onto themselves. Here’s a Black-Tailed Godwit with the shadow of …