September Bits & Bobs - 2013

As with last month, this is a post to mop up the bits that didn't feature in other posts. Many of the images are just record shots of birds that I was delighted to see.

On 5th September, whilst out owling with my pal Titus and exploring 'pastures new', we came across this Wheatear. Titus was driving and it was on his side of the car, and moved along the posts ahead of us. I got these images by hanging out of the car and shooting over the roof! Wheatears aren't too common in these parts and always warrant a 'sighting record', so I was pleased to get these shots.

Wheatear (female) - nr. Skeffington

Later that day, whilst sitting having our tea, I suddenly noticed distant birds on top of the barley in the field that we were parked beside. These turned out to be (at least) six Whinchat. That number is even more remarkable than the Wheatear sighting. We sat and watched them until it got too dark to see them, but they never came nearer than about 150 metres, so very much 'only record shots' were obtained. Four of these are just visible in the first image, and the second image shows a male

Whinchat - Burrough on the Hill

On 12th September, we visited Rutland Water. One of the first birds we saw was a Hobby, and a 'going away' record shot was obtained from the visitor centre. 

Hobby - Rutland Water, Egleton reserve

We then moved to Redshank hide and a Hobby flew past at close quarters. I got a frame-filler shot with the exposure and speed just right - but I'd totally messed up on focus!! It didn't come close again, but I did manage my best ever flight shot of one of these birds - although there's a heck of a lot of room for improvement!!

Hobby - Rutland Water, Egleton reserve

I even got a shot with one clutching a dragonfly - just about visible!

Hobby - Rutland Water, Egleton reserve

There were large numbers of Little Egret seen that day, this one from Sandpiper hide.

Little Egret - Rutland Water, Egleton reserve

On the way back to Redshank Hide a young Rabbit was by the path, ahead of us. I suspect that this might have been unwell (myxomatosis?) as it allowed us to approach closely. The first image (into the sun) is with the 150-500 lens. For the second I had to use the body with the 28-300 macro lens on! (I've been carrying two cameras of late!).

Rabbit - Rutland Water, Egleton reserve

I don't usually see many Snipe outside of winter, but this was was just distantly visible between the vegetation, when we got back to Redshank hide.

Snipe - Rutland Water, Egleton reserve

Things have been very quiet, birdwise, in the garden of late, although things seem to be building up again now. Even the Sparrowhawk has, to the best of my knowledge, stayed away most of the time. This was one of his rare visits - on 14th September.

Sparrowhawk (male) - our garden

Since she reared a brood earlier this year fed almost entirely (as far as we could make out) from fat balls from our garden, sightings of the female Great Spotted Woodpecker have been almost non-existent. However, we are now getting the odd visit, and I'm wondering if she is sitting on eggs for another, late brood as when she turns up (briefly), she is absolutely filthy. Here she is on 21st September.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (female) - our garden

That brings me to the end of September's Bits & Bobs. Time now to focus on the rest of October - weather permitting!! Thank you for dropping by.