Some recent images in Cornwall

Below are some images taken over the last month around the county.  There's been some gaps in the blog posts recently, mainly because of being busy at work and some family things which take up time.  Plus it's dark in the mornings and evenings so sadly my hobby has taken a back seat!  Anyway, these shots below are a round-up of what activity there has been:

Whooper Swan at Helston boating lake - Jan 2013 - calling continuously

 

 

 

Golden Plover at Colliford, part of a flock of 50 feeding in the fields by Dozmary Pool.

 

 

Firecrest at Helston Sewerage Works. A Siberian Chiffchaff was also present but I couldn't get the right shot. Try again some sometime!

 

Black-necked Grebe at Newlyn Jan 2013. One of my favourite images of this long-stayer in the harbour.

 

Chiffchaff at Swanvale - quite a pale bird but the buff flanks rule out Siberian.



Male Black Redstart at Portscatho harbour - this individual has been wintering here.

Black-necked Grebes at Drift Reservoir

Having missed the Black-necked Grebe at Stithians today, these two were a very nice consolation at Drift.  They were always distant in the top corner of the northern arm of the res. 

Drift Black-neck

The Black-necked Grebe has been present at Drift Reservoir for the last month and seems content to spend its' winter in the west arm of the dam, often allowing close approach.  This bird seemed more curious than shy at a cosy ten yards distance and allowed some relaxed photography.

Black-necks are regular winter visitors to Cornwall with the preferred wintering population location being Carrick Roads.  Flocks of 50 plus have been recorded here in the past, but this year no more than a couple handfuls.  The River Fal complex is indeed an important UK site and holds one the more dense wintering populations.  In recent years, the Newlyn area has attracted a couple individuals and it's conceivable that this Drift bird may be one of those returning to the area.  Elsewhere in Cornwall, Black-necked Grebe is fairly scarce.

These shots were taken with the 300mm F/2.8 and 1.4x Teleconverter, tripod mounted.  Aperture F/5.6.  Shutter 1/1600s.  Exposure: Centre weighted +0.3EV. White Balance cloudy. ISO250. Focal length 420mm.