Sunday 10 November 2013

Pied Wheatear in Nottinghamshire


News appeared on Birdguides late last night of a reported Pied Wheatear at a gravel pit complex fairly close to Newark in Nottinghamshire. I was tempted to go in the morning, but couldn't find any information on the site or the bird, so I decided to wait. The bird was reported first thing this morning and I was able to find some information regarding site access/details etc and after a quick phone call with Chris, decided to go and 'bag' this lifer.

On arrival, the country lane was surrounded by cars parked on the muddy verges, but a space was found and the walk was started to the birds' reported site. We didn't have long to wait before the bird made its' appearance, constantly flying and darting about, obviously feeding on the insects present in the autumn sunshine. It came fairly close, very good for scope views, but the lens on the new camera is that bit short to get overly close! Still, the above shot serves as a record shot (I seem to be saying that a lot lately!), if nothing else, revealing the tail features that mark this bird apart from the similar Black-eared Wheatear. This bird represents the 69th individual of this species to be recorded in Britain and another tick in my book.

14 comments:

  1. Great and stunning lifer for you John.

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    1. Thanks Bob!
      I think it was worth the effort!
      J

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  2. Hi John,

    Been ages since I visited your interesting site. Both for the written words and the photographs. And with some effort that requires quite the patience, another tick in your book.

    Good sir, I hope you had a peaceful weekend.

    Gary

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    1. Hi Gary,
      That's absolutely outrageous, you should be glued to this blog! ;)
      A peaceful weekend is one way to look at it, working Saturday and Twitching on Sunday! :)
      J

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  3. Your photo is about as close as I'm likely to get to that beauty, so many thanks.

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    1. Thanks John,
      I wish it could have been a better photo for you.
      J

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  4. Nice bird John and good find for whoever found it.

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    1. Thanks Alan,
      We met the 'finder' when we were there. A dedicated patch watcher whose perseverance has paid off!
      J

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  5. Well done John, another tick and a good one. The photo is a secondary consideration at any time really. I have come to realise that if I am going to get a quality shot then I will be lucky that day and it was meant to happen, otherwise its a record shot. You can have the best 600mm Canon lens (if you can carry it) and if the bird isn't close enough then it isn't.

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    1. Thanks Roy,
      I do, of course agree with you. Luck is a major part of my photographs and I don't think that I could justify the outlay for a 600mm lens, let alone afford one!
      J

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  6. Sometimes I think you are starting to make these names up.
    Maybe you photo-shopped that image from five other birds?
    No, perhaps not. Congratulations anyway!
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. I'm not making them up, honest Bazza! Thanks on the congrats.
      J

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