First blog ever

So, day one and starting local as most of these posts will be. I have been determined to photograph the great crested grebes on Goldsworth Park lake, close to where I live. The birds themselves have previously nested but don't seem to be this year with one bird spending much time hanging around a coots nest like some sort of superfan being the nearest thing to nesting activity that I have seen so far. All that means is that even on a small lake, they have been difficult to get close to so my best grebe so far is this one taken at Papercourt last month.







Continuing the grebe theme, decided to go to RHS Wisley, not a normal birding site for me by any means, having previously noted some confiding little grebes which naturally, weren't confiding today. What did turn out to be confiding were a pair of tufted ducks (they were definitely a pair, I have the photographic evidence but not for here!). Uncommon they are not, striking they very much are.

Wisley is a great place in some respects because some of the birds are sort of used to people. Murphys law being in full operation, I did of course choose a day of a big craft fair and the place was bulging with well to do RHS members as well as the ordinary folk (like me). Bit surprised none of these members questioned me as to why I was wandering around their patch with a 400mil lens, somewhat over the top for the plantlife I would think. Did manage a few photos of the local common birds and a few of these, plus the dunnock in my' header', are reproduced here.

 Not quite sure what the blackbird is thinking of doing to the tree but I do like putting the bird in its environment rather than full frame so actually quite pleased with this.



That bit of vegetation adds a little something to the photo perhaps?

Contemplating getting up tomorrow for the Surrey Bird Club dawn chorus.No doubt I will enjoy it, but a 4.30 a.m. start? Can I actually do it!